About the Book:

Christopher Isherwood's lectures on writing and writers, available for the first time.

In the 1960s, Christopher Isherwood gave an unprecedented series of lectures at California universities on the theme "A Writer and His World." During this time Isherwood, who would liberate the memoir and become the founding father of modern gay writing, spoke openly for the first time about his craft — on writing for film, theater, and novels — and on spirituality. Isherwood on Writing brings these public addresses together to reveal a distinctly — and surprisingly — American Isherwood.

Given at a critical time in Isherwood's career, these lectures mark the era when he turned from fiction to memoir. In free-flowing, wide-ranging discussions, he reflects on such topics as why writers write, what makes a novel great, and what influenced his own work. Isherwood talks about his working relationship with W. H. Auden; his literary friendships with E. M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, Stephen Spender, Aldous Huxley, and Somerset Maugham; and his work in the film industry in London and Hollywood. He also explores uncharted territory in candid comments on his own work, something not contained in his diaries.

Isherwood on Writing uncovers an important and often-misunderstood time in Isherwood's life in America. The lectures present, in James J. Berg's words, "an example of a man, comfortable in his own sexuality and self, trying to talk about himself and his own life in a society that is not yet ready to hear the whole story."

What people say:

"The book presents an interesting dichotomy of a man comfortable in his gay skin and able to discuss it, while the populace he divulges it to don't grasp his intent." — Gay & Lesbian Times

"As a diarist, Isherwood was funny, wry, astute—alternately compassionate and warm and hot and agitated, but never less than entertaining. Filled with poignant humor, gentle kindness, and, above all, nurturing love." — Choice

"These lectures from the '60s hold fresh insights into the author's life." — The Advocate

"Isherwood on Writing brings home how profoundly a spiritual exercise writing was to Isherwood, and how joyful a one." — The Gay & Lesbian Review

About the Author:

A British-born American writer, Christopher Isherwood (1904-1986) was a major figure in twentieth-century fiction and the gay rights movement. He worked in many genres, including fiction, drama, film, travel, and autobiography.

James J. Berg is dean of social sciences and arts at College of the Desert, Palm Desert, California. He is editor, with Chris Freeman, of The Isherwood Century: Essays on the Life and Work of Christopher Isherwood (winner of the Lambda Award) and Conversations with Christopher Isherwood.

Claude Summers is professor emeritus of English at the University of Michigan, Dearborn and author of many works, including Gay Fictions: Wilde to Stonewall.