George Orwell's 1984 had a major impact on the world when it was first released, and its themes of government surveillance, the threat of totalitarianism, and the suppression of information continue to resonate today. As readers are introduced to this novel and Orwell's other groundbreaking works of literature, including Animal Farm, they explore the many ways literature reflects the past and can help shape the future. Biographical details are presented through engaging main text, primary source images, and graphic organizers. Sidebars help readers closely analyze Orwell's work and think critically about how his themes are still relevant today.

George Orwell: biography -- Europe under the dictators: background -- Nineteen eighty-four: masterwork -- Nineteen eighty-four: key themes -- A warning: effecting change -- Orwell's legacy: aftermath.