Orwell, being one of the most brilliant and controversial writers of the 20th century, struggled with pressing issues in his own way - with the help of pen and paper. The collection includes his critical reflections on a variety of topics - from modern literature and cinema to poetry and politics. The main place is occupied by the autobiographical essay “Gloriously, gloriously we frolicked,” in which Orwell frankly describes the difficult stage of growing up and speaks without embellishment of his studies at St. Cyprian's School, sarcastically condemning the hypocritical system of Edwardian education.