Product Description
Douglas Gresham claims that Jack Lewis was the finest man and the best Christian he has ever known. Of course, Jack to Douglas is C. S. Lewis to the rest of the world. The informal address Gresham uses to refer to the great writer is indicative of the intimacy he shared with Lewis for a dozen years, living in England as Lewis's stepson.

Jack's Life is an affectionate account of days now long gone. It is a personal memoir of a man who touched many in the classroom, even more with his pen, and made a significant, lasting, and eternal impression on one young man. Douglas Gresham is uniquely qualified to offer such an extraordinary portrait. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Jack's Life: The Story of C.S. Lewis
I found Douglas Gresham's account very readable.My Father was born In Belfast, Ireland the same year (1898) as C.S. Lewis.The opening chapters sounded so much as I recalled my father's stories of his childhood.While I am not a C.S. Lewis scholar, I consider myself a 'friend' of Jack Lewis, and have made presentations of him in several venues.This book makes Jack Lewis very personable.
Rev. Dr. John A. Gilmore

Jack's Life
Jack's Life, a biography by his stepson portrays the everyday life of the great apologist and scholar - the way Lewis really lived it! I don't know if I'm glad that I picked up the book or not because it really disturbed me to read that C. S. Lewis lived a pretty miserable existence with an elderly neurotic woman, a tyrant who controlled him for over 30 years. Lewis taught, studied, wrote books, and came home to a welter of household tasks and property duties. Lewis and his family (his brother Warnie, Mrs. Moore and her daughter, Maureen) were always short of money and moved from house to house, flat to flat, for a long time before buying the Kilns where Lewis resided until his death. Mrs. Moore suffered from illness after illness, real and imaginary, and C. S. Lewis was her slave, according to his brother Warnie. The bright spot in this great apologist's life was, of course, his marriage to Joy Gresham and the three years of happiness they enjoyed together before Joy died of cancer. "Thank God, he had some happiness," I said when I shut the book on Lewis's extraordinary suffering.

Deacon Diane M. Moore, author of: Martin's Quest, Martin Finds his Totem, Nothing for Free, Grandma's "Good War," Flood on the Rio Teche, Kajun Kween
[...]

Jack's Life
This book was very good, I could not put it down, I have read alot about C.S. Lewis and this is by far the best. It give the reader a real sense of the life of this great writer. I loved the stories about the real life and how the family came together.

A Touching Tribute
I found this book to be a most touching tribute to a wonderful man of great ethical and spiritual integrity, who through the touching circumstance of a "late-in-life" deep love affair he never ever had dreamt couldhave been part of his "entrenched bachelerhood", enabled a young boy, in his turn, (He was to become the stepson.) to be profoundly inspired. This life-transforming experience for a young boy was sustained long past the time of C.S. Lewis' (he rathered being called "Jack"!) death, and impelled him, (Douglas Gresham) as an adult,to write this heartfelt biography of a great, yet perhaps troubled, man.
I found it to be most a heartwarming reading.

Hmmmm
This book is written as if the reader is a child (Douglas Gresham is constantly defining terms he uses as he writes).I really wanted to like the book and find it helpful insight into the life of C.S. Lewis but it wasn't. ... Read more

Product Description
Secrets of success from everyone's favorite demon, Screwtape, on how human souls most often stumble. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Misrepresentation
Pstricia S Klein is simply cashing in on the good name of CS Lewis to her own personal benefit.She adds nothing to the conversation yet is more than willing take that which she has NOT EARNED.If you buy this book under the assumption that it is the complete CS Lewis, simply return to Amazon.This book does nothing for Amazon's character or reputation.

Quick, let's take a few quotes from Screwtape, publish it seperately, and call it a new book!!!!


Oh look, a new C. S. Lewis book!But didn't he die in 1963.So how is this a new book?

Well, Walter Hooper, his lit. exector, has made a cottage industry in the last 40 years of publishing posthumous C. S. Lewis books, from little inconsequentials (such as this) to more substantial works.Over the years these posthumous publications have come under heavy fire as being suspect or counterfeit works, or changed or badly edited.I've read one version of Screwtape where Lewis references the books of a particular writer (don't remember who), and in this newer publication Hooper changed the writer to Lewis.Bad, bad, bad, Mr. Hooper.

Such is the case here.All this book amounts to is a few quotes from THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS.That's it.Screwtape Letters is a mere 160 pages.Why not buy the full book and just read it.Publications like this are just in poor taste.

Yes Virginia, this is no such thing as a "new" C. S. Lewis book.Just the publishers and Walter Hooper trying to squeeze out more money from his fans.Now, what would Screwtape say about Greed, Mr. Hooper?

Paved with Profiteering Intentions
Beware of "new" books by authors who passed away in the 60s. Lewis' tireless literary executor and editor, Walter Hooper, incessantly repackages Lewis' writings and markets them as new books. Recombining and repackaging for new audiences is warranted under some circumstances. But why abridge "The Screwtape Letters," which weighed in at a scant 160 pages to begin with? Buy the original; "Paved with Good Intentions" is not.

Read the Real Book
This is just a cheap quick money making scheme by publishers.They took a few excerpts from the Screwtape letters and called it a new book.For the same amount of money and sometimes less you could get the real complete book.Don't waste your time with this wasteful volume. ... Read more

Product Description

C.S. Lewis, himself a convert, wrote of being "surprised by joy" when he discovered his belief in Jesus Christ. In these 127 devotional readings, selected from Lewis's many works on faith and spirituality, Christians everywhere can share in the joy of this master theologian as he discusses topics ranging from the nature of prayer and good works to psychoanalysis and fascism. In The Joyful Christian, Lewis offers inspiration for all those who hunger and thirst after joy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

The Joyful Christian by C.S. Lewis
I did not personally read this book.Most of the books that I purchase from Amazon.com are for a young man, a friend of mine, that is on death row. He does not like just any kind of books.He is very picky. When I send him Christian books, once he reads them, he shares them with other death row inmates.The opinion he gave me about this one in particular was: "I really enjoyed this book. I usually pass my books around to bless other inmates, but I believe I will keep this one for a while."I believe this says it all.

For Lewis newbies or veterans.
The late Eastern Orthodox priest and theologian Alexander Schmemann once remarked that Christianity lost the world when Christians lost their Joy. This collection of 127 themes gathered from Lewis' extensive corpus remind us that "joy is the serious business of heaven" precisely because God is love and love is truth and humans are created to live in the conscious joyful reality of praising God in the love of our brothers and sisters through our union in Christ.

If you have never read anything by Lewis, or if you have be long-acquainted with his genial and witty prose, you'll find this Lewis Reader a true joy to read. But the appeal of this collection will extend well beyond the perennial veneration of Lewis to the very heart of Christian living, thinking and defending. This book is also an excellent way to see what Lewis books you would be interested in reading at length.

Topics include: life on other planets, right and wrong, atheism, miracles, death, the historical Jesus, liturgy, eucharist, salvation, prayer.

You will not be disappointed in this book. Joy is attainable through reprentace.

An Excellent Introduction to the Writings of C. S. Lewis
The 127 excerpts gathered together in The Joyful Christian give an excellent introduction to the scope and range of C. S. Lewis' thought. The bibliography and list of sources in the back of this book are a panoramic picture of the legacy Lewis has left us.

These 127 excerpts also illustrate the cohesiveness of Lewis' thought. An excerpt from Surprised By Joy is consistent with what is found in The Abolition of Man. Other readings from Christian Reflections are consistent with what you would expect from the author of the Narnia and Perlandra series.

The excerpts, for the most part, are relatively short. One or even two readings can be completed in a relatively short time. A "daily reading" approach allows time for cogitation and meditation on the thoughts presented.

C. S. Lewis remains one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century, and rightly so. This collection is an excellent representation of the breadth of his philosophical and theological thought.

For someone looking for a representative sampling of Lewis' writings, The Joyful Christian is the one book to get.

Lewis' compelling theology:
C.S. Lewis' works, insofar as I have read them, are philosophically and theologically well considered. Of course, that is an understatement. He shies away from no serious question or "problem". He was the most important apologist of the twentieth century.
The Joyful Christian is a collection of 127 readings drawn from his extensive body of work, varying in length from a few sentences to several pages. This reader found only a few discussions in which (I believe) Lewis errs. Most of this collection is very sound (again an understatement). At the same time I was reading this volume, I was reading the thoughts of another well-known 20th century theologian, who was in search of the "historical Jesus." Lewis' thoughts on the subject were much closer to being correct: "In the last generation we promoted the construction of such a 'historical Jesus' on liberal and humanitarian lines; we are now putting forward a new 'historical Jesus' on Marxian, catastrophic, and revolutionary lines. The advantages of these constructions, which we intend to change every thirty years or so, are manifold. ...for each 'historical Jesus' is unhistorical. The documents say what they say ...each new 'historical Jesus' therefore has to be got out of them by suppression at one point and exaggeration at another ...religion of this kind is false to history..."
Lewis on 'Prudence': "Christ said we could only get into His world by being like children... as St. Paul points out, Christ never meant that we were to remain children in intelligence: on the contrary, He told us to be not only 'as harmless as doves' but also 'as wise as serpents.' He wants a child's heart, but a grown-up's head. He wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but he also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job... He wants everyone to use what sense they have."
Lewis on 'Hope': "The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither."
Lewis on 'Apologetics': "The great difficulty is to get modern audiences to realize that you are preaching Christianity solely and simply because you happen to think it is true; they always suppose you are preaching it because you like it or think it good for society or something of that sort..."
'The Joyful Christian' is one of the best collections of theological thought and Christian apologetics you are likely to find.

A Joyful Read!
"The Joyful Christians" is definitely a 5 star volume.

Contained in this book are 127 readings from many of Lewis' greatest apologetically works ("The Abolition of Man", "Mere Christianity", "Miracles", "The Problem of Pain"), and even a few from the fictitious "Screwtape Letters". Topics range from deep theological matters - such as prayer, Divine omnipotence, the three-personal God - to more applicable subjects like sexual morality, marriage, divorce, Scripture reading, etc. This is a superb compendium of Lewis' main arguments for many subjects pertaining to the Christian life. New Lewis readers will find "The Joyful Christian" very interesting and delightful, especially since the book is organized according to subject. If you're looking for a Lewis quote on a particular subject, this is an excellent resource. Great for new readers and old timers alike. ... Read more

Product Description

Esta obra poderosa y práctica es una de las más populares y queridas introducciones a la fe cristiana jamás escrita

Customer Reviews (4)

Excelente Libro
Esta obra no solamente es una obra clásica moderna del cristianismo, sino que también es una poderosa defensa del cristianismo de la pluma de un hombre intelectual que fue por mucho tiempo un ateo. Este libro ha ayudado a muchos a llegar a Cristo y lo seguirá haciendo. Recomiendo este libro ampliamente.

Una joya en la biblioteca
Creo que este libro es una joya en la biblioteca de un cristiano que deberia de ser de lectura obligatoria.

No solo nos expone de una manera inteligente el por que del cristianismo, sino que nos deja ver muchas enseñanzas prácticas de la vida diaria.

Hay Que Leerlo!
Todo Cristiano que tome su fe en serio debe leerlo.Entenderas muchas cosas sobre la fe cristiana que quizas nunca te enseñaron.Ademas estaras mas informado y seguro al defender tu fe ante aquellos que aun no creen.

Es uno de los mejores libros que he leido.
C.S. Lewis es un autor que no tiene temor a exponer abiertamente sus dudas y preguntas pues para toda pregunta hay con seguridad una respuesta. Me enseno a no tener miedo a questionar y leer con profundidad la Biblia pues unicamente entendiendo bien la palabra de Dios es que podemos aplicarla en nuestras vidas. ... Read more

Product Description
C.S. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably the most thought provoking and influential Christian writer of his day. For over forty years, generations of readers have found insight and inspiration from his uniquely articulate view of God's interaction in the world and in our lives. The C.S. Lewis Bible is one of the most anticipated Bibles of our time. This NRSV Bible provides readings comprised of selections from Lewis's celebrated spiritual classics, a collection that includes Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed, The Weight of Glory and The Abolition of Man, as well as letters, poetry, and Lewis's less-familiar works. Each reading, paired alongside relevant passages in the Bible, offers C.S. Lewis as a companion to a reader's daily meditation of scripture. As people engage in their devotional Bible reading, they will also gain insight from his writings and spiritual journey as they invite Lewis into their spiritual discipline. Key features of this Bible include:- New Revised Standard Version text - the most trusted, accepted, and accurate translation of the Bible on the market- Over 400 selections from C.S. Lewis for contemplation and devotional reading- Introductory essays on C.S. Lewis's view of scripture- Attractive two-color interior (brown/black)- Double-column format, in a readable, classic design- Presentation page for gift-giving ... Read more

Product Description
An interpretation of Milton's purpose in writing the epic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A wonderful teaching tool
C.S. Lewis' insight into the work of John Milton is invaluable to any Milton scholar or student. I purchased this book to pull lecture notes from for my students because of Lewis' concise style and approachable rhetoric, but I read the book from cover to cover once I recieved it. Like C.S. Lewis' Allegory of Love and Discarded Image, it is evident how thoroughly understanding Lewis is of Milton and his desires. I was ecstatic to see in the newest Norotn Critical edition of Paradise Lost they included many of these essays, but I was even happier with this cheap reprinting of all of them.

This book is a must for anyone attempting to approach Milton's Paradise Lost.

Quality product, fast service
I was amazed by how quickly the book was sent out and delivered--even without express mail.

Probably the best intro available
C.S. Lewis provides a great intro and overview of Paradise Lost. He makes Milton's masterpiece far more accesible and reveals obscure and forgotten nuances in it. If you prefer the Milton of the Devil's Party view then you may find this to authoritarian and mainstream. Lewis makes strong arguments to support his interpretation. To see his "riff" on Paradise Lost read his beautiful sci-fi novel Perelandra.

Excellent Insight
If you are reading this I am assuming you have read Paradise Lost. If you have read Paradise Lost, and not read any other Milton, I suggest you do so because, a) it will give immeasurable insight to certain portions and ideas of PL, and b) Milton thoroughly addresses things which are startlingly prevalent in today's world - but this is a digression. I only ask if you've read other Milton to say that if you have, it is pretty easy to debunk the theory that Satan is the "good-guy".

Lewis, I think rightly, is on the side who think Satan is a bad guy, and not the hero of the work. It is a common tendency for readers who sympathize with Satan to place him as the hero of the work; but Satan only reflects the rebellion of human nature and estrangement from God. Do we empathize with Satan? Of course, and this is to be expected. We are fallen creatures, each with a little "Satan" in us. But I am getting preachy.

Lewis displays his methodical writing ability and analyzes certain historical, theological, psychological implications within PL. It is difficult to sum up, but Lewis reacts against the notion that Satan is the hero, corrects various misinterpretations (as he believes) other critics have attributed to the work, and so on.

Overall, if you're interested in reading criticism about criticism on PL, I would suggest this. And do not be afraid if you aren't extremely knowledgeable with the history of the Church and its doctrine. Lewis is informative without being overly pedantic (but keep in mind, he is a scholar).

Essential Lewis, Essential Criticism
While other reviewers have already touched on many key tenets of this fabulous little book, I may be able to enumerate or elaborate a little yet.

The real stuff of this book you must read for yourself, but I can at least adumbrate some general ideas he touches on.

1) A short, lucid, and highly informative introduction to epic _qua_ epic. Style, content, form, all the essentials. What makes Homer Homer: what it means. Where Virgil deviated: why it matters. Where Milton deviates: why it matters. &c.

2) Lovely interaction with contemporary "New Criticism." I. A. Richards meets the classical scholar (Chapter VIII).

3) Quintessential societal and philosophical criticism peppered _throughout_. You wouldn't think you'd be able to quote Lewis on the fatuousness of certain "sacred cow" tenets of "progressive modernity" in a book on Milton, but it's here--and moreover, each little epigrammatic jab is perfectly felicitous and apposite. Only Clive! Each one yields great laughter and reflection.

4) Some _excellent_ and _original_ universal literary criticism. It is my opinion that many excerpts of this book should be included in Literary Theory anthologies. He treats such overarching topics as reading, poetry _qua_ poetry, criticism _qua_ criticism, authorial intent, &c. &c.

5) His criticism of Milton's Satan is pretty much the coolest thing you'll ever read. I'll leave it at that: you must read it for yourself! I've read the chapter on Satan four times it's so good.

That's enough for now. Buy and read! ... Read more

Product Description
“En lo que se refiere a los diablos, la raza humana puede caer en dos errores iguales y de signo opuesto. Uno consiste en no creer en su existencia. El otro, en creer en los diablos y sentir por ellos un interés excesivo y malsano. Los demonios se sienten igualmente halagados por ambos errores...”
Luego de esta advertencia, nos encontramos con el viejo y astuto Escrutopo, un demonio malvado y voraz que sueña con devorar el alma de su víctima, un joven inglés residente en Londres durante la Primera Guerra Mundial. Para lograrlo, instruye con una serie de cartas a su sobrino Orugario, un demonio principiante, quien en caso de fracasar en su misión de obtener la eterna condenación de la víctima, será devorado por su tío. Distintas son las estrategias de los demonios, y el final resulta, por lo mismo, del todo impredecible.
A través de las cartas, Lewis nos hace recorrer –con humor y agudeza– la naturaleza humana en sus debilidades y fortalezas. De ahí que este libro, dedicado a su gran amigo y notable escritor J. R. R. Tolkien, sea sobre todo profundamente humano. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Screw Tape letters in Spanish
The book came in a very timely manner and in excellent shape.I am very pleasedwith Amazon as always.

Lo tiene que leer!
Este libro es una inspiración.C.S. Lewis, un autor cristiano del siglo XX, escribe aquí una historia que se tiene que leer para comprender lo increíble que es...Cartas del diablo a su sobrino me hizo hacer preguntas sobre la fe, el diablo y más que todo el significado de la existencia del Dios Todopoderoso.C.S. Lewis fue ateista muchos años antes de convertirse al cristianismo, asi que ofrece una mirada muy profundo de lo que es sentir la presencia de Dios. ... Read more

Product Description
This encyclopedia of C. S. Lewis's life works includes thoughts and ideas by a wide range of Lewis experts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A great resource
C S Lewis wrote extensively on society, politics, philosophy and government, as well as on Christianity. This book gives the reader access to the breadth of Lewis's thinking on this vast territory, and hundreds of starting points for further investigation.

A Great Bargin! C.S. Lewis Fans Will Love It!
This is simply a great "readers' encyclopedia" for the C.S. Lewis reader.All of his material is dealt with; but this book is so worth the low price because it goes beyond the usual commentary about what influenced Lewis with this book or that poem.Instead, the editors took pains to ensure that the C.S. Lewis fan would see how, whether negatively or positively, other people and ideas affected his writings, lectures, thoughts, and positions.

We read how Sigmund Freud, Thomas Aquinas, G.E.M. Anscombe, William Shakespeare, Hume, and of course J.R.R. Tolkien played into his thoughts and discussions.Further, how he viewed such ideas as evolution, capital punishment, democracy, and tradition are also discussed.The list goes on and on.This book is also a steel - economically speaking.There are not many hardbound books of this quality going for such an inexpensive price.

This book is just a wealth of information and a joy for any C.S. Lewis fan.

The Lewis Abecedarium
C. S. Lewis would doubtless have scoffed at the idea of a reference book about himself, just as he disapproved of university courses devoted to modern authors on the sensible ground that "helps" to reading them are not needed and come between the writer and his audience.

Nonetheless, students and "fans" of the great Christian apologist and literary scholar now are offered two thick compendia on his life and work.Each has its virtues and faults, and both are worthwhile investments - though not a substitute for the straight, unfiltered Lewis.

The "Readers' Encyclopedia", reviewed here, contains articles by 44 contributors, many of them very prominent in the world of C. S. Lewis studies.The one striking absentee is Walter Hooper, Lewis' semi-official literary executor and solo author of the rival work, "C. S. Lewis:Companion and Guide".This omission is, as the saying goes, not accidental.

In more than 400 pages, consisting of a 57-page biography followed by topical entries, the Encyclopedia covers the full scope of Lewis' life, work and thought.The "work" draws the greatest attention.There are articles not only on the major books but also on virtually all of Lewis' shorter pieces, including even letters to newspapers.In addition to summarizing content, most of the contributors consider its significance, respond to the views of critics or advance criticisms of their own.They may admire their subject, but this volume is not the production of a fan club.

Weighing the Encyclopedia against the Companion, the latter is heavier (almost twice as many pages), but the former is wider in scope, with more attention to CSL's career as a scholar and more systematic coverage of his entire body of work.It makes room by treating topics more succinctly.Epitomes are shorter, there is less biographical detail, and quotations from the Lewis canon are less extensive.Unfortunately, one space saving idea was the omission of an index, the need for which is distinctly not obviated by putting articles into alphabetical order.

Often both works are excellent, though many times in different ways.The Companion's life of CSL's close friend Owen Barfield tells much about the man but is rather imprecise on his ideas and how they influenced Lewis.The Encyclopedia's fine article fills those gaps.

Elsewhere the Encyclopedia is clearly superior.The Companion's discussions of "An Experiment in Criticism" and "The Personal Heresy" leave out the context in which Lewis developed his critical theories.The Encyclopedia gives him a place in the debates occasioned by the "New Criticism".

The Companion has its innings, too.Its introductory biography is fuller and less given to unsupported psychological speculations.The Encyclopedia writer, curiously, accepts the conjectures of the anti-Christian polemicist A. N. Wilson on major issues (e. g., Lewis's relationship with Mrs. Moore and the impact of his debate with Professor Anscombe), even while pointing out that Wilson in unreliable in detail and malicious in intent.

There are spots, inevitably, where both volumes are weak.Neither describes the substance of Professor G. E. M. Anscombe's famous critique of Chapter III of "Miracles" or how Lewis amended the text to answer her criticisms.Those matters are surely of more lasting import than whether Lewis did or did not feel "defeated" after debating Anscombe.

They can also fail in different ways on the same topic.The Encyclopedia's article on "The Dark Tower", the now controversial novel fragment published after Lewis's death, is a one-sided diatribe on behalf of the theory that the work is a forgery.The Companion naturally does not allude to that allegation (as Walter Hooper is the accused forger), and it also says virtually nothing useful about the story.In fact, the uninspired plot summary is marked by omissions and mistakes.(The writer does not realize, for instance, that "Michael" is the given name of the protagonist, not of his Othertime double.)

Finally, each volume has its (very small) share of this-can't-be-real lapses.An Encyclopedia article begins, "C. S. Lewis followed traditional theological thinking of his time in presuming the Holy Spirit was the third person of the Trinity."What a ripe example of the liberal historicizing that CSL so persistently combated!But it is probably a more serious matter that the Companion barely notices "The Allegory of Love", Lewis's pioneering work on medieval love poetry that laid the foundation of his academic reputation.

But let me pause here.It is easy - and an occasion of intellectual sin - to scrutinize every inch of a mighty edifice in search of blemishes.Overall, the Encyclopedia is a capacious and well-wrought work.It may not be a work that C. S. Lewis would have desired anyone to undertake, but I do not think that he can be displeased with the quality of the result.

Best single volume Lewis reference
If you can have only one reference work on Jack Lewis, this is the one to have.This volume is well edited, well written, and complete.You can find allmost as much about some of Lewis' obscure essays as about the Chronicles of Narnia and the Screwtape Letters.Most of the entries include suggestions for further reading.There is also short but reasonably complete biography included, written by John Bremer. ... Read more

Product Description
A journey through the ecclesiastical year with Christianity’s most eloquent and inspiring spokesman.
“A potent anthology” (Los Angeles Times).
Edited and with a Preface by Walter Hooper.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The busines of Heaven-A Super Brief Review
This book is a book of daily readings, beginning with January 1. Since today is January 9th, I have actually read nine of the total 365 of readings submitted by Walter Hooper. However, I have read considerably in Lewis' other writings and strongly agree with Hooper's estimate of Lewis: "[He is] one of the most realistic Christians we are ever likely to meet," and his writings reflect reflect the man that he was, while on earth. Lewis' writings have "the ring of truth" to those who are listening.

Nice Collection of Dailing Readings . . . But . . .
This is a nice collection of readings from C.S. Lewis, edited by Walter Hooper. However, it suffer from the same "illness" that most, if not all, daily readings text suffer - lack of total context.

The topics of the readings range from 'Aquinas' to 'When the World Drama Ends.' As he always, Lewis writes with precision clarity; most Latin scholars do.

As far as merely a readings text, it is hard to go wrong with Lewis: he is one of the greatest thinkers from the 20th century. However, if you purchase this text with the intention of having a devotional work, then you might be disappointed. Don't misunderstand me, Lewis' writings are quite devotional in one sense, but are quite rigorous, which runs contrary to most if not all devotional work. This would be more of a serious food for thought work.

However, if you are wanting a broad spectrum of Lewis' thought wrapped up in small 'tidbits' then you will love this work - but keep the lack of context in mind (it is always best to read the whole and not just a part to gain a full grasp of what any writer is trying to say). I would also recommend Lewis' "Of Other Worlds: Essays and Stories."

A pleasant change
I have tried assorted "devotional" books before, but I have never been satisfied. All too often, commentaries on specific Bible passages seem to conflict with the very passage they are trying to explain or illustrate, and devotional works which are intended to stand on their own tend to be too sickly-sweet for me, or have questionable theology from time to time.

But of course, this is C.S. Lewis. Walter Hooper has arranged some of Lewis' pithier passages into a series roughly paralleling the Church Year as observed by Anglicans. I read it in parallel with my own Bible reading, and was somewhat bemused to find how often what Lewis wrote meshed with what I was reading in the Bible, even though I made no attempt to coordinate or harmonise the two. This is a "devotional book" with which I can be satisfied.

A Good C.S. Lewis Sampler
This is a very good sampling of C.S. Lewis' writings on many different topics, from various previously published sources, broken up into digestible pieces.If you've read most of Lewis' work and want to refresh your memory and meditate variously on their insights, this book might be helpful.It might also be helpful for those who have very little exposure to Lewis and want to start with a shallow sampling before deciding where to dive in deeper.Each selection has its source listed in the back. Please do go on to read some of the original sources.A sampling like this doesn't really do them justice.

The only criticism I have of this book is about its format.It's intended to be a devotional calendar with a reading for each specific date of a year with appropriate readings for special days in the church year.I don't think it succeeds very well in this format.For one thing the selections for the special days don't always seem relevant.The feast of St. Andrew, for example, on November 30 doesn't have anything to do with that particular Apostle.But the main reason it doesn't seem to work well as a devotional calendar is that long passages are often broken up into a sequence of separate sequential readings that span several days.If you stick to reading each selection one day at a time, you could easily lose the train of thought and have to pick it up again each day.There is no hint as to where one broken up passage ends and another begins unless you look at the list of sources in the back. I think the book would work much better if it were simply organized by topic into series of passages of varying lengths without trying to fit them in a daily calendar template.

deep concerns about this book...
Let me be up front with my feelings about this book...I have a serious lack of trust for the editor.

After reading Kathryn Lindskoog's book "Light in the Shadowlands, Protecting the Real C.S. Lewis" (see my review on October 30, 2000), I have deep concerns about Mr. Hooper. My consequent suggestion is that you skip the introduction if you use this book.

The real attraction here is the ability to read short excerpts from C.S. Lewis' works every day. As a whole this book is great for fulfilling that purpose.

I believe that I have lamented elsewhere that Christianity suffers from a plague of superficial and shallow "devotionals." In spite of Mr. Hooper having had a hand in its creation (and the lion's share of its profits no doubt) "The Business of Heaven" suffers from neither malady.

These passages are excellent to reflect upon. Sometimes they stand alone. Sometimes several days reflect upon the same subject. They follow the Anglican Church Calendar for the year (Mr. Lewis was himself a member of the Church of England.)

As a person who is unfamiliar with the "Church Year," I found this collection an education of sorts. The book contains charts for folks like me who need to figure out where the movable feasts fall on the calendar (They have their own readings in the back.)

"The Business of Heaven" is an interesting volume. I give it my recommendation in spite of my reservations...there are clearly better devotionals out there. I would suggest Brennan Manning's "Reflections for Ragamuffins" as a more worthy first choice. ... Read more

Product Description
A treasury of Lewis’s thought, gathered from all of his more than forty books and his uncollected essays, on subjects as varied as sin, hell and heaven, the Trinity, and love and sex. Edited and with a Preface by Clyde S. Kilby.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

AWESOME
I love C.S. Lewis - and this book is great at capturing him throughout all his works. It's nice to have a book that you can just flip open and get a refreshing dose of C.S. Lewis intellect. Highly recommend!!

Random quotes from one of the greatest of modern thinkers
C.S. Lewis lives on through his writings, and through the rewritings of his works into new generations of books, plays, and films.This anthology pulls into one work some of the most inspirational segments of his work.
Here are a few quotes that are meaningful to me:
Pg51--Surprised by Joy chap. 14--"We are inveterate poets. When a quantity is very great we cease to regard it as a mere quantity. Our imaginations awake."
Pg143--As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you lo0ved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less. Mere Christianity, bk 3, ch.9
Pg164--`You all know,' said the Guide, `that security is mortals' greatest enemy.'The Pilgrim's Regress, bk 10, ch. 1
Pg224--I think no class of men are less enslaved to the past than historians. The unhistorical are usually, without knowing it, enslaved to a fairly recent past. They Asked for a Paper, ch. 1

I like Lewis because he causes me to think "Is this true?"

Awaken your mind

This book is the perfect introduction to C. S. Lewis. If he is virgin intellectual territory for you, then I suggest getting this book,"Abolition of Man," "The Screwtape Letters," and "The Lion Witch and The Wardrobe" as your first taste of Lewis.

It has a nice balance of the all the standard and the obscure works of C. S. Lewis.It is arraigned into ten sections:

I. The Nature Of Man.
II. The Moral World.
III. The Bible.
IV. The Trinity.
V. Sin.
VI. The Christian Commitment.
VII. Hell And Heaven.
VIII. Love And Sex.
IX. Nature.
X. The Post-Christian World

To his credit, Kilby closely follows Lewis's own patterns of thought, and does not intrude his own opinion or try to slant Lewis's words to his own opinion.

Of the selection process, he said:

"It is obvious that no two people endeavouring to select the best from a man's works will always choose identical passages, and the richer the content of those works the less likelihood of total agreement.. Concerning the making of anthologies Lewis himself once remarked, `No man ever agrees with another man's choice, and to disagree is one of the pleasures of using an anthology.'Nothing more can be said than that here you have my own choices based on thirty-odd years of reading and rereading Lewis."

Lewis has one of those rare minds that has depth and breath, who can be succinct and deep, like church bell peal.His wiring is dense, and forces you to think.

Superb for those interested in the divinity within us.
C.S Lewis's ability to articulate the the deep feelings we have about our relationship to God is without parallel. He is able to put into words what we all know but were never able to express. It's a wonderfull book to havein your library. You will go back to it again and again. Not able tocompete with the scriptures of course but what a gift to understand thembetter.

The Definitive C.S. Lewis Anthology
What makes this anthology different from other C.S. Lewis collections is the way in which the quotations are organized.Beginning with The Nature of Man, Kilby takes the reader through Lewis' idea that we were made foranother world!Other sections include The Moral World, The Bible, TheTrinity, Sin, The Christian Commitment, Hell & Heaven, Love & Sex,Nature, and The Post-Christian World.From these quotations, the works ofLewis offer yet another effective apologetic for Christ and Christianity. Taking from expository works like The Four Loves, The Problem of Pain andThe Screwtape Letters, as well as Lewis' allegorical writings such as TheChronicles Of Narnia, The Great Divorce, and The Space Trilogy, "AMind Awake" is the definitive C.S. Lewis anthology. ... Read more

Product Description
Beloved by generations for more than 50 years, this classic children's series is now available in a special adult edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (92)

The Chronicles of Narnia
It was in used condition but in very good condition. I was very happy with this purchase.

A classic in every sense of the word.
This is a classic in every sense of the word. It may not be as detailed as "The Lord of the Rings," the work by Lewis' friend, J.R.R. Tolkien, but they are just as good in my opinion. The fact that it is written so simply in order for young readers to understand also makes it appealing for adult readers too. It allows the reader to imagine the world of Narnia and its inhabitants, making it all the more real and accessible. In fact, each one of the seven tales is so good that I can't really claim to have a favorite, only judged them based on how well they work. In that sense, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is the strongest of the stories while "The SIlver Chair," is the weakest. In short, this is a book that can be enjoyed at all ages and would also be a great way to ease young children away from short picture books and into larger novelizations. In fact, I think I will read these stories to my kids.

All I needed
I bought this book because of, frankly, the low price.When In received it, it was in like-new condition and arrived within the time I was told to expect it.Keep up the good work!

My kids like this on as a bedtime story
My husband reads this one to the girls a lot.It has all the the stories, but we don't read the last one because everybody dies and he has weird ideas about the afterlife.But a good collection to read outloud otherwise.A chapter a night seems about right.

A Journey Worth Undertaking
Synopsis:
A fictional series based in the mythical land of Narnia where animals talk, witches loom, magic flourishes and lions reign.It is a place where men coexist with centaurs, minotaurs, dwarves and fauns.C.S. Lewis pens seven volumes primarily following the adventures of the four Pevensie children: Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund as they discover a portal to a wondrous new world at the back of a wardrobe.Many people call Lewis' work a Christian allegory but that's not quite accurate. Not every figure and event represents an element of the Christian life.I've read that Lewis approached his books by asking the question, "What would Jesus Christ be like in a world like Narnia?"The answer, of course, comes in the form of Aslan, the noble lion who directs all things according to the counsel of his own will.Chronicles is not allegory but is full of biblical allusions.The Chronicles of Narnia was written for children, but can (and should) be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Kudos/Knocks:
Lewis is a true joy to read and even children should not have much trouble tackling these volumes for themselves.Narnia is an enchanted place that every reader will long to visit.I enjoyed every volume, but some more than others. Below I will list all seven books in order from most loved to least loved, with a few words about each.

#1: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
I loved every page of this journey.I believe it is an homage to Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress.Prince Caspian's trek to the very end of the word encapsulates the life and trials of every Christian.Lucy, Edmund and newbie to Narnia, cousin Clarence, join Caspian as he seeks to discover the fate of seven men who were banished by his evil uncle. This book captured my imagination with its vivid metaphors of the tribulations we face in our ordinary, everyday lives.I was enchanted especially by the last part as our heroes pass the final trial and arrive at the very end of the world within view of Aslan's country on the horizon.One of my favorite quotes from the whole series comes from this book.It's from the very first line.I chuckle every time I read it."There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."

#2:The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The flagship volume of the entire series, Lion is the one Narnia story I recall from my youth.I believe one of my elementary school teachers read it to us (imagine that happening these days! She would have been strung up by the ankles with piano wire).We are first introduced to the Pevensie children: Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmond here.While staying with their uncle, Lucy stumbles upon the magic world-warping wardrobe and finds herself in the frigid woods of a permanent Narnian winter.She eventually brings her brothers and sister back with her and the true adventure begins.Edmond is seduced by the wiles of the White Witch and becomes her unwitting servant.The children are guided to fulfill their destiny in overcoming the White Witch by the fiercesome yet gentle lion, Aslan.The obvious parallel between Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection on Edmund's behalf to the cross of Christ is unmistakable - and beautifully imagined.The story has stuck with me all these years, even when I was ignorant of its Christian message.It is a spellbinding tale on every level.

#3:The Magician's Nephew
The tale of Narnia's creation and how the sons of Adam came to rule and reign over it.It also reveals the origin of the White Witch and how she came to Narnia.The volume I read has this book listed first in the series, according to a natural, chronological order ( and C.S. Lewis' preferred order).However, I believe this book is much more fulfillingif read after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.Once you read Lion you will naturally be left with a few lingering questions (if you're the inquisitive type).The Magician's Nephew answers those questions in a very satisfying manner, wrapped in a imaginative story you won't soon forget.

#4:The Last Battle
The grand finale of the series alludes to biblical eschatology by chronicling apostasy, deception and political power plays in the last days of Narnia. Eustace, his schoolmate Jill, the Pevensie children and the king of Narnia work together to restore order to a land in chaos.Aslan, the true king of Narnia lowers the curtain over history by bringing about the consummation of all things.I somewhat morbidly enjoyed the creeping pall of doom cast over this entire story.It is brilliantly counterbalanced by the glorious and thought-provoking stroll Lewis takes us on through Aslan's country at the close of his chronicles.It is a journey that brings to mind what the prophet Isaiah wrote about the new heavens and new earth shining so gloriously that the old world wouldn't even come to mind.

Note: I must draw an imaginary line at this point in my rankings.These first four volumes all possess a certain degree of magic that could not be reproduced from the next three.The difference in my love for #1 and #4 is minimal - but there is a significant drop-off on the ole Magic Meter for #5-7.

#5:The Silver Chair
Just edges out Prince Caspian.This is due to the fact that I enjoy the epic quest plot device more so than a tale of political intrigue and revolutionary war.Eustace and Jill are whisked away to Narnia where Aslan sends them on a very specific task to rescue King Caspian's long lost son, Prince Rilian from the clutches of an evil witch.While this may sound like standard 'Mario must save the kidnapped princess' fare reserved only for video games, I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit.Overall, it is not nearly as memorable as the other epic quest book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, however it does manage to stand on its own merits.The scene involving the aforementioned silver chair is quite powerful and a vivid portrayal of the power sin holds over all of us.

#6:Prince Caspian
Maybe because I read it so long ago, I just didn't get involved much with this tale at all.I recently watched the theatrical version and enjoyed it quite a bit, but I still can't rank this book any higher.The title character is a prince of Narnia who suddenly becomes expendable when his cruel power-hungry uncle, who reigns as king, has a son born to him.Caspian's teacher raised him on tales of a bygone time in Narnia when animals talked, trees walked and dwarves, dryads, fauns and centaurs inhabited the land.These were all considered myth in the enlightened age Caspian lived in.Eventually, Caspian discovers Narnia's hidden populace and they believe he has been raised up to free Narnia from the tyrannical rule of his uncle.The four Pevensie children are summoned back to assist Caspian in Narnia's revolution.Prince Caspian is a fine book on all accounts but for me it's missing the magic of discovery I felt when reading Lion and Dawn Treader.Frankly, I found this volume a bit tiresome.Maybe, I will gain a new appreciation of it on a second read through.

#7:The Horse and His Boy
Full Disclosure: I have almost zero recollection of what this book's about.I had to scan through the pages to refresh myself on the basic plot.Maybe I should read it again before reviewing - just to be fair.The setting occurs during the reign of Peter and Edmund following the fall of the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.The main characters are Shasta, a poor lad from the land of Calormen and Bree, a talking Narnian horse.Both lived as slaves but when they found each other they agreed to run away - to the happy and free land of Narnia.As you can imagine ( and I am!) they have many adventures along the way.The Calormen culture has a distinct Arabian flavor.They are a people who value pride and power above all.Shasta is not at all like his fellow country men and along with his faithful companion, he begins a pilgrimage to a better country.I should comment no more until I take the journey with the horse and his boy once again. ... Read more

Product Description
This biography of C.S.Lewis, poet, novelist, literary critic and theologian is written by a lifelong friend who seeks to present a more balanced portrait than has been possible before, by making use of family papers and the million word diary kept by Lewis's brother. He vividly describes the Belfast background, the cruel schooling and sadism, Lewis' terrible experiences in the Great War, the strange promise to a brother officer that led him to live with a woman twice his age for years at the Kilns, Oxford, the young poet, the academic career and his friendship with J.R.Tolkien and other Oxford dons who made up The Inklings group. The author goes on to describe Lewis' conversion to Christianity and the run-away success of the wartime Screwtape Lectures on the BBC and the extraordinary marriage to the eccentric American divorcee, Joy Davidman that altered him profoundly in his last years. This book provides a full survey of the whole literary output, academic, fictional, theological and poetic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Feast for the Literary
Written by Lewis' student and later in life friend, Sayer gives the reader a thorough review of his mentor's life. More than a biography, Sayer includes material about the context of Lewis' life, including the Belfast culture he was born into, the academic culture in which Lewis lived and sometimes struggled, and interpersonal relationships that some have wondered about. What is missing in detail is Lewis' time sent in the military in World War I though the author states Lewis wrote and spoke little about it.He reveals a different perspective on Lewis' childhood which is less negative than Lewis wrote.While the reader does not need to have read all of Lewis' writings prior to reading this book, it is helpful to have some general knowledge about them. Sayer covers them, including his poetry, in some detail, their development and influences.The impact of his outspoken faith on the progress or lack of progress from a professional perspective is sometimes overlooked due to his increasing fame following the publication of the Narnia series.It was interesting to learn of his struggles and disappointments in this area of his life.
I would recommend this book for any reader interested in more detail of Lewis' life. It does not read as a 'popular' book and therefore it is not a quick read. Lewis made a great contribution to an appreciation of Christianity and beauty/literature which is developed by this author.
My favorite quotes of Lewis that I read in this book are these:

"In reading great literature I become a thousand men (and I would add women) and yet remain my self.Like the night sky in a Greek poem, I see with a thousand eyes, but it is still I who see.Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself:and am never more myself than when I do."
from "An Experiment in Criticism"

"...The miracle is done
And for one little moment we are one
With the eternal stream of loveliness ...
Only a moment.
O!but we shall keep
Our vision still.One moment was enough, ...
For we have seen the Glory--we have seen."
from the poem "Dungeon Grates" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Must Read for all Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, & Big People
Urang's book was published in 1971, during an earlier focus upon Tolkien, as well as his colleagues Lewis and Williams.This was originally written as Urang's dissertation on theology and fantasy writing.Urang's writing is precise, engaging, and fascinating.It is an excellent book to read for Tolkien fans and others.I'm amazed that it hasn't been brought back into print, yet.I highly recommend it!

Excellent Book, too bad it's not still in Print
For fans of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Charles Williams, this is a must read.Urang does tremendous work as he relates these excellent writers to theology and religious teaching.

Peter Carey ... Read more

Product Description
On its first appearance, The Screwtape Letters was immediately recognized as a milestone in the history of popular theology and has since sold more than a quarter of a million editions. Now stunningly repackaged and rebranded as part of the Signature Classics range.A masterpiece of satire, this classic has entertained and enlightened readers the world overwith its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below'. At once wildly comic, deadly serious and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly wise old devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man.Dedicated to Lewis's friend and colleague J.R.R. Tolkien, The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation -- and triumph over it -- ever written. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Spectacular!
I have recently finished "Mere Christianity" and I was told that Screwtape Letters is even better.I plan to start it here in a few days.The packaging and delivery time was spectacular and I am currently serving in a deployed location. The price was fair.If your looking for a good Christian read try Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan also.

C.S. Lewis Rocks
Love this book.

Humerous and insightful.

Started reading C.S. Lewis many moons ago in high school. Mr. Lewis is genuine, intelligent and respects his readers' minds -- a man with a mind and a heart -- the real deal.

His writings hold up from many years ago and will contiune to do so as time marches on.

Awe inspiring book. A must read!
This book is written so well and with such wit I was quite impressed. C.S Lewis made this book feel like you were actually reading real letters from a demon. You feel like your getting a glimpse to the other side so you can be prepared to fight the evil of the devil and his minions. I would recommend everyone to read this book to gain in knowledge and wisdom and better your life with God as a part of it. God Bless!

The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis
Although an older paperback edition, it was in excellent condition, without a single dog-ear, or wrinkled page, nor was the binding or cover misused in any way. It had that lovely smell that old books get after being read and spending many years on a library shelf, which makes it even more of a treasure in my opinion. It was a special gift to a young girl in my boyfriend's family that I discovered is an avid reader, and I was delighted to find that she and I shared a common love for literature. I sincerely hope that she not only enjoys the book not only for the entertainment value it provides, but takes from it the moral teachings, and that it makes her think on how temptation is always just around the corner, and every decision we make affects the paths we take in life. This book helped shape the way I looked at my own spirituality, and the choices I made in my life throughout the years. I hope it does the same for her. At fourteen, it is a wonderful book to help guide a teen without being overbearing or 'preachy'. It amuses, makes you both laugh, and worry about the plight of the victim, the goals of the demon trying to tempt the Christian, the failures of both from time to time, and the fragile nature of man.

I highly recommend this to readers fourteen and older. If you haven't had the opportunity to read it, pick it up. At this price, it truly was a bargain!

Review of C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters
The cover of the book I received is different from the one I ordered but other than that I don't have much complaint.

This book is quite interesting. I've only read the first five letters of the book, but there are all kinds of different tactics that Uncle Screwtape and his dear Wormwood use to try to secure the damnation of a new Christian. I like it but the only thing I think is missing in it is the dialog from Wormwood to Uncle Screwtape. ... Read more

Product Description
About the BookThere can be many obstacles to faith. As Art Lindsley says, "Lewis knew what it was like not to believe. He struggled with many doubts along the way to faith. Since he was an ardent atheist until age thirty-one, Lewis's experience and education prepared him to understand firsthand the most common arguments against Christianity."As a scholar and teacher of literature at Oxford, Lewis confronted many questions:

* Aren't all religions just humanly invented myths?

* Doesn't evil in the world indicate an absence of any personal or loving God?

* Why should what is true for one person be true for me, especially when it comes to religion?

* How can anyone claim that one religion is right?

* Why follow Jesus if he was just another good moral teacher? This book provides a readable introduction to Lewis's reflections on these and other objections to belief in Jesus Christ and the compelling reasons why Lewis came to affirm the truth of Christianity. Art Lindsley is a helpful and reliable guide to the voluminous and sometimes challenging writings of Lewis for both seekers and those who want to grasp their own faith more deeply. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

bought by mistake
I actually bought this book by mistake. I thought it was the actual one written by C.S. Lewis.

It has some amount of interesting information in it. But I am quite unhappy as to the title.

A Wonderful Study
This book was awesome.It helped me determine which of the C.S. Lewis books I wanted to read first.

The Heart Has Its Reasons
Art Lindsley's C.S. Lewis's CASE FOR CHRIST: Insights from Reason, Imagination and Faith came to me unbidden through the generosity of a devout, kind, proselytizing Christian. Therefore, though I am not a member of the choir, clearly the book, preaching to this group as it does, will be warmly received by its members, who would be scandalized by Richard Dawkin'sTHE GOD DELUSION (Houghton Mifflin, 2006), Daniel Dennett's BREAKING THE SPELL (Viking Adult, 2006) or Bertrand Russell's WHY I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN (Touchstone,1957). The unison praise of the book's other reviewers in this space attests to this. Coming from a different place, it is hoped the reader will consider my observations to be respectfully challenging about the books "arguments from reason." On the other hand, as Dr. Lindsley, a senior fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute in Springfield, VA., also emphasizes in the subtitle reference to "Imagination and Faith", we share agreement with the 17th century philosopher Blaise Pascal who, in his classic defense of Christian religion wrote: "The heart has its reasons which reason does not know" (Pensees, Number 277).

First, some comments are, perhaps, in order about the choice of C.S. Lewis as an apologist for Christianity. Lewis is avidly cast in this role in the United States and his writings are, indeed, often apologetic. However, in his homeland on the other side of the big water he is seen by many as quirky or weird or even bullying. A.N. Wilson's biography C.S LEWIS: A BIOGRAPHY (W.W. Norton, 1990) is sometimes unflattering, sometimes unfair. Alan Jacob's biography is more admiring (THE NARNIAN, HarperSanFrancisco, 2006).

Knowing something about Lewis's personality through these and other authors, he seems an odd choice to adopt as a defender of the faith. Beyond his inventive mind and the glisten of his prose, he was so tractable (even late in life he came close to renouncing his god), and so persistently troubled. He grew up in a Protestant Belfast family and at four, when his dog died, insisted that he thereafter be called by his dog's name Jacksie, later shortened to Jack. At thirteen he became an atheist because he couldn't imagine a god who would design a world "so frail and faulty" - thus joining, at an early age, others who have complained the creator should not have rested on the seventh day. He was wounded in WW I and moved in with Jane Moore, the mother of an Army buddy who had been killed in battle. They lived together for many years until she became senile and died. Both of the biographers mentioned above and her daughter believe they were lovers though Mrs. Moore never divorced her husband from whom she was separated. As an Oxford Don, Lewis became a close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien and through Tolkien, on a lengthy perambulating conversation that lasted from dusk to dawn, accepted Christianity and its coalescence with myth and mysticism. His favorite argument for the belief in Jesus was that Christ didn't seem to be either a liar or crazy so he must be a god just as he said he was.

In CASE FOR CHRIST, Lindsley appears to set up a number of straw men who are unconvinced by Christian beliefs. For examples: "What does a two thousand year old religion have to do with me?"; "Isn't belief in God just a crutch for needy people?"; "Is what was true for C.S. Lewis necessarily true for me?"; "Aren't morals relative?" Perhaps some who are questing for faith might slightly stumble over these questions but it is hard to imagine them as hurdles.

At the same time, Lindsley's chapters about more fundamental questions, for examples, "The problem of Evil" and "Other Religions" did not seem penetrating and were sometimes illogical. For instance, his recourse to the "burden of proof" (p. 85), the "appeal to popularity" (p. 120) and the "appeal to consequences of belief" (p. 178) are well known logical fallacies.

The problem of evil was, of course, what turned thirteen year old Lewis from faith to atheism. Then, later, as a Christian apologist, his Panglossian answer was that evil showed that "the world had gone wrong" and that pain can direct people to the right path. When Lewis's wife Joy, who he married years after Jane died, succumbed to cancer, he came for a time to believe in a malevolent god. Some of his diary thoughts remind one of Jung's ANSWER TO JOB (Princeton Univ. Press, 1958) and had he died in the midst of this anger at god his place as an apologist would have died with him. As for other religions, Lewis argues, these do not include incarnation, which he considers an essential qualifier for the true religion. And, as indicated above, since Christ said he was God, it must be true.

Dr. Lindsley's knowledge of C.S. Lewis, integration of the literature and clear style will be appreciated by his readers but, as he says"...most of the [religious] doubts we battle are not intellectual but of emotional or spiritual origin." This echoes Pascal, the eminent philosopher, physicist, inventor and mathematician who obviously had extraordinary intellectual tools. Yet, in the face of a challenge to theistic belief that John Stuart Mill or Bertrand Russell might raise, such as "Who made God?" he would remind us "The last proceeding of reason is to recognize that there is an infinity of things that are beyond it." Finally, there is Faith.

By the end of the book, Lewis will be a dear and trusted friend
C.S. Lewis's Case for Christ is a concise and contemporary retelling of the famous author's beliefs. There is something in these pages for everyone. Those who are already familiar with Lewis will have a resource that highlights his key thoughts, while those new to him will follow his journey from atheism to a vibrant faith in Christ.

The book was creatively written within the framework of a bookstore discussion. A group of fictional people meets each week to talk about the author. This setting allows the reader a chance to pull up a chair and join them. The characters that participate in this forum are diverse, and probably reflect an accurate sampling of the book's audience.

Author Art Lindsley's knowledge of Lewis is beautifully complemented by his admiration of the author. He reveals interesting facts about Lewis's personal life and then provides a spiritually sensitive look at the obstacles that held him back from a belief in Christ. The pages offer a penetrating mix of Scripture and logic.

The author writes as if Lewis was a dear and trusted friend, and by the end of book, he will be to every reader. Most impressive are the clear explanations of the reflections of Lewis. Although some of these ideas have baffled brilliant minds throughout history, these pages offer an understandable summary. Lewis was one of the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century, and now all readers can be acquainted with his profound insights.

Yet, the most wonderful thing about this book is that it has the potential to lead people to a saving knowledge of the truth. The obstacles that hindered Lewis' faith in God are still present today. These pages offer a unique resource for opening discussions along those lines. -- Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

Case Closed
On New Year's Day, I had a 2-hour discussion with a friend whobelieves in God but does not believe that Jesus was His Son.She said she believed that Jesus was a great prophet but nothing more. (No, she is not Jewish.) Because I am both a Christian and a great respecter of my friend's intellect, our talk disturbed me.

Later that same day, I stopped by a bookstore to get some calendars - you know, 50% off and all that.Anyway, I got the calendars and wandered around a bit, looking for a couple of specific books. On my way to these other books, I noticed a display of C.S. Lewis books at the end of an aisle. And at the top of the display was a book I had not until that moment knew existed: C.S. LEWIS'S CASE FOR CHRIST by Art Lindsley. Hmm. I felt like looking heavenward and going, "Hit me over the head with a two-by-four, why don't You?"

The book is not, as I thought it would be, a parable by parable, story by story examination of Jesus' life with all the evidence neatly trotted out as to why we should believe he was who he said he was. Rather, the book gives Lewis' reasons for choosing Christianity - which by its name indicates a belief in Jesus as the Christ - over other world religions.

One chapter titled "Myth: Isn't Christianity just one myth among many?"was especially helpful to me.I recently returned from a trip to the Vatican; while there, the gargantuan size of St. Peter's, the statues, the sight of Pope Benedict on the balcony, stirred feelings of unease in me.There were moments when it was too Hollywood, too much like hero worship.I began to look about and wonder what separated this elaborate and amazing story from other stories like, for example, The Lord of The Rings?I read the "Myth" chapter, and it went a long way towards calming my fears and dispelling my doubts; it helped me to see that the story of Christ has things about it that lift it above mere mythology.It was a relief!

For a person who has never read any of C.S. Lewis' works, this book, with Lindsley as your guide, would be a good place to start.Art Lindsley, a senior fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute, has put together from Lewis' writings a convincing argument for the choice of Christianity over other faiths. I will definitely be sharing it with my friend.

For those of you who may have the same faith in Lewis as I do and
go to him regularly to be "talked" through doubt and confusion, you will enjoy this book and will also understand the need for the words that Lindsley gives his character John at the end of the book.John, the leader of a discussion group about C.S. Lewis tells a participant the following: "I can give you a good reading list, but remember faith in Christ is more than just satisfying your intellect.C.S. Lewis would not want people to focus on his personality or even his books. He wanted to point beyond that to Jesus."

... Read more

Product Description

This collection, carefully chosen and arranged by Walter Hooper, is the most extensive ever published. Included here are the letters Lewis wrote to such luminaries as J.R.R. Tolkien, Owen Barfield, Arthur C. Clarke, Sheldon Vanauken, and Dom Bede Griffiths. To some particular friends, such as Dorothy L. Sayers, Lewis wrote fifty letters alone. The letters deal with all of Lewis's interests—theology, literary criticism, poetry, fantasy, children's stories—as well as his relationships with family members and friends.

Customer Reviews (5)

Great CS Lewis Book
Nice collection of letters and especially gives insight into his relationship with his wife Joy.

Not Coming Out in Paperback
All three of the volumes of Lewis's letters are spectacular, of course, but it's unfortunate that HarperCollins decided (after plenty of us had bought vols. 1 and 2 in paperback) that they were only going to release this volume in hardcover. I suppose I should have guessed since they put the first two paperback volumes in a slipcover (which never made sense to me before--who would buy that knowing the third volume was imminent?), and the IMMENSE size of this volume probably wouldn't have done well in paperback. All the same, it would have been nice to know ahead of time. Now I have to buy the first two volumes AGAIN, this time in hardcover, in order for my set to match. A more cynical man would find a conspiracy there.

At any rate, I can't be the only one checking back here periodically to see if/when they'll issue Vol 3 in paperback, so I hope this note (not really a review, I'm afraid) is helpful to others.

Cleaning out the attic.
On a windy day last fall I had the chance to visit the Kilns, the home of Jack and Warren Lewis, uphill from Oxford.One thing that caught my eye was how ad hoc and miscellaneous the house seemed.One could see how someone who lived in that house could write so ramshackle a novel as That Hideous Strength, and where the attic between houses in The Magician's Nephew came from, and (moving up the hill past the pond) why Dryads and Naiads bend in the wind, as they turn into maples and oaks.Like Ransom's St. Annes, or the Professor's in Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe this was a house with a personality, one that collects people, animals, and stories.

It is fitting that the final volume of Lewis' correspondence is also miscellaneous and ad hoc.Yes, there are more letters to T. S. Elliot -- studiously polite in the early years, more friendly (it seems to me) later on -- Tolkien (a few), Sayers, Roger Green, Griffiths.(The Washington Post reviewer gets a lot right, but I think misses Lewis' true tone here -- it seems to me he's worried about Griffiths move away from orthodoxy.)Half or more of the correspondents are writers.Others are children (Lewis seems to put his heart into answers to children) or pests to whom Lewis is trying to be polite, one guesses.

Not all the letters are equally interesting, of course.Some seem a bit pro forma.What struck me about Volume 2 was the enormous amount of fun Lewis had.I didn't laugh quite as often reading this volume.I think the reason is, Lewis is famous now, and writes often here from duty, rather than pleasure.On the plus side, we're past WWII, and the numerous "thank you" letters for ham from the States that take up so much space in volume two.

What would bring this volume to life would be more letters to and from Joy, her boys, Tolkien, and maybe with Warren to and from Irish pubs.Oh, well, there's still quite a bit of good stuff in here -- I found it more interesting than volume 1, less than volume 2, overall.

Walter Hooper does a magnificent job of collecting, collating, and explaining, without getting in the way.He always seems to provide a note just when you want one, and answer the right questions.

author, The Truth Behind the New Atheism: Responding to the Emerging Challenges to God and Christianity

The great author as a character.
It was absolutely fascinating to crawl around inside the head of this brilliant man as he entered the most tumultuous period of his life.I cannot help but think of Till We Have Faces, as Lewis stuggles through the same difficult lessons of learning to let someone you love go into the arms of God and away from your own.Utterly real, this book is worth the 1700 page read.

Easily the deepest and most thought provoking of the collections
Given the fact that this letters collection deals mainly with the latter stages of Lewis's life, I really think this is the best of the three collections.

The main reason is that we get a clearer picture into the mind of the man who created Narnia, wrote the painfully honest and cathartic "A Grief Observed" after the loss of his wife, Joy and we start to see a man who takes faith to a new level in his life, from an intellectual and notionalistic approach to a real, raw encounter with God.

It is very easy to see how Lewis has influenced so many writers today, even the new gneration, who are just beginning to write. His legacy continues on in the minds and pens of Christian thinkers and writers who desperately want to help individuals grow closer to God and examine their faith to keep it vital.

And Lewis is relevant, as J.G. Marking, author of "A Voice Is Calling," so clearly stated, "I believe to some degree every Christian author is likened to C.S. Lewis because he is the intellectual and literary bar that we are all measured against.And thus, in some way, his voice will resonate in all of ours, maybe forever."

This collection reveals more of the soul of Lewis than the mind, which is an even more intriguing glance. ... Read more

Product Description
The writer of popular works such as The Chronicles of Narnia series for children has also touched the world with his biographical journey to Christianity. Lewis was a profound thinker with the rare ability to communicate the philosophical and theological rationale of Christianity in simple yet amazingly effective ways. In The Pilgrim's Regress, Lewis records his search for meaning and spiritiual satisfaction that eventually led him to Christianity. God in the Dock contains forty-eight essays and twelve letters that cover topics as varied as the logic of theism, good and evil, miracles, and ethics. And in Christian Reflections, he addresses Christianity and literature, Christianity and culture, petitionary prayer, modern theology, and biblical criticism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Perspective on life
A good book that puts into allegorical form how we perceive our life here on earth from a perspective that is not God's.A good way of putting our perspectives into a form that we can easily recognize and hopefully move towards God's perspective.

different
Some of the strangest stories I 've read and I read a lot. Does make one think.

Lewis at his most natural and best
Really enough cannot be said about this book. It is a compilation of three other 'works', each of which contain numerous topics, or (one could say) 'works' in themselves. Lewis writes on a myriad of subjects, ranging from extremely controversial topics such as captial punishment, to perhaps less considered topics, like Christianity and Culture. Lewis has a remarkable way of making crucial points, even in topics you would not normally consider to be very important.

The writing is Lewis, so, of course, it is chalk full of wit, metaphor, and complex ideas. Many of the presented works are not overly long (they were written to be read as lectures), and so Lewis wastes no time in getting to his point. This is important to the reader who wants to get to the points Lewis is making - the meat of his arguments - as quickly as possible. Since the book is over 500 pages, reticence is one of Lewis's virtues (in this book). Another thing I found interesting was that, in a section of the book (towards the end especially, but also peppered throughout), there are rebutals and replies from Lewis's critics. This was a unique way in which to examine how Lewis responded, and it also showed Lewis, like all apologists, had his share of dissenters.

Personally, I like Lewis. I like his writing style, and, as far as I 'know' him, I like him as a man. Prior to reading this I had read his 'Signature Classics', which can be looked up on amazon, if one desires to know its composition. I found very little overlap in thought; though there invitably must be SOME, if we are supposing Lewis really believes in the ideas he argues.

If you are interested in diving into some of Lewis's deepest, most challenging (and therefore most rewarding) thoughts, I think you would like this book.

A great collection of a great Author's works.
The first part, a Pilgrim's Regress is a critique on many modern philosophies. Overall it's quite well written, with only a few parts that are so transparent as to leave your intelligence feeling a tad insulted. The other two thirds of this tome is a collection of Lewis' writings from several sources, correspondence, essays, transcripts from radio talks etc. A few of them are dry, but many of them are excellent. It's remarkable that the very same issues which we in the Catholic Church today are facing, are being discussed by this Anglican a century earlier. Women's ordination, the secularization of Christmas, etc. Why are we so incapable of learning from the mistakes of others?! A few quotes worth sharing:

from "Priestesses in the Church:
"The Church claims to be the bearer of a revelatio. If that claim is false then we want not to make priestesses but to abolish priests. if it is true, then we should expct to find in the Church an element which unbelievers will call irrational and which believers will call suprarational...If we retain only what can be justified by standards of prudence and convenience at the bar of enlightened common sense, then we exchange revelation for that old wraith Natural Religion."

from "Xmas and Christmas(an allegorical narrative, hence the Crissmass, and Exmas)"
"But I myself conversed with a priest in one of these temples and asked him why they kept Crissmas on the same day as Exmas; for it appeared to me inconvenient, But the priest replied, It is not lawful O stranger, for us to change the date of Crissmas, but would that Zeus would put it into the minds of the Niatriibians to keep Exmas at some other time or not to keep it at all. "
(which beautiful backs up a point I hadmade in a post a few weeks ago on why we should not move Christmas)

Apparently this book is now thought of as out of print or hard to find, but I'm sure other editions of it's three component works: The Pilgrim's Regress, Christian Reflections and God in the Dock have come out.

Wonderful & Accurate
The book I ordered was sent right away and I received it very quickly, even with media mail. The item was described accurately and I am extremely pleased. ... Read more

Product Description
Contains the text of letters that the famed author wrote to children, as he shared his feelings about school, writing, and animals, among other topics, and demonstrated his deep understanding of young people. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

taking time for his fans
In "The Kilns" where C.S. Lewis lived with his brother Warren, the postman would deliver stacks of cards and letters daily. Lewisreplied conscientiously to each, seeking to encourage his writers in the hope of the gospel. He seemed never to have forgotten the imaginative ways of children. He and Warnie, as he called his brother, kept their own imaginary country Boxen alive for as long as they lived.

This book is a compilation of those cards and letters. As well, it includes a foreword from Lewis's step-son, Douglas Gresham, and a synopsis of his childhood.

C.S. Lewis said that "all settled happiness, all that was tranquil and reliable, disappeared from my life" (p. 14) upon the death of his mother when he was only 9. His loving father was unable to meet the needs of his boys, and so they were sent away to boarding school. Life improved for Jack when he was 16. He was sent to Great Bookham, Surrey, England for 2 years' study with a private tutor named Professor W.T. Kirkpatrick. Nicknamed Kirk and the Great Knock, this brilliant teacher appears in the Narnian books as Professor Digory Kirke. Lewis said he owed a huge debt to this man. Lewis then attended Oxford on scholarship, entered service in W.W. I, and commenced his 40 year long academic career at both Oxford and Cambridge.
Here's how he described himself to one of his young writers: "I'm tall, fat, rather bald, red-faced, double-chinned, black-haired, have a deep voice, and wear glasses for reading." He ended many of his letters with a request that the writer include him in his prayers, and often promised himself to pray for his writers. Although he would sometimes complain, "There are dreadful mails at present--I write letters all day--it spoils Christmas completely" he never laid aside this burden of answering his letters.When he was unable to respond he would have his brother or secretary attend to his more insistent writers. His love for children and animals was plain in these letters. On occasion, he would correct the writer's submissions and sometimes caught himself sermonizing, but the truly amazing thing is that he wrote all these hundreds of letters by hand. (He said he did not type.)

Exquisite, But You Can Get More for Your Money
This is an exquisite little collection of C. S. Lewis' letters to children. The emphasis lies on "little," though. What with the Introduction, biographical pages, and bibliography, there are fewer than a hundred pages of actual letters. Most of them, too, are pretty short, which makes for many empty spaces on the pages.

If you'd like to a read a few worthwhile passages by Lewis about Narnia, then get this book. But be aware that you can get much more for your money. All these letters are included in other, more comprehensive collections of Lewis' letters. I especially recommend The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3: Narnia, Cambridge, and Joy, 1950 - 1963 (Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis).

But then again, the comprehensive volumes might be more than you desire. As far as Lewis' view on Narnia goes, "Letters to Children" is still the best collection out there.

- Jacob Schriftman, Author of The C. S. Lewis Book on the Bible: What the Greatest Christian Writer Thought About the Greatest Book

Charming insights on the man
Lewis is largely known for his "Screwtape Letters," "Chronicles of Narnia," and "Mere Christianity." He ranges from the steeply theological to captivating children's fiction.What "Letters to Children" does is bridge the two worlds.

Bear in mind it is a collection of letters, not polished literature.You get a lot of asides and witticisms that one might say off-handedly to someone one never expects to talk to again.He thanks children for correcting the punctuation in his book.He always mentions the dreary weather in England.And he notes more than once that the children always seem to know who Aslan is, even when their parents don't get it.

But what is priceless about the book is that it captures a part of Lewis that he himself observes in his autobiographical essays.He is not particularly interested in or even familiar with children; he simply shares with them the same interest in great story-telling.Perhaps the best letter is the one in which he gives a little girl several tips on good writing.He encourages the children to write stories of their own.He almost discusses books with them the way you would expect him to with his colleagues at Oxford and Cambridge, and he gives children just that much respect.Lewis has an adult mind and a boy's heart, and that is why many of us continue to be in love with Lewis.

"Letters to Children" is a great read for the Lewis connoisseur who wants to know more of how his mind worked.

Letters from a Gracious Man
Every time I read another book by C.S. Lewis I become more grateful for his life and his writings.This book is a gem, and a wonderful window into Lewis' soul.He answers these children's letters with self-effacing grace and humor, and with a sincere respect for their opinions and their dignity.While being a great writer has no particular connection with being a good person, this book is, to me, irresistable evidence of Lewis' personal goodness.The Angler (as he once referred to God in "Surprised by Joy") snared a fine specimen when he snared the soul of C.S. Lewis.

A bit lacking
This is one book I had wanted to read for along time. It just seemed like an excellent idea to be able to experience an author in this extraordinary way, communicating with his number one fans: kids.

Sadly, when I read it, I didn't like it that much. First of all, it was a very short read. I finishedreading it in one afternoon. Secondly, I found the book to be lacking information, because letters are presented here and there, but most of the time we don't get to read a "two-way" conversation, so it is hard to follow. Also, I expected to read letters to and from many children, and was a bit disappointed when I realised only a few children's letters were featured.

Still, I love C.S. Lewis, and was very happy to read his Letters to Children, and feel as if some had been written for me. ... Read more

Product Description
Published under the pseudonym, Clive Hamilton, Spirits in Bondage was C. S. Lewis' first book. Released in 1919 by Heinemann, it was reprinted in 1984 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and included in Lewis' 1994 Collected Poems ~ A delightful Read.
About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), commonly referred to as C. S. Lewis and known to his friends as Jack, was a Northern Irish academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, and Christian apologist. He is also known for his fiction, especially The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy. Lewis was a close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings. Both authors were leading figures in the English faculty at Oxford University and in the informal Oxford literary group known as the "Inklings". According to his memoir Surprised by Joy, Lewis had been baptised in the Church of Ireland at birth, but fell away from his faith during his adolescence. Owing to the influence of Tolkien and other friends, at about the age of 30, Lewis re-converted to Christianity, becoming "a very ordinary layman of the Church of England" (Lewis 1952, p. 6). His conversion had a profound effect on his work, and his wartime radio broadcasts on the subject of Christianity brought him wide acclaim. Later in his life he married the American writer Joy Gresham, who died of bone cancer four years later at the age of 45. Lewis's works have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold millions of copies over the years. The books that comprise The Chronicles of Narnia have sold the most and have been popularized on stage, in TV, in radio, and in cinema.
John Bunyan (28 November 1628 – 31 August 1688) was an English Christian writer and preacher, famous for writing The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most published book besides the Bible. In the Church of England, he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.
The Holy War Made by King Shaddai Upon Diabolus, to Regain the Metropolis of the World, Or, The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul is a 1682 novel by John Bunyan. This novel written in the form of an allegory, tells the story of the town "Mansoul." Though this town is perfect and bears the image of Shaddai (Almighty), it is deceived to rebel and throw off his gracious rule, replacing it instead with the rule Diabolus. Though Mansoul has rejected the Kingship of Shaddai, He sends his son Emmanuel to reclaim it. Now there were three esteemed men, who by admitting Diabolus to the city lost their previous authority. The eyes of "Understanding" the mayor are hidden from the light. "Conscience" the recorder has become a madman, at times sinning, and at other times condemning the sin of the city. But worst of all is Lord Willbewill, whose desire has been completely changed from serving his true Lord, to serving Diabolus. With the fall of these three, for Mansoul to turn back to Shaddai of their own will, is impossible. Salvation can come only by the victory of Emmanuel.

The entire story is a masterpiece of Christian literature, describing vividly the process of the fall, conversion, fellowship with Emmanuel, and many more intricate doctrines.

Aiden Wilson Tozer (April 21, 1897 - May 12, 1963) was an American Protestant pastor, preacher, author, magazine editor, Bible conference speaker, and spiritual mentor.[1] For his work, he received two honorary doctorate degrees.

Among the more than 40 books that he authored, at least two are regarded as Christian classics: The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy. His books impress on the reader the possibility and necessity for a deeper relationship with God.

Living a simple and non-materialistic lifestyle, he and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, never owned a car, preferring bus and train travel. Even after becoming a well-known Christian author, Tozer signed away much of his royalties to those who were in need.




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Product Description
C. S. Lewis is perhaps the most beloved modern Christian author. From The Chronicles of Narnia to Mere Christianity, his works have enthralled readers of all ages. Yet, though numerous books have been written about Lewis's life and his dramatic conversion to Christianity, none have asked the important question of how he grew spiritually. Lyle Dorsett sets out to answer that question in Seeking the Secret Place.Drawing on Lewis's books, letters, and interviews with his contemporaries, Dorsett reveals how Lewis's faith grew on a steady diet of Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments--not only to show how his faith developed but to encourage readers on the path to spiritual growth. C. S. Lewis fans and anyone looking to grow spiritually will value this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

a fewnuggets but very disappointing
Twenty years of doing interviews, one year of time off to write, and we get THIS book?Where are the interview quotes?Where is the meat? Where are the diverse human personalities of voices other than the author?I borrowed this from the library and read it in an hour. There are a few nuggets in the chapter on spiritual direction, but the Cowley monks in Cambridge recently printed another version of that chapter in their magazine which is as good as this whole book. Read that and Alan Jacobs' The Narnian if you want good new stuff on Lewis.But best of all, skip the biographers and just read Lewis himself, especially the Letters.

I wanted to like this book
I truly wanted and expected to like this book.Aside from the Holy Scriptures themselves, no other writings have meant so much to me personally as those of C.S. Lewis.Dorsett is a leading, respected Lewis scholar.This volume is well researched and contains important information not readily available elsewhere.Dorsett takes care to appreciate Lewis' Anglican context.(Aside from saying that the 1662 English Book of Common Prayer was the official Anglican version in Lewis' lifetime - the American Episcopal Church issued its first in 1789 and the Scottish Episcopal Church issued its first in 1639 - Dorsett does fairly well with this.)

The problem, as I see it, could have been dealt with by an editor's more active feedback.It's a question of readability outside of Dorsett's own ecclesiastical circle.All Christian traditions seem to have acquired very disctinctive manners of expressing their faith and piety.There's nothing wrong with this, of course.There are Roman Catholic, Anglican, Reformed, Eastern Orthodox forms of "in-house-speak," and many, manymore.The issue, in a work intended for broad distribution, is that if one isn't careful, the result can come across as affected - and certainly, distracting.It can seem like code language, in other words, insider-talk.To be very clear here, this is NOT a matter of authorial commitment to Christ.The issue is mode of expression.One of the greatest gifts of Lewis himself was his avoidance of clubbishness in tone when speaking of his faith.

With regret, I have to say that this volume, at least to me, was so dripping in the style of Revival Evangelicalism, that I found it actually hard to read.165 pages is a long dose of the gospel tract genre.Who knows, maybe what Dorsett did here, at least to some extent, was to transcribe oral presentations.Sadly, what could have been a valuable addition to Lewis studies, has been set in a small circle, literarily speaking.

I didn't do so, but most readers not in this particular club membership will either give up before finishing or disregard what Dorsett had to offer here.

A truly inspirational look at a truly inspirational life...
This book is obviously the result of an incredible amount of research. Thank you, Professor Dorsett, for all of your hard work. Lyle Dorsett has drawn from numerous sources, but the most interesting are the detailed accounts of Lewis's correspondence with ordinary individuals who sought out his spiritual advice. Lewis corresponded regularly with some of these people for over 20 years, and Professor Dorsett personally interviewed many of them. Equally informative are the interviews with many of Lewis's former students, friends and colleagues.

What one comes away with is a very distinct picture of what the man C.S. Lewis was really like. I already had great appreciation for Lewis the Christian thinker, writer, and apologist. After reading the book, I have a much greater appreciation for Lewis the follower of Christ. His greatness and his influence were not primarily the result of his brilliant mind, but rather his determination to "see Jesus Christ, to know and love Him". And to Lewis, this meant "a steady attempt to obey all the time", because "I cannot learn to love God except by learning to obey Him".

Through this precious book, one learns what "obeying Him" looked like to C.S. Lewis. He was a man of constant prayer, commitment to the local church, devotion to the Word of God, submission to spiritual direction, and a tireless dedication to being used by God in the spiritual encouragement and mentoring of others. His faithfulness to this last conviction was truly remarkable. As Dorsett points out, to one correspondent who feared she took up too much of his valuable time, Lewis responded that "every human being, still more every Christian, has an absolute claim on me for any service I can render them without neglecting other duties". Wow.

After reading this book, I see Lewis even more as a true saint who took serious the call of Christ to "deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, and follow me". When Lewis advised us in Mere Christianity to "give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it", he was only telling us to do what he was already committed to doing. Thank God for his life. And thank you, Professor Dorsett, for this book.

The Chronicles of C. S. Lewis' Spiritual Formation
In "Seeking the Secret Places," historian and C. S. Lewis scholar, Dr. Lyle Dorsett, writes a lively story of the spiritual life of author C. S. Lewis. As Dorsett notes in his Preface, much has been written about Lewis the Christian author, but much less about "how he grew from infancy to maturity in the Christian faith" (p. 15). Thus, Dorsett's purpose is pinpoint: "As a student of his life and writings for well over two decades, I have been intrigued by a question that has inspired this book: How did C. S. Lewis mature spiritually after his conversion to Christianity in 1931?" (p. 15).

Prayer is the first of Lewis' spiritual habits that Dorsett explores. Appropriately so, since Lewis himself taught other young converts that the first rule of spiritual growth was "be busy learning to pray" (p. 30). Dorsett's description of Lewis' struggle with believing prayer, brought on it part by the death of Lewis' mother when he was only nine, is worth the price of the book. Lewis summarized his own battle, as only he could: "Often when I pray, I wonder if I am not posting letters to a non-existent address" (p. 34). Throughout his excellent chapter on prayer, Dorsett demonstrates the stages of growth in Lewis' prayer life and the nature of that life of prayer. In no small part, prayer for Lewis had to be real, not sentimental, because our lives "do in truth influence God" (p. 39), and because "one of the purposes for which God instituted prayer may have been to bear witness that the course of events is not governed like a state but created like a work of art to which every being makes its contribution (in prayer) a conscious contribution, and in which every being is both an end and a means" (p. 39).

Reading this chapter not only informed me, but enthused me, even as "joining into this artistic enterprise enthused C. S. Lewis" (p. 39). "That we creatures are coworkers with the Creator quite simply excited him" (p. 39). As he grew in the school of prayer, Lewis was delighted to learn "that God invites us to be partakers in the execution of his will" (p. 46). Dorsett's explanation of Lewis' views on the age-old issue of Divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and prayer, provide some of the clearest, most practical theology that you can read on the topic.

Real regarding prayer as petition, Lewis was even more raw concerning prayer as praise, noting that initially he felt as if God said, "What I most want is to be told that I am good and great" (p. 47). "He wrote that such an attitude disgusts us when we encounter it in humans" (p. 47). A lifetime of struggle to praise led to a depth of insight toward the end of his life. "It is not that God insists or demands our praises, it is that when we begin to see Him more clearly--then who He is demands one's praise" (p. 48).

To his description of Lewis growing in grace through the spiritual discipline of prayer, Dorsett adds equally compelling chapters on Lewis and Scripture, Lewis and the Church, Lewis and Spiritual Friends, Lewis and Spiritual Guidance, and Lewis on Soul Care (what I call "sufferology"). Dorsett then concludes with an important chapter summarizing Lewis' spiritual formation legacy.

If you want to understand C. S. Lewis' practice of the traditional spiritual disciplines of the faith, I know of no better source than "Seeking the Secret Place." If you want to be schooled in why and how to practice these disciplines, and if you want to be motivated to do so, then "Seeking the Secret Place" is the place for you.

Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

Lewis in his own words
A powerful book that outlines Lewis' spiritual development using primary source material.Topically arranged, it shows how prayer, scripture, and obedience refined and tempered the man who's works have influenced countless thousands.Read it not only as a guide to the life of C.S. Lewis, but also to bless your own life with the study of one of the church's greatest 20th century saints and the God whom he served. ... Read more