Customer Reviews (3)

Great writing, odd choices
A great bit of writing- I will definitely track down some of Isherwood's other novels, especially his Berlin stories.In some ways this book resembles a fast forward version of Anthony Powell's Dance to the Music of Time (though most of Isherwood takes place outside of Britain)- he describes interesting, often eccentric characters in his life from the 1930s to 1950s and reveals their evolution, sometimes from wild to sane and a bit dull (Waldemar) to thoroughly insane and tragic (Paul).Isherwood observes the people around him and stays aloof, but often makes some incomprehensible decisions to get deeply involved with the most troubled characters- for instance I never did understand why he gave all that money to Paul, who was a sad guy, but a complete loser who was never going to give Isherwood anything more than he gave any of his other johns- yet Isherwood never seems to acknowledge his own dysfunction or what he learned about himself from the experience.This made the book a little hard to relate to at times.Anyway, read it for the great writing and character sketches, and if you like it, read Anthony Powell.

If we took a holiday.....
When I was fortunate enough to find several Christopher Isherwood hardcovers in a used book store shelf-clearing sale, I thought that perhaps 'Down There' would be one of the last that I read, due to it being a four-part 'novel' where the stories have the common thread of the protagonist being narrator. I have never been a great fan of what I deem 'short stories'.

However, there are far more threads to weave the tales together of this fine example of why Isherwood was one of the most highly regarded authors of his time, and why his works endure to this day.

An observation of various stages in his own life, the 'narrator' at times seems an entirely autonomous character from the protagonist, as his wisdom, experience, and reflection are so evident in the way he describes four important chapters in his life.The youth becomes the adult, the adult becomes the observer, and the observer becomes the chronicler in this caring, thoughtful memoir.

Isherwood's four observances begin with 'Mr. Lancaster'...a portrait of an encounter with a gruff, abrasive man who Chris visits, reluctantly..and teaches him that appearances are not all that they might seem.

'Ambrose,' the second section, concerns a summer in the Greek Isles as Chris finds freedom to express his hidden desires while basking in the warm sun, and living in the near seclusion of an island setting with little distractions, but plenty of experiences to shape his young adulthood.

'Waldemar,' the third novella, follows Christopher's adventures in Germany, as he immerses himself into a foreign culture, and finds that some experiences, some people, some situations are universal, no matter where you roam, and sometimes the masks we wear, daily, are all too similar, no matter what the circumstances.

'Paul,' the culmination of the work, follows Christopher's encounters with a seemingly rootless, care-free acquaintance as he floats from experience to experience, and then asks to share in Christopher's Hindu teachings, before enlisting in the service. Christophers finds himself in a more care-taking role at this stage of his life, as he bails Paul out of situation after situation, and learns how to be a true friend, without expectations, without thought of self, and therefore without, many disappointments that can come with those who occasionally let us down in our lives.

An excellent read, cover to cover, 'Down There' is as fine a work as any other Isherwood offerings, and certainly one to explore for any fan of his works.

One of Isherwood's Best
After A Single Man, this is my favorite Isherwood book. The four stories interconnect in several fascinating ways. They say a lot about the passage of time, about European history and Isherwood's personal history. They alsosay plenty about various forms of detachment. In fact, "Variations onDetachment" could be the book's sub-title. Isherwood has a way ofgently underscoring the precariousness of being gay during a morerepressive time in Western culture. "Mr. Lancaster" and"Paul" were the most moving sections in this regard. Throughout,Isherwood writes in clear, clean prose. It may sound like I'm reaching fora simile but as I was reading this book, I felt like I was drinking freshspring water. ... Read more

Book Description
The Bhagavad-Gita is the Gospel of Hinduism, and one of the great religious classics of the world. Its simple, vivid message is a daily inspiration in the lives of millions throughout the world and has been so for countless generations.

Here is a distinguished translation that can be read by every person, not as an archaic monument to an ancient culture, but as a living contemporary message that touches the most urgent personal and social problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Great Gita for the pocket
It is a wonderful version. If you read "The Guru and His Disciple", which is Christopher Isherwood's memoirs in part, he tells the story of how the final version came about. Crestfallen because an editor finally admitted she couldn't tell the difference between the previous draft and all other translations, Isherwood went to his room and half an hour later returned with the first pages completely re-written. It went over so well, he was inspired to convert large pieces in the same poetical style. And rightly so, as the original is, after all, part an epic poem.

I have to give it a four since part of the first chapter is left out because it is "like the list of ships in Homer". And because Huxley was probably the wrong person to write the Intro. What Huxley says is worth reading, of course, but it should be read as Huxley and not representing Prabhavananda or Vedantism.

Otherwise, there are so many copies of this floating around in used bookstores, and at such low prices, and because it is so readable, this is the one to carry in your back pocket or fill with marginalia.

Good book but poor quality of print and paper
The book is undoubtedly good. It gives a good overview of the Gita and discusses the principles of Hinduism in simple language. I was only disappointed on the quality of paper and print. Barnes & Noble has a good hardcover option on this book, which is a good buy.

timeless wisdom for today
I haven't read any other translation of the Gita, so I don't have any opinion about this translation vis a vis any other translation.However, I can say that this translation is simple to read and understand, and that the message of the Gita has had an enormous impact on my life.I read it every day for guidance and inspiration, and it is a wonderful antidote to the toxic messages that bombard us daily from advertisers and the media.I highly recommend this book.

Beautiful and flowing...
This was my first true introduction to Hinduism.I was very moved by the Gita.It is very beautiful writing and is among the greatest books that I have ever read.It is an excellent addition to the library of a spiritual seeker.The messages are so significant and deep that it deserves additional readings in the future.I believe that a lot of these ideas found in the eastern traditions and western gnostic traditions are so incredibly important in our day.I hope more people discover these messages within themselves.

lucid poetry
This is arguably the best translation of the Gita. Most translations are too scholarly (in an attempt to be precise with the original sanskrit) but since there is no modern language to actually translate sanskrit word for word, it typically results in text that is both heavy and inaccessible.

This one is different. A masterful collaboration of both a hindu and a westerner, this Gita is both verse and prose (in an almost mystical balance) and flows like the river. It is in this verse/prose balance that keeps the reading moving forward where the deeper (and most important) messages of the Gita seem to drive it home. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

An Isherwood curio.
If you're a fan of Isherwood's "Berlin Stories," or have read his classic autobiography "Christopher and Hid Kind," then you may find this volume of letters of special interest.Isherwood was an iconic literary figure, and these letters illuminate his state of mind at the time he wrote his famous stories, battled to keep his German lover (Heinz) from being concripted into Hitler's army, and dealt with the stress of being separated from his family in England as war broke out in Europe.This is an extremely handsome volume, and quite absorbing for those with existing knowledge of this author's life and works. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

hard to find!
Combo of two great playwrights. Ascent of F6 is exceptionally hard to find. Great deal, recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive and accessible reference work will serve Isherwood scholars who need quick access to people, places, novels, stories, essays and plays, introduce Isherwood to those who know little of him, expand the knowledge of the literate general reader, and refresh teachers of literature with Isherwood details.

Entries on Isherwood's most influential friends, including W.H. Auden, Aldous Huxley and Stephen Spender, are significant. Included are all of the monumental "roles" Isherwood exemplified during his life—writer, rebel, gay-activist hero, and proud exponent of the Eastern philosophy known as Vedanta. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Thomson Gale on June 12, 2005. The length of the article is 554 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Cabaret: Christopher Isherwood.(Reseña de teatro)
Author: Gonzalo Valdés Medellín
Publication: Siempre! (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 12, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 51Issue: 2713Page: 70(2)

Article Type: Reseña de teatro

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more