George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair in 1903 in British India, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic. He is best known for his dystopian novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' and the political satire 'Animal Farm.' Orwell's works often explore themes of social injustice, totalitarianism, and the consequences of unchecked political power. His writing style is characterized by clarity, lucidity, and directness, making his works both compelling and thought-provoking.