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The Road to Wigan Pier

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The Road to Wigan Pier

By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Jeremy Northam
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About this listen

A graphic and biting polemic that still holds a fierce political relevance and impact despite being written over half a century ago. First published in 1937 it charts George Orwell's observations of working-class life during the 1930s in the industrial heartlands of Yorkshire and Lancashire. His depictions of social injustice and rising unemployment, the dangerous working conditions in the mines amid general squalor and hunger also bring together many of the ideas explored in his later works and novels.

©2012 Canongate Books (P)2012 George Orwell Essays Politics & Government Poverty & Homelessness Social Classes & Economic Disparity Social Sciences Sociology Nonfiction Socialism
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This is one of Orwell's lesser-known works, but still one of his better ones, Taking us through the squalid living and working conditions of 1930s Northern miners.

A tract on socialism.

Fascinating and still relevant.

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An powerful engaging book. Relevant today is it was at the time in the 1930’s, perhaps even more so. I love a book that can subtly hold a mirror to the reader, not cause anguish, but to allow one to check in every so often.
Wonderfully read - highly recommend.

As relevant today..

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Beautifully read with well-acted voice characterisations by Mr Northam. Clever and descriptive prose by Mr Orwell. A frightening first-hand account of harsh reality of life as a coal miner in Britain in the early-mid 20th Century. Time has shown the final third of the book to be looking through somewhat rose coloured glasses.

Coal Mining Hell!

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very interesting and well read with a interesting contrast to today's modern world that's worth understanding where we have come from

great book

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I was required to read Animal Farm and 1984 at high school, I really wish that this book had also been required. Subject matter still 100% relevant today. I wish I had read sooner. Thank you to Jordan Peterson for the recommendation.

Required Reading

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Enjoyed listening to this account of the working class, also the fascism, socialism, and classes in society.

Fascinating Account - Must Read!

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shows that the date might change but, our views are almost set on stone. but this book leaves you with hope at least.

engaging a relevant.

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This book holds some relevance today as it did 1938. I can see its influence on 1984.

interesting!

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This book may not be for everybody; I grew up in Wigan so the book is filled with things that I have seen and remember. Orwell also rattles off a lot of statistics and facts in the book for long sections, but these things aside it's still a masterpiece. Jeremy Northam's reading is absolutely first rate; in fact, I can even imagine that I am listening to Orwell himself speaking. When I first read the book some years ago I found it very hard going, but Jeremy Northam brings it to life.

A brilliantly read version

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A trip down memory lane I still remember deliveries by coal men through the house emptying their Saks in the coal bunker out the back yard🤔
A good reminder of what hardship and real poverty looks like. I little over-laboured on bookkeeping in places.
Listened to this as recommended by Jordan Peterson and certainly feel enriched for that journey. Unfortunately the one critical issue not covered adequately is the inherent wickedness in the heart of mankind and no external government system will ever address this however good it is. Transformation from the inside out is what is needed to cleanse our soul. Only one historical person I know has a track record of really accomplishing that despite some fakes and frauds out there pretending at being followers of Christ.

An unrealised socialist utopian dream

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