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  • Published: 11 August 2003
  • ISBN: 9780141912288
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

Shooting an Elephant




A landmark collection of Orwell's writings, with a new Introduction by Jeremy Paxman

'Shooting an Elephant' is Orwell's searing and painfully honest account of his experience as a police officer in imperial Burma; killing an escaped elephant in front of a crowd 'solely to avoid looking a fool'. The other masterly essays in this collection include classics such as 'My Country Right or Left', 'How the Poor Die' and 'Such, Such were the Joys', his memoir of the horrors of public school, as well as discussions of Shakespeare, sleeping rough, boys' weeklies and a spirited defence of English cooking. Opinionated, uncompromising, provocative and hugely entertaining, all show Orwell's unique ability to get to the heart of any subject.

  • Published: 11 August 2003
  • ISBN: 9780141912288
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

About the author

George Orwell

George Orwell (1903–1950) is one of England's most famous writers and social commentators. He is the author of the classic political satire Animal Farm and the dystopian masterpiece Nineteen Eighty-Four. He is also well known for his essays and journalism, particularly his works covering his travels and his time fighting in the Spanish Civil War. His writing is celebrated for its piercing clarity, purpose and wit and his books continue to be bestsellers all over the world.

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