George Orwell is a 20th-century author famous for the novel "1984", which explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. The historical context of Orwell’s writing was influenced by the rise of fascism and Stalinism during and after World War II. His experiences as a soldier in the Spanish Civil War and his observations of political oppression informed both his critique of authoritarian regimes and his warnings about the potential dangers of unchecked power in society.