1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four

One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World'HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.

‘Big Brother is Watching You.'Winston Smith rewrites history. It's his job. Hidden away in the Record Department of the sprawling Ministry of Truth, he helps the Party, and the omnipresent Big Brother, control the people of Oceania. But the notebook he's begun to write in is against the rules - in fact, the Thought Police could arrest him simply for having it. Despite the danger, a seed of rebellion has begun to grow in Winston's heart - one that could have devastating consequences.In George Orwell's final novel, he explores a dystopian future in which a totalitarian government controls the actions, thoughts and even emotions of its citizens. Its lasting popularity is testament to Orwell's powerful prose, and is a passionate warning for today.

About the author

George Orwell was the pen name of Eric Blair, a writer and political commentator. In 2008, THE TIMES ranked him second on a list of 'The 50 greatest British writers since 1945.' His work continues to influence popular and political culture. Tamsin Greig., Nicky Henson and Toby Jones star in this new drama.