This title presents an assessment of George Orwell's writing, and why it retains its central importance in a modern world. The author argues and defends Orwell's politics and gives an introduction to his work.
Por qué importa XSerie
Esta serie defiende a personas e ideas esenciales, presentando argumentos concisos sobre su perdurable significado en el mundo actual. Cada volumen ofrece una apasionada defensa de temas que podrían estar subrepresentados en el discurso moderno. Es una exploración cautivadora para cualquiera que busque comprender el impacto duradero de figuras y conceptos influyentes. Descubra por qué estas contribuciones vitales siguen siendo importantes y moldean nuestra comprensión.
Orden recomendado de lectura
Why Acting Matters
- 192 páginas
- 7 horas de lectura
A provocative, highly engaging essay on the art of pretending on the stage, on screen, and in daily life Does acting matter? David Thomson, one of our most respected and insightful writers on movies and theater, answers this question with inte
Der Fall Dreyfus
Teufelsinsel, Guantánamo, Alptraum der Geschichte
Im September 1894 entdeckte der französische Geheimdienst eine undichte Stelle im Generalstab der Armee: Militärische Geheimnisse wurden verraten, ausgerechnet an die Deutschen. Wenige Wochen später wurde Hauptmann Alfred Dreyfus trotz mangelnder Indizien verhaftet, des Landesverrats für schuldig befunden und zu lebenslanger Verbannung auf der Teufelsinsel verurteilt. Kaum jemand zweifelte an der Richtigkeit des Urteils: Dreyfus war Jude. Louis Begley schöpft aus seinem reichen Wissen als Anwalt und rekonstruiert den heute fast vergessenen Fall. Dabei schlägt er geschickt eine Brücke in die Gegenwart: Wie die Gefangenen von Guantánamo wurde Dreyfus von einem unfairen und gegen ihn voreingenommenen Militärgericht verurteilt. Begley zeigt, wie Antisemitismus und Rassismus in einer vermeintlich liberalen Gesellschaft funktionieren, damals wie heute: Vorannahmen führen zur Anklage, Racial Profiling ersetzt die Suche nach der Wahrheit, Beweise werden fabriziert. Guantánamo liegt der Teufelsinsel näher, als man glauben mag.
Why Homer Matters
- 334 páginas
- 12 horas de lectura
The writing is characterized by its complexity and depth, offering a bold exploration of personal themes. It vividly evokes the brutal imagery reminiscent of the Iliad, showcasing the harsh realities of conflict and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The piece stands out for its fearless approach, inviting readers to confront the raw and often painful aspects of human experience.
Why Poetry Matters
- 206 páginas
- 8 horas de lectura
Examines the importance of the poetic voice and the mysteries of metaphor. This book argues that a poet's originality depends on a deep understanding of the traditions of political poetry, nature poetry, and religious poetry. It is suitable for those interested in a fresh introduction to an art that lies at the centre of Western civilization.
Why Truth Matters
- 216 páginas
- 8 horas de lectura
Truth has always been a central preoccupation of philosophy in all its forms and traditions. This work takes a look at how and why modern thought and culture lost sight of the importance of truth. It is intended for those who have ever been bored, frustrated, bewildered or plain enraged by the worst excesses of the fashionable intelligentsia.
Why Translation Matters
- 135 páginas
- 5 horas de lectura
Translation always helps us to know, to see from a different angle, to attribute new value to what once may have been unfamiliar. This title argues for the cultural importance of translation, and for a more encompassing and nuanced appreciation of the translator's role.
Where does Homer come from? And why does Homer matter? His epic poems of war and suffering can still speak to us of the role of destiny in life, of cruelty, of humanity and its frailty, but why they do is a mystery. How can we be so intimate with something so distant?
Why Architecture Matters
- 304 páginas
- 11 horas de lectura
A guide to the styles or an architectural dictionary, though it contains elements of all three. It helps to 'come to grips with how things feel to us when we stand before them, with how architecture affects us emotionally as well as intellectually' - with its impact on our lives.
