'[A] lucid, engaging study.... Beers reaches a satisfying synthesis, writing that Orwell illuminates how "to resist the temptations of totalitarianism in favour of a more open and democratic socialism."' --
The New Yorker'A succinct, wide-ranging work of what might be called applied literary exegesis, concluding with a reminder to those on the political left that they can only achieve their aims "through common endeavour" with others.' --
Harvard Magazine'Full of fascinating historical detail and keen insights into contemporary politics, this is a gripping, insightful guide to Orwell's significance in the twenty-first century.' --
Sandra Newman, author of Julia
'Essential reading for anyone who wants to know why Orwell is the ideal guide to our own age of upheaval.' -- Jason Cowley, Editor-in-Chief, the New Statesman
'Rescues Orwell from "two-dimensional caricature" to present one of our greatest novelists and essayists, warts and all. Beers reveals how Orwell's politics, shaped by the tragedies of the first half of the twentieth century, can help to understand our own age of insecurity. An essential read.' -- Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
'With all and sundry taking Orwell's name in vain these days, it is timely to have a reminder of who he was and what he believed in, and also how his body of work can help us understand the world we live in now. Just the insight into his writings, beyond the obvious and best-known titles, makes Orwell's Ghosts well worth reading.'
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Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland'Beers convincingly uses Orwell's work to address current events ... Her careful reflections on Orwell's thought are of value for those familiar with his work and those who only know him from two of his books. A determined attempt to rescue Orwell from the clutches of right-wing pundits and others who misconstrue his messages.' --
Kirkus Reviews'A noteworthy addition to the field... [and] an effective intellectual springboard for engaging with the zeitgeist.'
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Hindustan Times'An interesting, challenging and enlightening book.'
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Daily Kos'A refreshing challenge to half-remembered, lazy assumptions about Orwell's ideas, pinpointing what he actually meant and why it matters. Rooted in the history essential for truly understanding Orwell, this book helps us think again about why we should read him today.' --
Charlotte Lydia Riley, author of Imperial Island: A History of Empire in Modern Britain"Orwellian' is one of the most misused adjectives in the lexicon. In this fascinating and timely study, Laura Beers teases out the real meaning of the word and its implications for the social and political arrangements of the twenty-first century.' --
D. J. Taylor, author of Orwell: The New Life'Beyond Orwell's relevance to our terrifying present of post-truth politics and the shadow of tyranny, Beers shows how his often-forgotten socialist politics ought to matter to his legacy-and how the antiracism and feminism of our present demonstrate Orwell's limitations. Her wonderful book suggests that the relation between past and present is anything but simple.' --
Samuel Moyn, Chancellor Kent Professor of Law and History, Yale University, and author of Liberalism Against Itself'A perfectly timed and desperately needed book.' --
Tristan Snell, author of Taking Down Trump'A brilliantly insightful study of George Orwell. All those interested in Orwell and our world today should read this book.' --
Peter Stansky, author of The Unknown Orwell'Laura Beers's reassessment of George Orwell's legacy seamlessly weaves past and present to offer insightful lessons and cautions for our own time.' --
Allan J. Lichtman, author of Repeal the Second Amendment
