George Orwell's best-known novels,Animal Farm, describing a revolution that goes horribly wrong, andNineteen Eighty-Four, portraying a world where human freedom has been crushed, are two of the most famous, well-quoted and influential political satires ever written. The other novels in this volume also tell stories of people at odds with repressive institutions: the corrupt imperialism ofBurmese Days, disaffection with materialistic society inKeep the Aspidistra Flying, the perils of modern suburban living inComing Up for Airand surviving on the streets inA Clergyman's Daughter.

All the novels brought together here display Orwell's humour, his understanding of human nature and his great compassion.