Born Christentze Dinesen on April 17, 1885, in Rungsted, Denmark, Isak Dinesen is known for her plays, short stories, novels, and poetry. She was considered by many to be Denmark's greatest lyric poet. She also produced a widely read autobiography and memoirs. Dinesen studied English at Oxford University, 1904 and painting at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen, and in Paris and Rome. Dinesen's career as a writer spanned from 1907 to 1962. She was published in Danish under the name of Karen Blixen and in English under the pseudonym of Isak Dinesen. Her short story collections include Winter Tales (1942) and Last Tales (1957). Novels inspired by her experiences in Africa include Out of Africa… (1937) and Shadows in the Grass (1960). Actress Meryl Streep portrayed Dinesen in the Oscar-winning film Out of Africa, which was adapted from her work in 1985. Isak Dinesen died of emaciation September 7, 1962, in Rungsted.