- Paperback: 318 pages
- Publisher: University of Minnesota Press; 1st University of Minnesota Press Ed edition (1 April 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0816636044
- ISBN-13: 978-0816636044
- Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 14 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,140,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
In this largely autobiographical book Isherwood gives a fascinating account of the making of a writer. His story begins with the intellectual hothouse atmosphere of Cambridge in the early twenties: but it is his wickedly funny depiction of the Bohemian life of London, with thinly disguised portraits of many brilliant men - Auden and Stephen Spender among them - that is most intriguing. With his witty, appealing and sometimes outrageous pen Isherwood illuminates the society that created writers and thinkers who have shaped much of the twentieth century
--This text refers to an alternate
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Isherwood's account of his youth, mainly as a student at Cambridge and as a member of the intellectual middle-class, is a well written introduction to those who are looking for a 'behind the scenes' account of the period. Isherwood hides himself somewhat by blurring the facts in places and by using pseudonyms for his friends, many of whom, such as Stephen Spender and W.H.Auden, became equally as well known as Isherwood. However the semi-fictional style allows the reader to be drawn into the book without having to be bogged down by the nitty-gritty of reality. The book proves insightful in respect of the mind of an author and the creative process. It also has the slightly lurid 'gossip value' of a standard biography, although not as much as the follow-up 'Christopher and His Kind'. Although this is indispensible reading for Isherwood fans, I would recommend that first-timers read some of the novels beforehand.
1 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Very interesting book, but much of it is shadow and mirrors, as Isherwood struggles to reveal as much as possible without exploring his sexuality - what surfaces is a character as 2 dimensional as William Bradshaw/Christopher Isherwood in the Berlin novels. Still enjoying for its depiction of the times, it is far from accurate as an autobiography.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
THE Isherwood book
14 April 2009
Format:Paperback
Largely autobiographical,Isherwood covers his life from prep school to Cambridge and a brief,ill advised stint in medical school and brings to life the characters that illuminated him (thinly disguised Auden and Spender amongst others) on his journey to self awareness and becoming a writer.
This book is so good. The narrative is rich and never bores and Isherwood wonderfully evokes the atmosphere of post WW1 England;the fleeting mentions of Hitler,Mussolini and the 1926 general strike all add to the narrative,and the wittisisms and anecdotes are superlative. Odds on you'll be refering to the 'watcher in Spanish' 'Poshocrats' and the 'Poshocracy' ever after!
The copy I bought had a crass 1970's illustration and stencil lettering on the cover.If ever a book so completely proves the old adage re not judging a book,this is it. Arguably better than even his 'Berlin' novels.A definate five star book.
This book is so good. The narrative is rich and never bores and Isherwood wonderfully evokes the atmosphere of post WW1 England;the fleeting mentions of Hitler,Mussolini and the 1926 general strike all add to the narrative,and the wittisisms and anecdotes are superlative. Odds on you'll be refering to the 'watcher in Spanish' 'Poshocrats' and the 'Poshocracy' ever after!
The copy I bought had a crass 1970's illustration and stencil lettering on the cover.If ever a book so completely proves the old adage re not judging a book,this is it. Arguably better than even his 'Berlin' novels.A definate five star book.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Classic Isherwood. I enjoyed it tremendously
29 Jun 2008
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is sort of a novelization of Isherwood's years as a student and the between the wars era in England. I find that era fascinating and this book is filled with details about how life was lived back then.
The book is very readable. Isherwood has a distinct, clear writing style that I love. He makes everything interesting. If you liked Berlin Stories I'd expect you'll like this as well. (That's how I came to this book). Highly recommended.
The book is very readable. Isherwood has a distinct, clear writing style that I love. He makes everything interesting. If you liked Berlin Stories I'd expect you'll like this as well. (That's how I came to this book). Highly recommended.
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