Orwell, AI, and the ordinary

George Orwell (1903–1950) is best known for his political insights, for his concern for truth, freedom, and social justice, and for his masterpieces Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). Spanning novels, essays, and journalism, his work often reflects his critical views on authoritarianism and on the role technology plays in society.

In this session, Professor Nathan Waddell and postgraduate researcher Dean Hill from the Department of English Literature at the University of Birmingham, will come together to share their ideas and discuss their research on Orwell. Dean invites you to an Orwell-guided exploration of the Algorithmic Panopticon – the digital architectures quietly shaping what’s seen, said and known – and why that matters for public life. Nathan will consider themes from his recent book A Bright Cold Day: The Wonder of George Orwell (Oneworld, 2025), exploring Orwell’s attention to ordinary, daily routines and reflecting on what his writing reveals about the habits and customs that govern our lives.

This event is presented as part of Booktober at The Exchange. Running throughout October 2025, the programme celebrates the joy of creative writing and reading in all its forms and will be bursting with activities, events and opportunities to explore the magic of literature.

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Host or Publisher University of Birmingham Events Team