He defends middle-class values whilst critiquing the failures of his own class, he advocates socialism whilst criticizing the socialist movement in England. In the second half of the book, Orwell examines his own political and social affiliations with an impressive ability to provoke and to question. And he also vividly describes the courage and dignity of the people he meets.

Orwell describes dismal housing (including the lodging house where he stays), harsh working conditions and the devastating effects of unemployment. The Road to Wigan Pier is an insightful and powerful account of lives lived in poverty and deprivation in a time of low wages and meagre government support. This edition is introduced by Amelia Gentleman. Terry recorded the journey, and alongside it the story of his life and his marriage and his dog Jim, with his broken ear like a flat cap, and Monica. Within a few days they had bought a new one and soon headed north in the Phyllis May 2 to Liverpool, Lancaster, the Pennines and Wigan Pier. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. Then their famous canal boat was destroyed by fire. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. By the time The Road to Wigan Pier was in print, Orwell was in Spain he went to report on the Civil War there and stayed to join the Republican militia, serving on the Aragon and Teruel fronts and rising to the rank of second lieutenant. The Road to Wigan Pier is a book in two parts: the first half is Orwell’s description of working-class life in industrial communities of the north of England, the second examines his own political views.

The way to wigan pier