Posted by Mike on August 22, 2002 at 00:56:12:
In Reply to: Did Orwell believe in socialism posted by Emiliano on August 21, 2002 at 19:37:30:
Orwell was a "socialist", and believed in some of its ideals but despised what he saw in Russia.
Spain was the turning point and he spoke/wrote publicly about his experiences - his views were not at all popular with his left-wing peers when he came back disillusioned with the communists. He fought with POUM the anarchist faction in Spain who ende up being purged and arressted. This may indicate his original outlook.
I'd say he was left leaning but isolated from the mainstream leftists of the time.