'First he wanted to call himself X'. DJ Taylor on how Eric Blair chose George Orwell for his pen name.
DJ Taylor explains why Eric Blair felt he needed a pen name and why he fixed on Orwell.
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Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the role of fire within religion.
George Orwell's classic semi-autobiographical account of living in both cities
10/10 Orwell discovers it is not lack of money or hunger that dispirits him most, but boredom.
First broadcast: 08 Feb 2013
9/10 In London, Orwell considers the life of a pavement artist and the lot of a beggar.
First broadcast: 07 Feb 2013
8/10 Orwell befriends a tramp called Paddy, and they seek shelter in a Salvation Army hostel.
First broadcast: 06 Feb 2013
7/10 Back home in England, down and out once more, Orwell is forced to learn about doss houses.
First broadcast: 05 Feb 2013
6/10 After several months slaving as a dishwasher in Paris, Orwell returns to England.
First broadcast: 04 Feb 2013
10/10 Orwell discovers it is not lack of money or hunger that dispirits him most, but boredom.
Fri 8 Feb 2013 22:45 BBC Radio 4
DJ Taylor explains why Eric Blair felt he needed a pen name and why he fixed on Orwell.
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