Christopher Isherwood Diaries: 1939-1960
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Author Description
At times pious, at times profane but always unashamedly honest, "The Diaries of Christopher Isherwood" provide an inside look at the life and times of one of the most celebrated writers of the century. Chronicling Isherwood's life from 1939, when he emigrated to the United States, until 1960, these entries cover some of the most turbulent years of his career and give readers unprecedented insight into the major turning points in his life. Here, Isherwood relates the spiritual crisis he went through as World War II began, his discipleship (along with Aldous Huxley and Gerald Heard) with the Hindu monk Swami Prabhavananda and his decision to become a pacifist. Here also are his accounts of his intense social life in Hollywood, his career as a screenwriter and his many sexual affairs. Readers will be particularly fascinated by his revealing anecdotes and gossip about the literary greats (such as W. H. Auden, Thomas Mann, E. M. Forster, and Tennessee Williams) and movie stars (such as Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin and Sir Laurence Olivier) of the time.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
The personal chronicles of a celebrated 20th-century writer reveal his inner life amidst global upheaval and personal transformation. Spanning from his emigration to the United States in 1939 through 1960, these diaries document Christopher Isherwood's spiritual crisis at the outset of World War II, his deep engagement with Hindu philosophy under Swami Prabhavananda, and his commitment to pacifism. The entries also capture his vibrant social life in Hollywood, his work as a screenwriter, and his numerous romantic relationships. Isherwood's sharp observations extend to candid anecdotes and gossip about the era's prominent literary and cinematic figures.
THE SCOPE MAP
- Chronicles Isherwood's emigration to the United States in 1939.
- Details his spiritual crisis during World War II.
- Explores his discipleship with Hindu monk Swami Prabhavananda.
- Documents his decision to become a pacifist.
- Captures his intense social life and career as a screenwriter in Hollywood.
- Includes accounts of his numerous sexual affairs.
- Features revealing anecdotes and gossip about literary greats like W. H. Auden, Thomas Mann, and E. M. Forster.
- Contains observations on movie stars such as Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
These diaries are recognized for their unvarnished honesty, offering a dual perspective on both personal spiritual development and the broader cultural landscape of the mid-20th century. The collection is noted for its candid portrayal of Isherwood's relationships and his engagement with diverse philosophical and spiritual movements. Readers and critics alike have highlighted the book's value in providing intimate glimpses into the lives of numerous influential figures from literature and film.
Page Count:
1103
Publication Date:
1996-10-28
Publisher:
Methuen Publishing Ltd
ISBN-10:
0413696804
ISBN-13:
9780413696809
Biography
Memoir
Spirituality
Non-Fiction
Hollywood
Diaries
Literary Figures
