George Orwell's 1984 is one of the most influential novels of the 20th century: a work of biting political satire, echoing the tumultuous years after World War II. In his previous work, Animal Farm [1945], Orwell had examined the mechanisms of Stalinism through an allegory of animals revolting against their human owner. In 1984 [1949], he extends the view into the future: The country of Oceania has implemented a society of control, hostile to freedom and humanity at all levels, especially in and as language. Constant surveillance prevails - »Big Brother Is Watching you« - and any deviation is ruthlessly punished. Few works of literature have had an impact equalling 1984 . Orwell s uncanny ability to predict societal trends makes it as relevant today as when it was first published. GEORGE ORWELL was born in India in 1903, and died in London in 1950. As a journalist, critic, and author, he was a keen observer of his time and its political conditions and consequences.