The Modern Scholar: World of George Orwell

By: Professor Michael Shelden

Narrated by: Michael Shelden

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Big Brother Is Watching You: The words are inextricably associated with the classic dystopian novel 1984 and with its revered author, George Orwell. The Modern Scholar series continues its exploration of great authors with this course from esteemed professor Michael Shelden. In these lectures, Orwell, who also penned the epitome of the political satire, Animal Farm, is discussed in full, from his childhood in Henley-on-Thames to his final days.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Michael Shelden (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Excellent George Orwell biography

If you could sum up The Modern Scholar: World of George Orwell in three words, what would they be?

Unputdownable intelligent accessible

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's a George Orwell biography

Which character – as performed by the narrator – was your favorite?

See above

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes I absolutely loved it, what a lovingly crafted biography. Definitely brought a tear to my eye, mostly tears of admiration, for both Orwell and this biographer. Shelden cares passionately about his subject matter and it shines through in his crystal clear approach and narration. Thank you Mr.Shelden for creating such a rich and emphatic portrait.

Any additional comments?

The man and his work, more relevant than ever today and carefully observed and discussed in The Modern Scholar: World of George Orwell. An excellent and worthwhile listen whether you are new to Orwell or not. What a man, he packed a lot in to his too short life and left the world with two classics of anti-totalitarian literature Animal Farm and 1984. Anyone interested in ideas of humanity, society, freedom and power should listen/read Orwell's work and this biography.You will not regret downloading this warm and enlightening audiobook. Highly HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Real Orwell

This was an excellent listen. If you like Orwell or you don't, this is an amazing lecture. I have found The Modern Scholar series to be not only educational but thoroughly enjoyable. As my pocketbook allows I will be looking for more in the series and certainly would be interested in anything Michael Sheldon does.

Inspired me

Read more orwell due to understanding him more and found jewels. Ended up purchasing hardbacks.

Well written but halting narration

Learned much about Eric Blair's life that I did not know. I found the frequent pauses in the narration annoying, but got around this problem by listening at 1.25x.

Great story, Great Lecturer, can overook delivery

I found these lectures among the best of the six modern scholar lectures I have listened to. I find Orwells writing outstanding and captivating. I found myself downloading all of Orwell's books and essay's on audible because of these lectures. The lecturer has a genuine deep interest in the subject matter which makes the lectures all the more engaging.

My only small complaint, although I eventually got used to it, was Michael Scehldon's delivery. At times I thought. I was. Listening. To. William Shatner. Delivering his lines. In Star Trek.

A life of perseverance and courage

To know the man behind the words and to know the influences that make the backdrop of any literature that much more rich - that is the case with this audiobook. Michael Shelden does wonderful justice to the life and writings of George Orwell. A life that spans many geopolitical shifts in our history is given breadth and depth in this audiobook. I will listen to it again ..... and again ....

Orwell is even more timely today.

I liked the slower cadence of the professor's speech. You don't have to work so hard to keep up. Orwell is unfortunately even more timely today, and is worth getting to know.

Story of an intellectual contrarian

When people mention Orwell, they usually refer to either 1984 or Animal Farm. But these lectures offer a more profound understanding of Orwell's literary career than an analysis of the message and prototypes behind two of his most famous works.
Michael Shelden is the authorized biographer of George Orwell, and he manages to carry the reader away. The lectures inspired me to read Orwell's books and essays and get to know his ideas better. Learning those facts about Orwell made me fall in love with his genius. Thank you, Mr. Shelden!

The fascinating life of George Orwell

It was great hearing the life behind the greatest, most influential novels. It is an informative and easy listen.

Very little about 1984

If you are having a 8 hour lecture on Orwell and don’t go into 1984 until the last 1/2 hour you are not making a lecture for the average reader