Exclusive Interview with Richard Blair, Orwell's Son

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 5. 07. 2016
  • Gavin Freeguard, trustee of the Orwell Youth Prize, interviews Richard Blair, George Orwell's son.

Komentáře • 136

  • @unturnthisstone
    @unturnthisstone Před 4 lety +68

    I met Richard Blair in 2019 when he spoke at a literary festival where I was a volunteer. His talk about Orwell was very touching - he made you care about Eric Blair, about the real person behind the persona. He loved his father very much.

  • @darren_mcgarvey
    @darren_mcgarvey Před 2 lety +17

    This man handed me my Orwell Prize in 2018. A surreal and unforgettable moment for me. Another day at office for him.

  • @thanksfernuthin
    @thanksfernuthin Před 4 lety +42

    I feel for this guy. If only he had a decade more with his father that would have been so enriching. But he only got a few years at the beginning of his life.

  • @lovetolearn881
    @lovetolearn881 Před 4 lety +40

    What a treat to be able to listen to an interview with Georhe Orwells son! So happy to find this gem.

  • @schizoidboy
    @schizoidboy Před 3 lety +41

    I read 1984 and it was the most depressing book I ever read - and no one forced me to read it, and it is also the best book I ever read too.

    • @AjaniGrim
      @AjaniGrim Před 2 lety +5

      Its is depressing

    • @visdes1174
      @visdes1174 Před 2 lety +16

      Just turn on the news to experience it in real life.... we're living it.

    • @Mr.Howell
      @Mr.Howell Před 4 měsíci +1

      It's my favorite book. I would love to meet a single British woman who feels the same way. *The Appendix alone is brilliant!

    • @noellesherman4824
      @noellesherman4824 Před měsícem +1

      I read it twice while young. I'm now an old senior, and would like to read it again. I know I'll get even more out of it now. A truly amazingly prescient book.

  • @hamiltonwalters1642
    @hamiltonwalters1642 Před rokem +9

    Thanks for this. Orwell taught me how to be honest and how to prepare tea. Love from Mississippi, USA.

  • @alanlawrence2954
    @alanlawrence2954 Před 2 lety +10

    The pipe and shag tobacco story was priceless. I can just imagine Orwell lighting his little boy's first pipe with a wry smile on his face... He wanted his son to learn by first-hand experience... as he had done.

  • @tramlad2
    @tramlad2 Před 4 lety +21

    What a lovely man, and its nice he is proud of his fathers legacy, brilliant back ground to some of his early life

  • @EmmanuelGoldsteinINGSOC
    @EmmanuelGoldsteinINGSOC Před 3 lety +74

    Well, good thing he used a pseudonym, otherwise we would be living in a Blairian society...

  • @mayormc
    @mayormc Před 7 dny

    Wonderful interview, touching.

  • @jnucleo
    @jnucleo Před 4 lety +8

    Excellent parting thought about the freedom to think and hopefully to be able to communicate those thoughts. Orwell though was aware of the shackles being put on society from totalitarianism. He saw it all coming.

  • @woomichen1378
    @woomichen1378 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Richard Horatio Blair was born on May 14, 1944. Happy 80th Mr. Blair.

    • @Da1Dez
      @Da1Dez Před 12 dny

      He was only 5 or 6 when his father died! 😮 Poor boy...

  • @taylorharbin3948
    @taylorharbin3948 Před rokem +6

    What a gem of an interview! I wonder if he still has his father’s typewriter?

  • @ibnarasayoub5220
    @ibnarasayoub5220 Před 2 lety +9

    While he talks; me imagining Orwell's voice tone

    • @zoozguerrero9648
      @zoozguerrero9648 Před 8 měsíci

      Richard is Orwell's adopted son. Therefore, there are no genetic similarities

  • @konsul2006
    @konsul2006 Před 4 lety +7

    A great place to commemorate a great thinker. Thank you.

  • @raquel6391
    @raquel6391 Před 6 lety +24

    3:51 So Orwell was also an amateur carpenter? What a man.

    • @jaojao1768
      @jaojao1768 Před 5 lety +7

      Interesting, I never knew. He was also a policeman in Burma

    • @herzikkimolog
      @herzikkimolog Před 5 lety +5

      and then he was a very broke dishwasher in a hotel basement in Paris and then an idle in London.

    • @travisbicklefeels8780
      @travisbicklefeels8780 Před 2 lety +3

      he was also was in a militia in Spain!

  • @3158dave
    @3158dave Před 2 lety +4

    I was wondering what became of Richard Blair...wonderful interview, thank you.

  • @skylight15
    @skylight15 Před 3 lety +3

    Motihari people are having a huge respect for late George orwell

  • @ultimatewarrior8654
    @ultimatewarrior8654 Před rokem +4

    People like Richard who have a blood link to someone who contributed so much to the nation and have monitors to share ought to be celebrated.

    • @Roman-rz3qj
      @Roman-rz3qj Před rokem

      He was adopted. His wife died shortly after they adopted Richard. Eric hired a nurse to take care of him.

    • @2msvalkyrie529
      @2msvalkyrie529 Před 9 měsíci

      Why ? Generally apart from a random genetic link they have no talents or dazzling insights to offer . Think of Paul McCartney son ??
      And countless other examples ?
      Orwell's wife was treated very shabbily according to many.?
      Richard was far too young to really
      tell us anything useful .

  • @jefferyweigand1337
    @jefferyweigand1337 Před 6 lety +7

    lovely...thank you...

  • @GreatWaterCircus
    @GreatWaterCircus Před 7 lety +5

    Thanks, very good.

  • @dimik3855
    @dimik3855 Před 4 měsíci

    Last year a woman who lives in my neighbourhood near downtown Montreal shows me a 1st edition of 1984 that she found in someone's belongings. I immediately was thrilled to have it in my hands and wondered if she would let me read it. Sadly, the only thing of concern for her was not reading it but how much she could get for it. I never saw it again.

  • @miguelmarques4583
    @miguelmarques4583 Před 2 lety +3

    Well, now we can sort of imagine the sound of Orwell's voice.

  • @gmc9451
    @gmc9451 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Coming up for air is a very enjoyable read but seldom gets a mention whenever Orwell is being discussed.

  • @OlafsonN
    @OlafsonN Před 23 dny

    An Orwell Mantra: Freedom is the right to say something that other people don’t want to hear.

  • @Yarisken12
    @Yarisken12 Před 4 lety +9

    I could write a whole essay how Orwell has influenced my way of thinking ... . If he would see this interview he would be very proud of his son.

  • @skylight15
    @skylight15 Před 3 lety +3

    My grand father worked same place and organization where George orwell father Richard Blair was work

  • @janglestick
    @janglestick Před 7 lety +29

    would you treat this audio please? the two speakers are way out of balance, and the whole thing is way too quiet with a high noise ceiling, easily fixed with free apps. Such a valuable interview.

    • @WatchingMyLifeFlashB
      @WatchingMyLifeFlashB Před 5 lety +2

      janglestick If it's so easy to fix, why don't you just download it & do it for yourself, instead of complaining about it? We're not your nanny, jangle stick. Thank you & have a nice day!

    • @RealMisterDoge
      @RealMisterDoge Před 5 lety +5

      @@WatchingMyLifeFlashB because he can't steal the video and reupload it, you moron, and it's not his responsibility either
      All he did was make a technical suggestion and you went and attacked him
      Pathetic, it's 8 months later but I do hope you see this so you realize what an ass you were

    • @WatchingMyLifeFlashB
      @WatchingMyLifeFlashB Před 5 lety +1

      @@RealMisterDoge Who's an ass? The one who probably treats the cute dog in the pic before than humans. Realistically.
      He can legally download any video if he has Red CZcams & fix it, tweak it all he wants, & even offer to the channel provider.
      Come on. You really think downloading a video is a crime? Those days are gone, now that CZcams takes monthly subscription fees for the right to do so.
      Fixing a downloaded video isn't a crime either.
      Only reuploading another person's video & taking credit for it without permission or claiming it as your original content.
      Every parody, satire, & clip would be theft if it were as you say. Zebra Corner, Highimpactflix, et all would have taken down years ago.
      Grow up. Complaining like he was, without any willingness to step up to the plate to remedy the issue, is bitching for the sake of bitching.
      And calling a person a moron is asking for judgment from above. Rude? Pot calling a kettle...
      Your call, sweetheart, over something said 8 months ago.
      Peace out already.
      Stress isn't good for you.
      Have a great evening!

    • @adamclark1972uk
      @adamclark1972uk Před 4 lety

      @@RealMisterDogeS/he's seen it, and now realises.

    • @EdurtreG
      @EdurtreG Před 2 lety

      These comments ... . So downgrading and narrowminded, exactly where his novels were about. Stop it, it is beside the issue.
      Btw: I also had problems hearing it well being hearingimpaired. Thank you.

  • @greyman003
    @greyman003 Před rokem +1

    Animal farm is one of my favourite books.
    1984 was a prophecy.

  • @robertsmuggles6871
    @robertsmuggles6871 Před měsícem

    I found Wigan Pier taught me more than the others. We still live in the shadow of WW1, Leninism, and the collapse of the British Empire. Wigan Pier is full of humour and winks to your better nature.

  • @ziaciquinzia
    @ziaciquinzia Před 7 lety +9

    amazing....

  • @jaojao1768
    @jaojao1768 Před 5 lety

    Very interested video

  • @UltraSaiyan419
    @UltraSaiyan419 Před 2 lety +3

    What I wanna know is what Blair thought of the movie of 1984 starring John Hurt and Richard Burton.

  • @StanfordFan-jn1dp
    @StanfordFan-jn1dp Před 9 měsíci +1

    "Orwell's Roses" by Rebecca Solnit is an interesting read.

  • @sophiarevel6952
    @sophiarevel6952 Před 8 měsíci

    Orwell would be very proud of him indeed. ❤

  • @MrSunlander
    @MrSunlander Před 3 lety +3

    that was his carpentry suit, eh? Kidding aside, thank you for this wonderful insight.

  • @sonoflillith1
    @sonoflillith1 Před 7 lety +11

    It was irritating that I can hardly hear the questions of the interviewer

    • @richardkronberg4925
      @richardkronberg4925 Před 11 měsíci

      I can hardly hear Taylor swift sing at her concert because of those irritating swifties!

  • @19katsandcounting
    @19katsandcounting Před rokem +3

    I wish he could have spent more time with his parents.

  • @matthewfarmer6830
    @matthewfarmer6830 Před 3 lety +2

    I have the book "Animal Farm" it 1946 first edition with no sleeve or jacket but it's all there, so Ill give it a go, read it all out see how the story is. It's from my dad's book collection over the years.

  • @skylight15
    @skylight15 Před 3 lety +1

    I born in Motihari, India where late George orwell was born

  • @skylight15
    @skylight15 Před 3 lety +2

    Motihari is having a park in middle of town that name is George orwell Park

  • @ianinkster2261
    @ianinkster2261 Před 29 dny

    i can relate to this, I first heard of my uncle's death via the news.

  • @redsailor101
    @redsailor101 Před 3 lety

    WOW...!!!

  • @monicakelly9622
    @monicakelly9622 Před 4 lety +1

    Yes please adjust the audio. Its very difficult to hear.

  • @eldevenirdelostiempos9764

    Odd to think he refers to his own grandfather as "my father's father."

    • @mariewalmsley1187
      @mariewalmsley1187 Před 3 lety +4

      Perhaps it is because he was not George and Eileen’s biological child but was adopted.

    • @nc375
      @nc375 Před 2 lety +1

      They're not related though, he got adopted by george orwell

    • @Black.Sabbath
      @Black.Sabbath Před 2 lety +1

      Not his son and unfortunately didn't know him for very long either.

  • @benshannon1878
    @benshannon1878 Před 3 lety +1

    I am the one thousandth follower!

  • @Mr.Howell
    @Mr.Howell Před 4 měsíci

    Does anyone know how Richard Blair spent his life?

  • @joieozypunb7780
    @joieozypunb7780 Před 6 lety +4

    He looks so smart and normal...

    • @thanksfernuthin
      @thanksfernuthin Před 4 lety +1

      You'd think he'd be a rebellious crank! He had such a short time with his father. Maybe he was. Age tends to distill what's important.

  • @SumitKumar-tr5ww
    @SumitKumar-tr5ww Před 3 lety +2

    Can any one give me his official mail id... I have made one document on George Orwell old house from India Bihar...I want to send this memories to him....

  • @popefrancisthecreepy6342

    Can I buy you guys a decent microphone?

  • @lawrencebishton9071
    @lawrencebishton9071 Před 8 měsíci

    selling ricky you must be ann imp (er) reel 🤣🤣🤣

  • @deedee-tc4fh
    @deedee-tc4fh Před 4 lety

    Tutti Fruiti..

  • @kkinva68
    @kkinva68 Před 5 lety

    I can't hear it

  • @kurthubbard-beale5003
    @kurthubbard-beale5003 Před 2 lety +1

    Wonder what his true sentiments would be now in April 2022..?

  • @gwapoo
    @gwapoo Před 2 lety

    Why is the son carrying different surname? Anyone?

    • @eulalia3446
      @eulalia3446 Před 2 lety +3

      George Orwell was a pen name. His real name was Eric Blair.

    • @Black.Sabbath
      @Black.Sabbath Před 2 lety

      Because he's adopted

  • @spencerwinston4334
    @spencerwinston4334 Před rokem +1

    George Orwell's masterpiece,1984, exposed the "hollow man", wasteland generation to the full spectrum dominance and psyop methods of "modern" King George tyrants. The emperor's new clothes are all revealed in 1984 hiding in plain sight using Orwell's Navy Seal like x-ray night vision glasses of critical questioning, Aristotlean logic, and just perceptive, professional gambler "horse sense."
    Orwell found satori in his labor of love of writing, and in the process opened the eyes of millions to the war on for mind control and "program governing." He realized in this labor of love the sublime meaning of a quotation from philosopher savant and freedom mystic for the ages, Ralph Waldo Emerson, "...the greatest homage you can pay to the truth is to use it."

  • @e.figueiredo6293
    @e.figueiredo6293 Před 2 lety

    POR QUE NAO COLOCAM UMA TRADUÇÃO ?????????!!!

  • @G58
    @G58 Před 3 lety

    So many connections to the military and the establishment.

  • @lightningwaves5436
    @lightningwaves5436 Před 3 lety

    You don't have that right in any narcissistic institution.

  • @josemapolo1974
    @josemapolo1974 Před 3 lety +3

    He warned about dictatorship through cultural marxism. And there we go now.

    • @amez643
      @amez643 Před 3 lety +4

      No he didn’t Orwell was a socialist he warned about totalitarianism he never gave up his socialists ideals

  • @Arizanyar
    @Arizanyar Před 3 lety +3

    Orwell certainly would have approved of fighting terrorism in the same spirit as he fought fascists himself but I am sure he would have never approved of bullying and harassing innocent people under the pretext of fighting terrorism. In one of his books he quotes a Christian hymn:
    Dare to be a Daniel
    Dare to stand alone
    Dare to have a purpose firm
    Dare to make it known
    He commented on this hymn to say for it to be relevant now one just need to add Don’t in front of each line!!! On the other hand well before him H G Wells in his book Men Like Gods predicted how technological advances such as wireless messaging can be used to bully innocent people! He famously said his Epitaph should simply read “I told you so you damn fools” in reply to that I would like to say “ You certainly did Sir”

    • @MJanovicable
      @MJanovicable Před 2 lety

      I think he would've seen right through the American War on Terror as the fraud that it always was.

  • @paulmanning2003
    @paulmanning2003 Před 3 lety

    Gotta love Eric. Fun Fact: Emanuel Swedenborg was actually born in Sweden. Download his latest book “Heaven & Hell” for free at swedenborg.com. You no it makes NO cents.

  • @G58
    @G58 Před 3 lety

    Colonial policeman, BBC propagandist... it’s almost as if he was involved in predictive programming. Write about THAT kids, and see how long before they call you a ‘conspiracy theorist’.

  • @jaybinks5989
    @jaybinks5989 Před 3 lety +1

    Pinky ring and ultra posh upper class voice, reeks of snobbery.

  • @matthewdevereux1288
    @matthewdevereux1288 Před 3 lety

    I changed my pen name to Matthew Devereux. I would love to go back in a time machine and say hello to George and listen to his stories. @devereuxmatthew