writing - visual - misc - huh?
hitchens, writing with his usual clarity and style, puts orwell detractors on pointed sticks, carries them around a bit, and then reminds us why orwell is still an important figure to turn to.
why orwell matters is engaging and entertaining. the orwell presented within is a figure dedicated to fighting for his causes and then telling us about it.
the book does, however, address some of the standard attacks on orwell (his views on homosexuality, for one). i don't think hitchens is an orwell apologist on these types of issues, but places orwell's ideas in a context so we can better assess them.
with chapter headings like 'orwell and the left', 'orwell and the right', 'orwell and america', and 'orwell and the feminists' (to name a few), you know that hitchens is trying to cover all the ground. he succeeds in my mind, and with enough detail to leave you pleased with his arguments.
it would be great if people returned to classics like down and out in paris and london or the road to catalonia. these represent the orwell i am most familiar with - a strong voice of the left with a critical eye and pen. if you haven't read these books, do. if you've read these books years ago why orwell matters may prompt you to go back and remind yourself why orwell still matters.
{January 28, 2004 08:05 PM}