London Falling: How the Birthplace of Free Speech Became a Censor’s Paradise

Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation.

The novel centers around Lady Constance Chatterley, who is married to Sir Clifford Chatterley, a wealthy and paralyzed war veteran. Constance's marriage is emotionally and physically unfulfilling, leading her to an affair with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper on her husband's estate. The relationship between Constance and Mellors highlights the class differences and the search for integrity and wholeness through a balance of mind and body. The novel is known for its explicit descriptions of sexual intercourse and its reflection on the impact of industrialization on modern society. It ends with Constance and Mellors separated but hopeful for a future together once their divorces are finalized.

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.