before Orwell goes off into a non-metaphorical political rant-off, this book is amazing. It really paints the picture of war-time England well and considering that it was written in 1946 its understandable that Orwell would feel such discontent.
"Since about 1930 everyone describable as an ‘intellectual’ has lived in a state of chronic discontent with the existing order." - Orwell
The final bit where Orwell discusses the problems with political prose and finds the English language to be failing like a drunkard is very important and frightening that even 60 years ago he felt that way.
a set of rules “one can rely on when instinct fails”:
i. Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
ii. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
iii. IF it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
iv. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
v. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
vi. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous. ( )

Absolutely fabulous read, especially the Lions and Unicorns essay written as England was getting into war. The book is subtitled "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to an appearance of solidity to pure wind." Take that, combine it with Orwell's six rules for writers and you have a masterpiece! ( )

It's hard to give oneself a reason to write nowadays, but I find Orwell's answers to be highly praticable today. ( )

Whether puncturing the lies of politicians, wittily dissecting the English character or telling unpalatable truths about war, Orwell's timeless, uncompromising essays are more relevant, entertaining and essential than ever in today's era of spin.