Bernard Crick's book is a triumph of the first order. It is an absorbing, scrupulous, original record... -- Michael Foot * New Standard *
It is hardly worth using up space to declare just how good it is. Different readers will come away from its seventeen pungent and packed chapters with diverse memories of its excellence. -- Peter Sedgwick * Guardian *
No one interested in its great subject, or indeed the social, political and cultural fate of this country from 1903 to 1950 and beyond, will fail to enjoy most of it very much indeed. -- Michael Ratcliffe * The Times *
He has built up a personality - seen, yes, resolutely from 'outside', but still close up - which other, more interpretative or internal, methods could not give so convincingly. -- Richard Hoggart * Listener *
In its thoroughness, and its mastery of a considerable volume of material, this is the definitive biography of Orwell. -- Julian Symons * Sunday Times *
Crick's analytical mind, combined with his mastery of the historical background and context, make him the ideal guide... -- Arthur Koestler * Observer *
One finishes the book thinking more highly of him, not less, as with so many contemporary biographies. The overall picture strikes me as being remarkably true. -- Anthony Powell * Daily Telegraph *
