British · 1904–1986
Christopher Isherwood documented Weimar Berlin in "The Berlin Stories," creating the characters who would become the musical "Cabaret." The British-American author's deceptively simple prose—"I am a camera"—established a mode of observational fiction that influenced generations. Isherwood's later work addressed gay identity with increasing openness; "A Single Man" achieved classic status. His life spanned English public school, Berlin decadence, Hollywood screenwriting, and Vedanta practice.