"In 1946 Observer editor David Astor lent George Orwell a remote Scottish farmhouse in which to write his new book, Nineteen Eighty-Four. It became one of the most significant novels of the 20th century. Here, Robert McCrum tells the compelling story of Orwell's torturous stay on the island where the author, close to death and beset by creative demons, was engaged in a feverish race to finish the book" - M F from Bookmarklet

big fan of Orwell... but I couldn't think of anything more Orwellian then the London Guardian. have to question the publishing source here - Noah David Simon

Orwell wrote for the Observer (the sunday edition of the Guardian) for at least 6 years. - M F

Orwell always had health problems. - Rutger Blom