
About this episode
Today’s episode is the first in a new series about how the greatest political writer of the 20th century tried – and failed – to make sense of the central political event of the century. How did George Orwell respond in real time to the epochal events of the Second World War and how do his struggles relate to the uncertainties of our own time? What did he get right, what did he get wrong and what did he fail to understand at all? How did a writer who had vigorously opposed the war before it started find himself defending it as soon as it was underway? Who or what did he really want to win? And what did Orwell believe was worse than fascism?
Join us this Friday 17th April at the Regent Street Cinema in London for the second film in our new season: a screening of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut followed by a live podcast recording with David and director and campaigner Beeban Kidron. Tickets available now https://bit.ly/3O5rSEY
And find details of all our upcoming film events here https://www.ppfideas.com/events
You can find out everything you need to know about this podcast – who we are, what we do, plus merch, events and full lists of all episodes and PPF+ bonus episodes on our website https://www.ppfideas.com
Next Time on Orwell’s War: False Dawn (1940-41)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Past Present Future publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Past Present Future

Live Film Special: The Third Man w/Misha Glenny
Past Present Future
May 10, 202656:54pending

Now & Then with Robert Saunders: The General Strike @100 Part 2
Past Present Future
May 6, 20261:01:47pending

Now & Then with Robert Saunders: The General Strike @100
Past Present Future
May 3, 202659:49failed

Live Film Special: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut w/Beeban Kidron
Past Present Future
Apr 29, 20261:08:47failed