Totalitarian Novels Collection

Purchase the Totalitarian Novels course books as a bundle and save!

This collection includes:

• 1984, George Orwell
• Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
  
• Darkness at Noon, Arthur Koestler
• That Hideous Strength, C.S. Lewis

This collection contains paperback books and is recommended reading for Hillsdale's free online course, "Totalitarian Novels"

About the Authors

George Orwell (1903–1950), born Eric Arthur Blair, was a British novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic, renowned for his sharp critiques of totalitarianism and social injustice. Orwell's most famous works, 1984 (1949) and Animal Farm (1945), remain powerful allegories of political oppression and propaganda. A supporter of democratic socialism, Orwell’s experiences—including his service in the Spanish Civil War and his observations of poverty in Britain and colonial Burma—deeply influenced his work. Known for his clarity of prose and incisive wit, Orwell explored themes of power, surveillance, and truth, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential voices on politics and human freedom.

Aldous Huxley (1894–1963) was a British author, philosopher, and social critic best known for his dystopian novel Brave New World (1932). Born into an intellectual family, Huxley studied at Eton and Oxford, but his early education was interrupted by a serious eye illness that left him partially blind. This experience influenced his lifelong interest in perception and consciousness. Huxley wrote across various genres, including essays, novels, and travelogues, exploring themes such as societal control, human potential, and spirituality. Later in life, he became a prominent advocate for psychedelic drugs, detailed in works like The Doors of Perception (1954). Huxley’s writing remains influential for its insights into technology, human behavior, and philosophical inquiry.

Arthur Koestler (1905–1983) was a Hungarian-British author, journalist, and intellectual, best known for his novel Darkness at Noon (1940), which critiques the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. Born in Budapest, Koestler was deeply involved in political movements, including communism, before disillusionment led him to become a vocal anti-communist. His works often explored themes of ideology, morality, and the tension between individual freedom and collective systems. A prolific writer, Koestler also delved into science, philosophy, and mysticism in books like The Sleepwalkers (1959) and The Ghost in the Machine (1967). His incisive analysis and rich storytelling secured his place as a prominent thinker of his time.

Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was a British author, scholar, and Christian apologist best known for his Chronicles of Narnia series and works on theology, such as Mere Christianity (1952). Born in Belfast, Ireland, Lewis was a professor of English literature at both Oxford and Cambridge. Originally an atheist, he converted to Christianity in his early thirties, profoundly influencing his writing. Lewis’s works often explore themes of faith, morality, and the human imagination, blending rich storytelling with deep philosophical insight. A close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis was a member of the literary group known as the Inklings. His writings continue to inspire readers with their blend of intellect and spiritual depth.