George Orwell (1903–1950), born Eric Arthur Blair, was a towering figure of 20th-century literature, known for his penetrating social commentary and lucid prose. A British novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic, his work is characterized by lucid prose, biting social criticism, opposition to totalitarianism, and outspoken support of democratic socialism. Orwell's experiences in the British Imperial system, poverty-stricken areas of London and Paris, and in the Spanish Civil War, profoundly influenced his future writings. His two most famous novels, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' and 'Animal Farm', remain defining texts for the critique of totalitarian regimes. 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' introduced terms such as 'Big Brother' and 'Orwellian' into the lexicon, reflecting universal anxieties about surveillance states. 'Animal Farm', a satirical allegory, exposed the corruption of revolutionary ideals and the nature of totalitarian power. Orwell's 'The Complete Novels' collects his significant novelistic contributions, exemplifying his distinctive style: fiercely intelligent, empathetic, and always engaged with the struggle against tyranny. His essays and journalistic works, though not encompassed within this collection, equally contribute to his enduring legacy as a prophetic and moral voice in a century rife with upheavals.