George Orwell, also known as Eric Arthur Blair, was an English author and critic known for his work characterized by its lucid prose, biting social criticism, and opposition to totalitarianism. His most popular work includes Animal Farm, 1984, and Homage to California. George Orwell did not obtain a college education, but his work has had a great influential impact on popular and political culture. He is seen as one of Britain’s greatest writers since 1945. Within his work George Orwell criticized imperialism, nationalism, capitalism, political dishonesty, power, and totalitarianism. George Orwell died on January 21, 1950 at the age of 46.