Lions And Shadows: An Education in the Twenties [Paperback]

Christopher Isherwood (Author), Christopher Isherwood (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Isherwood released this first of several autobiographical writings at the ripe old age of 34. In it he chronicles his life at Cambridge, where, though technically a medical student, he began his writing career. Isherwood knew many of the upcoming writers of the 1920s, so this includes his observations on W.H. Auden, Stephen Spender, and others.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Univ Of Minnesota Press (April 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816636044
• ISBN-13: 978-0816636044
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,180,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christopher Isherwood (1902-86) lived in Berlin from 1928 to 1933 and immigrated to the United States in 1939. A major figure in 20th-century fiction and the gay rights movement, he wrote more than 20 books including the novels Prater Violet and a series of short stories that inspired the musical Cabaret.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Isherwood. I enjoyed it tremendously, June 28, 2008

By 

bongo (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Lions And Shadows: An Education in the Twenties (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Isherwood book, April 14, 2009

By 

An admirer of Saul "Mr Wobble" (uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lions And Shadows: An Education in the Twenties (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.