In this intriguing event members of the Bertrand Russell and Orwell Societies came together to discuss the interaction of these two giants of 20th Century thinking and literature.
The focus was on the proposal by Orwell and Russell together with Arthur Koestler that a world filled with well-informed people would lead to a true disarmament. "The Manifesto" was intended to promote discussion about a new form of post WW2 human rights organisation and was first drafted shortly before Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech on March 5th 1946. However, by the end of 1946 the cold war was in full swing and the ideas in The Manifesto did not progress.
In this online meeting we hear from three experts from the Bertrand Russell and Orwell Societies bringing to life their own research and scholarship. The speakers are:
Ken Blackwell, Chief Russell Archivist and long-time editor of Russell gave an in depth perspective from the Russell Society
Ariane Bankes, Niece of Arthur Koestler, gave a personal perspective and talk about the Christmas 1945 discussions when Orwell stayed with his friend Koestler and discussed the manifesto. The talk included up to the minute research and also family photographs giving a real feel for the world of the time.
Les Hurst, Research and Digital Officer for the Orwell Society talked about his research into Orwell's review of Russell's "Power: A new social analysis"
Each brought a different perspective on the remarkable work of these men and the world of their time.

The following is the Hansard reference for the comments made by Les Hurst in his presentation:
[ Ссылка ]?fbclid=IwAR0qIaB1Ni1zIJkhJwBKcrHzo1FZqivQosB1y3Jc1WJZ-8nfnSnZYSmGd4U


If you are interested in this event please check out the web sites of both the Bertrand Russell Society - www.bertrandrussellsociety.org - and the Orwell Society www.orwellsociety.com -

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