Happy Birthday, Big Brother! Orwell’s ‘1984’ Turns 60

The World

Sixty years ago, George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984 was published and imagery like Big Brother, Room 101, and the “thought police” entered the vernacular. It’s a book that has resonated with the public, playing off the fear of government surveillance and encroachment on individual rights. Orwell’s pessimistic vision didn’t come to pass by 1984, but we turn to BBC arts correspondent Lawrence Pollard to discuss how the book is relevant today.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.