George Orwell (1903–1950): Eric Arthur Blair, better known by the pen name George Orwell, is a famous English writer, journalist, and critic whose work is distinguished by intelligence and wit, a deep awareness of social injustice, and a belief in democratic socialism. He is best known for his dystopian novel "1984" and his satirical short novel "Animal Farm", which together sold more than any two books of any author in the twentieth century. His non-literary works—including The Road to Wigan Pier—and numerous essays on politics, literature, language, and culture have acclaimed him; wide fame. Orwell's influence in contemporary culture, popular and political, has continued even decades after his death.