Orwellian

A Good Word for the Vicar of Bray

Join us as we discuss the 1946 essay "A Good Word for the Vicar of Bray". George Orwell loved the natural world, but did he invent carbon-offsetting? Was he a closet Buddhist? Does this essay tell us anything about "Cancel Culture"? Listen and make up your own mind.

Funny, But not Vulgar

Join us as we discuss the Orwellian theory of humour. Is each joke really a tiny revolution? Does humour have the power to change society and lay low the mighty? Should we be punching up, or in all directions? Listen in to find out.

George Orwell's review of Mein Kampf

Join us as we take a look at an extraordinary essay in which the greatest anti-totalitarian of all time analyses the writing of the worst totalitarian of all time. Along the way we consider the origins of the Second World War, the nature of dictatorship, the state of affairs when the essay was published (21st March 1940) and George Orwell's uncanny prescience. Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

Rudyard Kipling

Join us as we discuss the world's most famous Anglo-Indian writer's opinion of the world's other most famous Anglo-Indian writer. Can anti-imperialists appreciate literature produced by arch-imperialists? Does Kipling speak only for the powerful? What is "good bad" writing? Listen in to find out!

As We Please 1

Join us for something completely different. In imitation of Orwell's deeply personal As I Please column for the Tribune, we talk about whatever we like. It's not just a ramble, though - expect commentary on Orwell's vices and his possible Me Too moment. We also hear of how your hosts came to Orwell's writing in the first place, public (that is to say, private) schools, class and more.   

Just Junk - But Who Could Resist It?

Your hosts talk junk - what's new? We discuss Orwell's love of second hand shops and there's a surprising amount of controversy. Is this essay nothing but a middle-class intellectual taking pleasure in slumming it? Are junk shops the humane face of capitalism? Where did all of these ostrich eggs come from?!

Marrakech

Come with us (courtesy of George Orwell) to the Marrakech of 1939! Hear of his encounters with the Islamic and Jewish communities, of his view of European imperialism and what he saw (presciently) as its inevitable end. Plus we talk a bit about travel writing, travel TV and White Savior Complex.

As I Please 45

Listen in as we shake things up and look at one of the short essays from Orwell's regular column in the Tribune. This one's all about that iconic symbol of imperialism, the pith helmet. Was Orwell a pre-post-colonialist? We're not taking the pith!

Common Lodging Houses

Listen in as we discuss our earliest Orwellian essay to date - so early that George Orwell didn't even exist when it was published! Hear about some of the experiences that inspired Orwell's book "Down and Out in Paris and London". You might also pick up on how one of your hosts has a chip on his shoulder because of his state-school education - can you guess which one? 

Some Thoughts on the Common Toad

We discuss Orwell's famous essay 'Some Thoughts on the Common Toad'. What can this humble creature teach us about living through times of crisis? Listen to find out!