D. J. Taylor (1) (1960–)

As good a "biography" of Orwell's 1984 as we're ever likely to get, covering ably and well its influences, background, and afterlife, as well as the context of Orwell's life and health issues he was dealing with while writing the novel. Very readable and interesting.

recommended by AP English listserv

A detailed and rewarding biography of an author who I first read as early as my high chool days. Growing up in the 1950's and 60's I thought of 1984 as a futuristic novel as much as a parable of the ominous results of contemporary totalitarian dictatorships. Now, in the twenty-first century I realize the importance of Orwell as one of the best writers of the twentieth century and have enjoyed his brilliant essays and other works of fiction. This biography provides context for that experience.

Descriptive, rather than analytic. Seems unable to come up with a better reason for caring about the BYP than the fact that they were famous for being well known. Many interesting passages and ideas for further reading but I think the services of a good editor could have helped produce a more focused book—-by vastly reducing the extracts from Arthur Ponsonby’s diary, for example—-and given us more than an extended magazine article or Wikipedia entry.