Chronicles the life and times of the twentieth-century writer, discussing his aristocratic English roots, his literary endeavors, his relationships with family and lovers, and his diverse roles as dramatist, reporter, travel writer, pacifist, Hollywood screenwriter, monk, and leader of the gay liberation movement.
Born into the English landed gentry, the heir to a substantial country estate, Christopher Isherwood ended up in California, an American citizen and the disciple of a Hindu swami. En route, he became a leading writer of the 1930s generation, an unmatched chronicler of pre-Hitler Berlin, an experimental dramatist, a war reporter, a travel writer, a pacifist, a Hollywood screenwriter, a monk and a grand old man of the emerging gay liberation movement. Peter Parker traces the long journey of a man who never felt at home wherever he lived. country, and the dead weight of the past. Parker reveals the truth about Isherwood's relationship with his war-hero father, his strong-willed mother, and his disturbed younger brother, Richard, who was also homosexual. He also draws upon a vast number of letters to describe Isherwood's complicated relationships wich such lifelong friends as W.H. Auden, Stephen Spender, Edward Upward and John Lehmann. meaning in life.
The narrative follows the journey of a startup founder who pivots from initial plans after receiving significant funding from the U.S. Air Force. Emphasizing adaptability, the author learns to embrace change and improvisation while validating their cybersecurity diagnostics system. Initial assumptions about market opportunities in financial services and healthcare lead to challenges, prompting a shift toward more promising sectors like cybersecurity insurance and defense. The process highlights the importance of feedback, resilience, and the willingness to pivot in the face of new information.
Exploring the origins of plant names, this book delves into the fascinating connections between flora and various cultural references. It uncovers the stories behind the delphinium, auriculas, and orchids, revealing how human anatomy has influenced their naming. The narrative also introduces the figures behind gentian, lobelia, and heuchera, while linking nasturtiums and antirrhinums. Additionally, it draws intriguing parallels between everlasting peas and Indian miniature paintings, showcasing the rich tapestry of botanical history and its cultural significance.