1948: A Critical and Creative Prequel to Orwell's 1984

George Orwell is a widely read and influential serious writer of the twentieth century, and this book explores his post-war cultural moment c. 1948. It combines critical discussion with creative intervention, offering a resource for readers to interrogate his sexism, anti-Semitism, tensions between strands of thought, and affection for the natural world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: University of Exeter Press

George Orwell, widely regarded as the most influential and widely read serious writer of the 20th century, continues to hold relevance in our contemporary era characterized by the complexities of contested media. His enduring appeal to a vast readership is a testament to his enduring legacy.

This book delves into Orwell's post-war cultural moment, specifically focusing on the years around 1948. Drawing inspiration from his personal Diaries during that period, as well as his renowned final novel, 1984 (published in 1949), Brian May explores the gaps, equivocations, and contradictions in Orwell's message. By treating these texts as contiguous, May offers a fresh perspective on Orwell's work, challenging readers to reevaluate his ideas and consider what he might have written next.

However, 1948 is more than just a work of literary criticism. It combines critical discussion with creative intervention, seamlessly blending literary-critical commentary with a fictional departure. This departure manifests as a novella titled "From the Archives of Oceania," which quotes, parodies, and pastiches Orwell's Diaries. This novella serves as a possible prequel, offering a unique lens through which readers can interrogate challenging issues such as Orwell's sexism and anti-Semitism. It also explores the complex tensions between various intertwining strands of thought that portray Orwell as both a realist and an idealist, a Puritan and an individualist. Furthermore, 1948 sheds light on Orwell's peculiar affection for the natural world, providing valuable insights into his worldview.

This book appeals to a wide range of readers and critics of Orwell, as well as students of dystopian fiction, revisionary fiction, and reception study. By highlighting the audiences' contribution to an artwork's meaning, 1948 encourages a deeper understanding of Orwell's legacy and his enduring influence on contemporary culture.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804131299