George Orwell's Milestones

George Orwell was an English writer and journalist, author of influential works like 1984 and Animal Farm, whose sharp critiques of totalitarianism and social injustice remain relevant today.
1903

Birth

George Orwell was born Eric Arthur Blair in Motihari, British India, to Richard and Ida Blair.

Family June 25, 1903
1904

Moved to England

Moved with his mother and sister to England after his father's return to India.

Location July 1, 1904
1911

Early education

Attended St Cyprian's School in Eastbourne, then Wellington College.

Education January 1, 1911 - April 30, 1917
1917

Education at Eton

Attended Eton College in England.

Education May 1, 1917 - December 1, 1921
1922

Joined Indian Imperial Police

Served in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma.

Career October 1, 1922 - December 1, 1927
1927

Returned to England

Resigned from the police and returned to England to become a writer.

Location December 1, 1927
1928

Lived in Paris

Lived in Paris, working various jobs and developing his writing.

Location April 1, 1928 - December 31, 1929
1933

Published 'Down and Out in Paris and London'

Published his first major book, 'Down and Out in Paris and London.'

Achievement January 1, 1933
1936

Marriage to Eileen O'Shaughnessy

Married Eileen O'Shaughnessy, who supported his literary career.

Relationship June 9, 1936

Spanish Civil War

Fought in the Spanish Civil War on the side of the Republicans; wounded in action.

Other December 1, 1936 - June 1, 1937
1938

Published 'Homage to Catalonia'

Published 'Homage to Catalonia,' his account of the Spanish Civil War.

Achievement April 25, 1938
1941

BBC and WWII journalism

Worked for the BBC and as a journalist during World War II.

Career August 1, 1941 - November 30, 1943
1944

Adopted a son

Adopted a son, Richard Blair, with Eileen.

Family June 14, 1944
1945

Death of Eileen

Eileen O'Shaughnessy died during surgery.

Family March 29, 1945

Published 'Animal Farm'

Published 'Animal Farm,' a satirical novella.

Achievement August 17, 1945
1947

Declining health

Suffered from chronic tuberculosis in his final years.

Other January 1, 1947 - January 21, 1950
1949

Published '1984'

Published 'Nineteen Eighty-Four,' his most famous work.

Achievement June 8, 1949
1950

Death

George Orwell died in London from tuberculosis.

Other January 21, 1950