To Orwell Today,

Here's a new article:

The masterpiece that killed George Orwell, Guardian/Observer, May 10, 2009 (In 1946 Observer editor David Astor lent George Orwell a remote Scottish farmhouse in which to write his new book, Nineteen Eighty-Four. It became one of the most significant novels of the 20th century. Here, Robert McCrum tells the compelling story of Orwell's torturous stay on the island where the author, close to death and beset by creative demons, was engaged in a feverish race to finish the book....)

Thanks for your efforts. It's a valuable site I discovered only yesterday. Much to explore.

-Keith Detloff

Greetings Keith,

Doubleplusthanks for sending that excellent article describing Orwell's life and death struggle on Jura writing "1984". It was a beautiful way to start what happens to be Mother's Day here in Canada - reading it while drinking real coffee - with real sugar and real cream - in a room that doesn't have a telescreen (something Winston Smith loved to do too).

I've actually been to Barnhill on Jura myself - to that very room where Orwell lay in bed smoking black shag cigarettes and typing that masterpiece that killed him. I even have a copy of that masterpiece in his own handwriting and typed on a typewriter of the same model I inherited from my grandfather. Also, I've been to the hospital where Orwell died and to the grave where he is buried.

HOMAGE TO ORWELL & PILGRIMAGE TO ORWELL & ORWELL'S MANUSCRIPT OF 1984 & ORWELL'S TYPEWRITER MY GRANDFATHER'S & STAYING IN ROOM 101

These experiences are, to me, spiritual connections to Orwell.

Orwell - in the definitive obituary - was described as "the first saint of our time" and no doubt his ghost (as captured in the photo above at Eton College) is still here with us. See LOOKING FOR ORWELL AT ETON & ORWELL'S PERSONA & ORWELL THE PASSING TRAVELLER

It's great to have you as a reader and I hope you have many happy hours exploring ORWELL TODAY.

All the best,
Jackie Jura

WHY ORWELL WROTE

To Orwell Today,

That's good. I have other interests but Orwell & others showed how law enforcement is first wave against dissent so I put a little effort there....CAMERAS CAUGHT COPS PROVOCATEURING

-Keith