Host Dennis Leap opens the JBL summer book discussion series, “Blast From the Past,” with a biographical sketch on the man who became George Orwell, author of the prescient novel 1984.

#197: Why Eric Arthur Blair Became George Orwell, Part 1

Just the Best Literature inspires you to not only read printed books, but to read only the best books. Besides books, host Dennis Leap will lead discussions on other current literature such as essays and important articles.

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Host Dennis Leap continues discussing Candice Millard’s book Hero of the Empire. Candice opens Chapter 1 with a review of Winston’s early love of 1,500 toy soldiers and make-believe battles and then gives an in-depth discussion of the extant and success of the vast British Empire.

#331: The British Empire’s Vast Responsibilities

Host Dennis Leap begins discussing a new book on the life of Winston Churchill by author Candice Millard. Hero of the Empire gives us details of Churchill’s daring escape from prison in Pretoria, South Africa (the capital of the Boer Republic), while fighting in the Boer War and the making of his political career.

#330: Hero of the Empire

After fighting the bloodthirsty Pathans and getting reassigned to leading a Punjabi infantry (none spoke English), Winston attempts to get attached to the Malakand Field Force permanently. This did not happen, and he was sent back to his home base at Bangalore. In Chapter 13, Winston seeks to maneuver for a job in a new campaign in the Sudan under Sir Herbert Kitchener. However, he discovers that those who had previously been friendly and encouraging had turned against him. Those who once supported him were calling him a medal hunter and a self-advertiser. Winston has to learn to endure “the less amiable aspects of human nature.”

#328: Winston’s Prestige Is Destroyed by Hostile Attitudes

After fighting the bloodthirsty Pathans and getting reassigned to leading a Punjaubi infantry (where no one spoke English), Winston attempted to be attached to the Malakand Field Force permanently, but he was sent back to his home base at Bangalore. He began writing a book on his recent experience in the Mamund Valley, which became a published success. Receiving praise from the prince of Wales, Winston began to remake himself as an author.

#327: Winston Becomes an Author

Host Dennis Leap continues discussing the Pathan’s attack on the British in Chapter 11. The British adjutant had been shot. Four soldiers were carrying him to safety when, out from the edges of the village houses, rushed a half dozen Pathan swordsmen. The leading tribesman rushed upon the prostrate adjutant, slashing him three or four times. Winston angered by the crime wanted to kill the Pathan with his own sword. But upon seeing a group of Pathans behind their leader, he decided to shoot the tribesman instead.

#197: Why Eric Arthur Blair Became George Orwell, Part 1

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