Down and Out in Paris and London

“The fascination of Down and Out in Paris and London is that it’s his first book. In it, you can see Orwell stumbling, moving towards the kind of writer he wants to be, choosing the sort of subject matter he thinks will be appropriate. He spent time in Paris, working humbly in hotels and restaurants as what the French called a plongeur, someone who basically does the washing up. Then, he came back to England and went on what he called his ‘tramping adventures,’ masquerading as a down and out.” Read more...

The Best George Orwell Books

D J Taylor,

“That is a book I read when I was young – in my teens – and it really marked me.” Read more...

The best books on Paris

David Downie, Travel Writer

“Orwell is one of my great empathic heroes. He went tramping in east London, trying to empathise with people who lived on the social margins.” Read more...

The best books on The Art of Living

Roman Krznaric, Philosopher

“This is the one that first got me really excited about food: Down and Out in Paris and London, by George Orwell. It’s meant to be the book that shows you everything that’s wrong in hotels and restaurants.” Read more...

The best books on His Fast Food Philosophy

Henry Dimbleby, Cook & Food Writer