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Mexico’s president given George Orwell’s 1984 by the Queen

Jason Leopold
London Telegraph
Friday, April 3, 2009

The president of Mexico received one of the more unusual gifts given by the Queen during an incoming state visit today – a copy of the classic dystopian novel 1984.At Buckingham Palace, Felipe Calderon was presented with a first edition of George Orwell’s nightmarish book, which tells of a totalitarian regime and coined the concept Big Brother.

The Royal Household seeks guidance from the staff of incoming VIPs when deciding what to offer during the official exchange of gifts.

A Palace spokeswoman said: “Apparently the president really admires George Orwell.”