302. Orwell: The Anti-Imperialist In India & Burma (Part 1)

In this episode of "Empire," William Dalrymple and Afua Hirsch begin a four-part mini-series on George Orwell, exploring his life, works, and legacy. They discuss Orwell's prescient critiques of totalitarianism and his complex personal life, including his birth in colonial Bihar, India, his education at Eton, and his time as a police officer in Burma. The hosts analyze Orwell's evolving views on imperialism, his experiences in Burma, and how these shaped his later writings, such as "Animal Farm" and "1984." They also touch on his personal flaws and the influence of his family background, particularly his mother's activism and potential Burmese heritage. The episode sets the stage for a deeper examination of Orwell's life and the themes that permeate his work, inviting listeners to join the Empire Club for early access to the full series and bonus content.