3 Review(s)

Here, for the first time in one volume, are George Orwell's complete writings on the Spanish Civil War, an experience which had a profound effect on his life and work. Homage to Catalonia, his passionate memoir of fighting in the war, captures the revolutionary fervour and high hopes of joining up in Barcelona, the fear and chaos of the front, and the bullet wound and bitter betrayal that nearly cost him his life. The powerful journalism, essays, letters and pamphlets also collected here show his resolution to tell the truth about the war amid a 'crop of lies' from both the Communist Party and the British press. In 'Looking Back on the Spanish War' he recalls his desperate disillusionment, but also remembers the heroism and decency of the ordinary people he encountered.