Product Description
What was it like to have C. S. Lewis as a teacher?Most people know C. S. Lewis through his writings, but in his lifetime he was first and foremost a teacher. Now those who were influenced by what they learned from his teaching offer a unique view of one of the most influential Christian writers of all time. What was it like to study under C. S. Lewis when he taught at Oxford and Cambridge? How did his influence and teaching create a legacy that has influenced educators since? C. S. Lewis Remembered is a collection of interviews and essays that offer personal perspectives on Lewis the teacher and Lewis the man. These recollections portray him in all his humanity: both the irascibility and the brilliance, both the ferocity of his intellectual precision and the eagerness of his curiosity. Some of this book's contributors chose to study with Lewis because of his Christian faith. Others admired him as a scholar but never shared Lewis's interest in religion. Still others shared his 'mere Christianity' but differed with him over his Protestantism. But all of them came into contact with Lewis when they were young adults, whether they were students, colleagues, or those who knew him informally as a teacher. Many of them followed in his footsteps and became educators as well. Former students such as W. Brown Patterson, Peter Milward, and Peter Bayley talk about what it was like to study under Lewis. A recent lecture by Walter Hooper and essays by such noted scholars as Barbara Reynolds offer additional insight on Lewis and his influence. Also included are pieces by Lewis's godson, Lawrence Harwood; a transcript of an interview with Owen Barfield, a friend who knew Lewis from the time Lewis returned to Oxford after World War I and who played an important role in Lewis's shift from atheism to belief in God; and a hitherto unpublished sketch of Lewis by Mary Shelley Neylan. In addition, an article that appeared in SF Horizons, a magazine for science fiction fans, offers a transcript of a taped conversation between C. S. Lewis, Kingsley Amis, and Brian Aldiss. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

C. S. Lewis Remembered
Enjoyed this book edited by Dr. Poe and his daughter Rebecca Whitten Poe. I found it to be a very interesting book about C. S. Lewis. A first hand look at his academic and work portion of his life. Mainly about his academic life at Oxford and Cambridge.
I find Dr. Poe an interesting author as well, as he is a Christan scholar and a relative of Edgar Allen Poe.
I've met both he and his daughter at Edger Allen Poe 100th birthday remembrance last year. Charming people.

The many faces of C. S. Lewis
Lewis himself thought it unimportant, and even wrong, to be too curious about the private life of an author, as if you could work backwards into the "real" meaning of an author's writing through some sort of half-baked Freudian analysis (uh, does Wilson's book come to mind?!). Fortunately this book does not attempt to do so, since it is not really about is private life, but rather various angles of his public, mainly academic, life at Oxford and Cambridge. Of course personal tidbits are there, and they are quite enlightening and usually humorous, but you won't find the deep dark secret or alter ego that too many readers become obsessed with. Nor does the book paint a rosy picture in a hagiographic tone. It is just first-hand accounts of those who knew Lewis in varying degrees of intimacy at various stages of his life, some longer than others, showing that his life, like any other, is marked by the quotidian quality of normality. The only difference is that he was a genius with a rare talent for articulation and clear thinking, and his heart was kind; Sort of like a Spock with a sense of humor and a faith in God.

Here you find Lewis the frustrated poet, Lewis the analytical machine who argued for the joy of debate like his hero Johnson, Lewis the Inkling, Lewis the privately charitable (giving huge sums of money away to people he barely knew, widows in particular), Lewis the absent-minded Chair, Lewis the man of infinite memory recall, Lewis the scholar and popular lecturer, Lewis the godfather, Lewis the theologian unpopular with his colleagues for it, Lewis the tutor, Lewis the defender of Truth, Lewis the literary scholar, etc. Each essay has its own style, some better than others, some longer than others. But all open a unique window into the man we have come to admire, argue with and ultimately respect as a fellow traveler on the path to Truth and Meaning.

In particular I found Alastair Fowler's recollections of Lewis as his tutor at Oxford worthwhile. The essay really is about Lewis' powers of recollection and how that related to his life as a scholar, lecturer, tutor and friend. For me, that essay alone was worth the price of the book.

A theme that stands out in the collection is that of Lewis as the self-described dinosaur and specimen of the "Old Man" from the school of classical western education. How apt a description. They really don't make them like that anymore. In thinking to myself about who from our own time could be described in such terms, the giant of theological history, Jaroslav Pelikan, came to mind. A polyglot who could function on the scholarly level in at least nine languages, a pioneer in his field of theological history, as well as an authority on German literature, classical music, philosophy and even yachting (among other things), Pelikan embodied everything that Christian scholars aim for: deep piety (he was Eastern Orthodox) and deep intellect with a strong ability to articulate and defend the Faith to the world combined with genuine care for others and deep humility. They just don't make `em like that anymore.

If you are interested in Lewis as a man, I think you would appreciate The Life of C.S. Lewis - Through Joy and Beyond, C. S. Lewis: Images of His World (get the first print for better page layouts of photos), Simply C. S. Lewis: A Beginner's Guide to the Life and Works of C. S. Lewis, The Magic Never Ends - The Life and Work of C.S. Lewis on dvd and The Magic Never Ends The Life And Works Of C.s. Lewis.

We have so much to live for.
... Read more

Product Description
A succinct statement of Christian doctrine from one of Christianity's most beloved thinkers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Misrepresentation
Please save you money and enjoy the full text of Mere Christianity by CS Lewis.To read one, though very good chapter, from this book will not offer anyone any real appreciation for Mere Christianity.What HarperSanFranisco & Ms Klien are doing is simple misrepresentation, the let the buyer beware school of marketing,the "what's in it for me school of commerce".Please save you money, return the book & read the real CS Lewis.

what Christians believe
The book is excellent Lewis but... it is a collection of extracts from Mere Christianity and not a different Lewis tome.

<*))))>< An Introduction to Christianity
"We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity." ~ pg. 67

"What Christians Believe" is a tiny book that explains the very basics of Christianity. C. S. Lewis presents his arguments in a logical way with plenty of illustrations to make his points. This book is perfect for anyone who is seeking the truth or who wants to know more about why Jesus had to die for humanity's sins.

As soon as I finished reading this book I bought two copies for friends. This would be perfect as a gift for anyone who wants an introduction to C. S. Lewis' work.

~The Rebecca Review

Excellent Read
An excerpt from Mere Christianity, this tiny book summarizes in a very succinct manner what Christians believe. As a former atheist, Lewis provides a logical train of thought for those who might be looking for a straightforward approach to the joys of Christianity.

Basic Christianity
Beautifully written, logical explanation of basic Christian beliefs. It is very easy to read and follow his thought process. You could easily read it in one sitting. This would be a great tool for sharing with friends who are not Christians but have questions. It is actually only one chapter out of Lewis' classic "Mere Christianity." ... Read more

Product Description
C S Lewis was a remarkable man. Becoming a Christian seemingly almost against his will, he once described himself as Englands most reluctant convert. Yet he went on to become one of the seminal thinkers of the twentieth century, with an influence almost unparalleled in his generation. A prolific writer, broadcaster and academic, his books have found their way into homes all around the world, and his works are enjoyed by young and old alike. While his writings show a deep familiarity with the Scriptures, many people feel that he was inconsistent. Join Andrew Wheeler in this engaging, balanced overview of the writings of C S Lewis. ... Read more

Product Description

Throughout the ages, many of the world's greatest thinkers have wrestled with the concept of -- and belief in -- God. It may seem unlikely that any new arguments or insights could be raised, but the twentieth century managed to produce two brilliant men with two diametrically opposed views about the question of God: Sigmund Freud and C. S. Lewis. They never had an actual meeting, but in The Question of God, their arguments are placed side by side for the very first time.

For more than twenty-five years, Armand Nicholi has taught a course at Harvard that compares the philosophical arguments of both men. In The Question of God, Dr. Nicholi presents the writings and letters of Lewis and Freud, allowing them to "speak" for themselves on the subject of belief and disbelief. Both men considered the problem of pain and suffering, the nature of love and sex, and the ultimate meaning of life and death -- and each of them thought carefully about the alternatives to their positions.

The inspiration for the PBS series of the same name, The Question of God does not presuppose which man -- Freud the devout atheist or Lewis the atheist-turned-believer -- is correct in his views. Rather, readers are urged to join Nicholi and his students and decide for themselves which path to follow.Amazon.com Review
Of course we can never really answer the question of whether God exists. And of course it would have been highly unlikely for Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis to discuss this question in person, considering that they were born in different countries and a generation apart. Nonetheless, The Question of God allows readers to listen in on one of the most articulate debates possible by creating a virtual meeting of Freud and Lewis. For the past 25 years, Armand M. Nicholi has taught a similar course at Harvard, where he compares Freud’s atheist-based reasoning against the atheist-turned-believer C.S. Lewis. Both men were considered brilliant, highly educated thinkers who profoundly influenced 20th-century thought. And both men presented compelling arguments for and against the existence of God.

Customer Reviews (79)

Philophers
Admire those intellectual views but do not get carried on.
I have never doubted that God is our Almighty creator. He is always
watching and protecting us every moment of our lives.

God's peace is available to all who will receive Him and allow Him to be
an intimate part of their lives.
He who believes and follows Him has nothing to worry or fear!

Amazing book
Very well-written (thus, highly enjoyable) and very thoroughful and thoughtful book. Gives a great look on what formed Freud's and Lewis's mindsets and ideas and how they responded to the question that life and God asked them.

C.S. Lewis worship in disguise
I purchased this book hoping for a thoughtful exchange of ideas on the topic of God's existence and religion in general.However, the author frames his supposed "debate" in such a way as to not allow a full airing of Freud's views while always positioning C.S. Lewis as the final answer on the subject. The numerous problems with Lewis' thoughts are never pointed out, let alone explored. All of Lewis' supposed responses would work equally as well for any other believer in any other theistic religion, yet this point seems lost on the author.The author also conveniently ignores the fact that since Freud didn't have the opportunity to answer Lewis directly, other have do so repeatedly and with great convincing.This book is intellectually dishonest and a piece of propaganda at best!BE WARE!This author does his readership and the educational institution from which he hales a huge disservice!

The Question of God
The book was everything I was looking for. It presented both sides pretty fairly and explained how the personal experiences of Freud and Lewis may have affected their outlooks and beliefs. It was an engaging read throughout.

blah blah blah
This book may be interesting to people who have never read or thought about Lewis or Freud, but otherwise it is just like reading pop psychology. Lewis thought this, blah blah blah, Freud thought this, blah blah blah. And, the writer is a Christianity sympathizer who obviously has bias. This might be a great book for those who have never read anything beyond Psychology Today. Maybe high school kids... if there's any left who still read books. ... Read more

Product Description
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was the most influential Christian writer of his day, and the effect of his work has still not abated. Quotes by him can be found in almost every modern work on Christianity. "The C. S. Lewis Book on the Bible" examines his view on the Bible, in which he differed from many of those who quote him. In laying out Lewis' approach to faith and Scripture, Jacob Schriftman does not only draw on Lewis' popular apologias such as "Mere Christianity" or "The Problem of Pain," but on his many letters, essays, fictional writings, and academic works. The result is both informative and a pleasure to read. Schriftman's admiration for Lewis clearly shines through, but he does not put him on a pedestal. Anyone with a deeper interest in C. S. Lewis or the Bible will not want to miss this volume on their shelves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An engaging and liberating journey into the world of C.S. Lewis
Jacob Schriftmans latest book the C.S Lewis book on the bible has been an insightful, thought provoking and truly enjoyable read. It's one of those books I will return to, and enjoy again. Schriftman gives us a carefully-reasoned yet entertaining read. His writing style is superb and clear.

The book centers around two parts. The first part is a critique and a defense on how we know whether the Bible is from God (epistemology) and the second part centers around; the study of the general principles of biblical interpretation. (hermeneutics)

Both of these parts are then divided into two parts a critique and a defense. My favorite parts were the critique presented throughout the book. The arguments were clear and well presented. Only the critique parts are a must read for anyone interested in apologetics, or a student of religion and faith in general.

Schriftman critiques, and explores the arguments used in a big part of the evangelical (it would be good with a definition of what is meant by evangelical) part of Christianity. An evangelical Christian could say; the Bible must be inspired by God because of how the bible changes lives or fulfilled messianic prophesy to name a couple examples Schriftman critiques. In each case the argument falls short to justify the bibles claim to be from God.

Schriftman tells the story of how C. S Lewis came to accept the Bibles inspiration not as a starting point but as the final conclusion. An important part of the book follows Lewis argument and Journey towards the acceptance of the Bible as inspired by God.
A part of that journey consisted of understanding the Bible differently from for example Francis Schaeffer. Schaeffer viewed the first eleven chapters of Genesis, the same way as the rest of Genesis. Lewis on the other hand read the first eleven chapters as myths.
Schriftmans is at his best in this part of the book, and shows a deep understanding of Lewis when he takes us on a journey of thought with Lewis.

The second part of the book is also a gem waiting to be uncovered, explored and thought through. I enjoyed the parts where Schriftman gives examples of how the Bible fails to live up to the perfection many Christians demand from it. Part of the conclusion in this part is as follows.

"The above should be sufficient to show in what sense the Bible cannot be from God. It cannot be a kind of divine encyclopedia, a catalogue of"thus-saith-the-lord" articles on various topics." Then how can it be from God? Scriftman ends the book by answering that precise question.

The book is not only a dive into the mind of C. S Lewis and his student mister Schriftman. It is a critique against a Christianity that is afraid to lose its faith by asking difficult questions. Schriftman puts it like this.

" Many denominations, movements, and individual Christians hold to a certain position not because they have honestly examined all possible viewpoints and then arrived at their conclusion; they simply believe what they believe because they have never heard anything else. Or, if they heard of an alternative, they immediately dismissed it without serious consideration - because they felt threatened in their beliefs and were perhaps frightened that their strong fortress would turn out to be a house of cards."

This book deserves a wide audience, and is certainly a starting point not only for C. S Lewis fans but also anyone wanting to explore faith, God and the bible from a different perspective than what is the norm in a big part of western Christianity.An engaging, liberating and highly recommended read. ... Read more

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An orphaned boy and a kidnapped horse gallop for Narnia…and freedom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (175)

wow
This book is equal to all the other books in the series. It seems as though my favorite changes all the time.

First sequel to Lion Witch & Wardrobe - Lovely illustrations!
I had lost touch with the sequels to Lion Witch and the Wardrobe. This, as the first sequel is a lot of fun and allows you to experience Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as Kings and Queens of Narnia, albeit in lesser roles than the original.Lovely edition with color and black & white illustrations from Pauline Barnes throughout.Thick paper, came quickly. Nice to have this classic on the home shelf.

3-dimensional characters, realistic consequences, and Aslan!
This particular story is special among all the Chronicles of Narnia because it takes place during the Golden Age when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are all actually ruling in Narnia. Also, this is the only book to sidestep the "English kids get whisked away to fantasy realm" introduction. The Horse and His Boy happens entirely inside the fantasy world and sadly, it's the only story we get from this standpoint (unless you count the first portions of Prince Caspian and The Last Battle).

Shasta has been raised in Calormen, an exotic desert nation, but he hasn't sampled any of the wealth of culture the land has to offer because he's been slaving away mending nets and keeping house for his miserly fisherman father. When a Tarkaan (lord) rides in on his battle horse and offers to buy Shasta from his adoptive father--and it becomes clear that this is a possibility--the battle horse reveals himself to be a talking horse from Narnia, and he and Shasta plot their escape together. Bree is a pretty good strategist for a horse, and he decides that they should make their way to freedom in Narnia by way of the Calormen capital of Tashbaan. On the way, they meet up with Aravis, a fierce, armor-wearing daughter of a Tarkaan, who is running away from home to avoid a marriage to a hideous old man, and coincidentally riding her own talking horse. In their journey toward a new life, the two horses and their riders get tangled up in an impending Calormen war and eventually meet Aslan, who has been guiding their movements all along.

This is mostly Shasta's story, but he's one of three main protagonists. Bree and Aravis aren't side characters, and their personal journeys are just as important as Shasta's. Bree is the ultimate Narnian patriot-- scarcely a page of his dialogue goes by without him bottom-lining the goal of getting back to Narnia, the land he was stolen away from as a foal. He's been trained as a war horse and has hidden his ability to talk for years, and the oppression has made him zealous for his home. Bree is also rather self-important. He makes fun of Shasta's poor horsemanship and peasant-like behavior, but shows patience and sympathy, too. The Horse and His Boy is a very apt title for the book--the two characters are on nearly equal footing, with Bree filling the mentor role early on. Aravis is another great character, and one of the stronger females shown in the Narnian universe. She has a flair for the dramatic and reacts wonderfully well in life or death struggles, but she's also apt to treat everyday situations with the same life-or-death seriousness. Aravis grew up in a harsh high-class world and she has a good sense of her own value. It's interesting to note that even in their small band of misfits, Shasta is undervalued--Aravis and Bree talk to each other and look down their noses at him, though he's got some first rate qualities which they finally come to recognize. In the end, Shasta, Bree, and Aravis have all grown and developed: Bree gains humility, Aravis learns empathy, and Shasta acquires courage and nobility. And of course, Aslan is involved in every step of their journey, in subtle ways that are revealed toward the end.

Another favorite element I've found is how the story portrays the discomfort an adventurer would naturally feel: Shasta's muscles hurt horribly after riding all day, when it's boiling hot outside, Shasta is parched and sweating, and when time drags by, Shasta feels the weight of it. I love seeing some physical consequences portrayed in an adventure story. The realism makes all the fantasy more enjoyable, so when the happily-ever-afters come around, you know they're well-earned.

The three-dimensioanl characters, appropriate struggles and consequences for the heroes, and guest appearances by Tumnus the faun, King Edmund, Queen Lucy, and Queen Susan, make The Horse and His Boy one of the more rewarding adventures in Narnia.

Not as good as I remember from childhood
I thought this book was great fun (and had no inkling of any religious messages) when I read it as a child. When I re-read it as an adult, however, it was another story. Although this time I was not only aware of but actively looking for religious themes--not that they're in any way hidden--the story was still moderately enjoyable.

The writing, on the other hand, was painful. Its simplicity made me have to fight to keep reading and (although I know it would horrify C.S. Lewis) long to be reading Harry Potter instead, or at least wish that Lewis had taken a page from Rowling's book and made his Narnia series also readable for adults. As it is, I'd rather watch film adaptations than slog through the simplistic writing that for some reason takes me even longer to read than complex prose.

very enjoyable, beautiful story
This story was very enjoyable, I start it with the first book and reading these stories I can appreciate and understand the entire scope of the story. ... Read more

Product Description
Here Peter Kreeft, one of the foremost students of Lewis thought, distills Lewis reflections on the collapse of westerncivilization and the way to renew it. Kreeft shows that Lewis, and particularly Lewis book The Abolition of Man,offer deeply prophetic words for our time. Using this major work ofLewis as the focus of his book, Kreeft summarizes Lewis philosophy ofhistory and evaluates our era from that standpoint gives a defense ofthe Natural Law (or objective values) as the absolute sine qua non forthe survival of civilization summarizes Lewis refutation of twentyalternatives to it and then fleshes out Lewis hopeful conclusion in The Abolition of Man, a conclusion that gives a new and humane world view for mankind. Distributor: Ignatius Press Author: Peter Kreeft Format: 193 pages, paperback ISBN: 9780898705232 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Not what it's cracked up to be
I normally enjoy Kreeft, and there are some merits to this book.His essay about whether the moral code can be abolished at all is very interesting.

That said, I got a book full of "Brave New World is upon us!"I don't disagree with that point, but I was hoping for more on "The Abolition of Man".If you're really looking for someone to tell you that the Brave New World is here, read this book, otherwise, get something else.

Tonic for our times
This book is a treat. One of the great Christian apologists, writers and thinkers of the last century is discussed by one of the best of this century. Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, here gives us an introduction to the thought and influence of the great Oxford don.

Both authors are known for their clarity of mind, their prolific literary output, and their commitment to the truths of historic Christianity. And both authors have been known as fearless warriors against the prevailing secularism and relativism of our culture.

Indeed, a major target of Lewis's pen was modernism and all that it entails. The rejection of the sacred and the elevation of the secular was a defining feature of modernism. It meant the exaltation of human reason and the rejection of non-human revelation. Autonomous man, guided only by intellect, could usher in a perfect world, accompanied by science and technology. Such a utopian quest was doomed to failure of course, and many of Lewis's works were directed at this theme.

The Abolition of Man was a classic volume in this regard. So too was the third volume of his space trilogy, That Hideous Strength. The naïve and baseless belief of modernism that fallen reason, aided and abetted by science (really scientism), could create a new man and an earthly paradise has been the cause of more human misery and death than any other worldview.

The Judeo-Christian worldview, which gave rise to Western civilisation, has been repudiated, resulting in a host of heresies that beguile modern man. Kreeft lists twenty "isms" that Lewis waged war against, all the products of the modernist rejection of it transcendent roots. These include subjectivism, cultural relativism, utilitarianism, pragmatism, cynicism, hedonism, and secularism.

These destructive isms plaguing the West today are part of a much bigger sweep of history. Lewis argued that the history of Western civilisation has been characterised by two monumental spiritual revolutions, the first from pre-Christian to Christian, the second from Christian to post-Christian.

He argued that the second revolution was more radical than the first, just "as divorce is more traumatic than marriage". The second change is happening quicker and is more destabilising. As a result, the soul of Western civilisation is dying. The real question is how long and how deep this second revolution will run.

The first revolution however is the permanent one. It may appear to have been eclipsed for now, but our vantage point is limited. True, the new dark ages may continue for quite sometime. Writing six years before the new millennium, Kreeft could argue that we have two options: "Either we will build Gothic cathedrals again, from a restored faith, or we will build the Tower of Babel again, from a restored apostasy".

As a prophetic figure, Lewis could clearly see thestark choice facing the West. He knew that if we rejected the right choice, many more horrors would await us. But if we choose wisely, the new dawn will soon arise.

The six meaty essays in this book offer the way out of the spiritual, cultural and intellectual morass we find ourselves in. The prophetic vision and insight of Lewis needs to be captured again by a new generation. And this book is an ideal means by which that can happen.

Boring
I have read most of C. S. Lewis's works. I have read some Kreeft before and I enjoyed his writings. However, these essays are boring. I could not get through them. The essays have very little to do with what Lewis thought and a lot to do with what Kreeft thinks about. What's more after the first essay, I could care less what Kreeft thinks about. I would suggest that you reread "Abolition of Man" again and save your money.

Eclipse of the First Things
"Can the natural law ever be abolished from the heart of man?"Prof. Kreeft presents both sides of the argument, pitting Aquinas ("no") against C.S. Lewis ("yes").

I think it is a "loose" argument.Lewis in The Abolition of Man says there will be no men left.Natural law ceases to be because man ceases to be.Does that mean that Lewis' position is correct - that the natural law can be abolished?Well, one might argue that if man himself ceases to be a moral agent, he is no longer truly human.

Kreeft holds out the hope that Aquinas is correct, that man will awaken to his danger.

But, in this polity, a society where people decide how to order their lives together, we are facing a powerful tyranny of thought that has granted unto itself the obligation of making those decisions.That power asserts that the belief of "an ethic or morality that transcends human invention" is a "religious" notion - and that religion can play no part - indeed, must not be permitted to play a part - in the life of the polity.

This tyranny of thought is found in the judicial chambers of our government, in the US Supreme Court and its circuit courts.Surely, the reasoning behind many Court decisions over the past 50 years can be found in the list of 20 "heresies" Prof. Kreeft supplies.

This book is a very "uncomfortable" work - reading it, one should be concerned about the erosion of the polity, should be unhappy about it, should be ready to do something about it.That list of 20 failed philosophies is the most important and valuable part of this work, and possibly the most uncomfortable aspect of it: I am sure the reader would recognize many of his or her own personal beliefs (and those that have been presented to him or her in school or church) described somewhere in that list.

We don't stone prophets anymore - the Court just rules them inadmissible.

A BOOK TO AVOID IF YOU ARE INTELLIGENT
The occasional good or interesting idea manages to escape from a confused sea of mannered verbiage.This is the written essence of talk radio.The writer seems more intent on giving paternalistic viewpoints in annoyingly cute expressionsthan explaining.A poor choice for an intelligent person.Rather than look at ideas, set them down, weigh them, and discuss methodically, this book rants.Would make good bird-cage flooring, however, and may be commended for that.The subject matter of the book is of great concern; the treatment, however, is for the mass consumption of the fear prone.I want my money back.The book should be called Kreeft for the Third Millenium, but then, who would buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
Mass market Collier edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An engrossing tale with biblical references
C. S. Lewis' seven volume story has been an enjoyable best seller since the 1950s. Although Lewis did not write The Magician's Nephew first, he wanted people to read it as the beginning of the series.
The story begins in England several generations ago "when your grandfather was a child." Two children, Digory and Polly, live near each other, meet and like each other. Digory has a sick mother and wishes that he could find a cure for her. Digory also has a cowardly selfish uncle who has been experimenting with magic. The uncle found what he thinks is a way of transporting a person to another world by touching a yellow ring. The person can return, he thinks, by touching a green ring.
The uncle is too afraid to try the trip himself, so he tricks Polly into making the trip and persuades Digory to follow her.
The two children find themselves in a totally ruined world, a world destroyed by the magic of a wicked witch. The witch grabs the children when they try to escape her and, after some adventures, the three end up in a strange land, together with the cowardly uncle, a cab driver and the driver's horse.
They arrive in Narnia, a magical land created a lion. The lion populates the land and gives a pair of each animal the power of speech.
Besides being an engrossing tale, the story is filled with biblical associations that could prompt an attentive reader to compare what Lewis is saying with the Bible and deduce messages from the tale.
The lion can be seen as God. Two animals of each species are placed in Noah's ark, so also two of every species is given the power to talk. There is an episode with an apple tree where eating an apple gives wisdom. The lion makes the cabbie and his wife, who it brings to Narnia, ruler over the animals, just as Adam and Eve. The witch, as the evil impulse in superstitions associated with but not explicit in the Bible, is present. Significantly, it is not the lion (God) who brings evil (the witch) to paradise (Narnia), but humans (the two children). The lion predicts that the witch (evil) will harm the human race that will come from the cabbie and his wife.

The Prelude To The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
In this book, two children, Polly Plummer and Digory, embark on a series of adventures into other worlds after first becoming friends in London where Polly lives in a row house. Digory lives with his aunt and rather strange uncle, staying there while his father is off in India. The uncle tricks the children into using rings to visit other worlds, but as a result of these explorations serious complications result. In one world the Digory awakens a cruel and evil queen, Jadis, who had destroyed her world and now seeks other realms in which to exert power. Ultimately she exploits the children and eventually arrives at Narnia as it is being created to become the evil counterpart to Aslan, the great lion.The Griffon Trilogy (Pt. I) ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing inspiration from Lewis’s fiction and nonfiction, The Soul of C. S. Lewis is a devotional-style book that encourages reflection and thought. It includes 240 meditations designed for the reader’s personal growth.
C. S. Lewis opened up more than just wardrobe doors—he opened the doors to human experience, new worlds of ideas, and imaginative discoveries. His honest observations about life highlight the interconnectedness of Scripture to real life and encourage a worldview that is integrated and harmonized. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Another Great Resource from Which to Draw
The Soul of C.S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best-Loved Writings (written and edited by Wayne Martindale, Jerry Root, and Linda Washington) was not quite what I expected.Rather than essays on various works by Lewis, it is set up as a devotional book.The authors take quotes from Lewis, combine it with Scripture reinforcing the point, and then reflect and expand on the meaning behind the chosen passages.The topics are divided into Pilgrimage, Temptation and Triumph, Going Deeper, and Words of Grace and are drawn from 26 of Lewis' fiction and non-fiction works.There are 240 one page offerings, making this easier to read as you would a devotional (a day at a time) rather than straight through.

We are currently involved in a one year unit study utilizing The Chronicles of Narnia series.This is yet another great resource to draw from, especially for the older kids, to gain more insight into the depth of Lewis' work.I would not suggest it as a replacement to Bible study, but it's a nice addition and well done.

Inspiring reflections of spiritual themes
I really enjoyed the devotional structure of "The Soul of C.S. Lewis" from Jerry Root, Wayne Martindale and Linda Washington, and how it delves into the Christian themes in Lewis' vast body of work. There's a lot to digest here in devotional form.

It focuses on 26 of his fiction and non-fiction books, in a way that analyzes a quote from a Lewis story, and interprets its impact on our lives. "The Soul of C.S. Lewis" is a comprehensive, yet smartly and briefly packaged way to dive deeper into the stories it showcases. I enjoyed learning about the themes in such a readable format.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of the Tyndale Blog Network book review bloggers program. I write impartial reviews for the program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Devotionals To Shape The Heart And Mind
Thanks go to Tyndale for my review copy of The Soul of C. S. Lewis. I took my time reading through each entry in the book, and am glad I did.

The book is made up of 24 chapters, 1 book each for the most part, divided into 4 sections, each addressing themes important to Lewis' writings. Each chapter is divided into 10 readings, each filling a page and easy to digest in a sitting. Each reading contains a short quote from Lewis, some devotional thoughts from the authors, and a passage from Scripture. While I was at first a little saddened that Lewis' own words were in short supply, I quickly found that the authors do a wonderful job of sharing his heart, passion, and even his shortcomings. Lewis shines through.

Chapters 1-6 are grouped under "Pilgrimage", and cover the idea of longing so prevalent in Lewis' books. Surprised By Joy and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader can be found here. Chapters 7-12 fall under "Temptation and Triumph" and address conflict in the life of Christ, between a world of good and a world of evil. Greats like Perelandra and The Screwtape Letters are here. Chapters 13-18 are under the heading "Going Deeper" cover the continual process of formation, being shaped according to God's plans. I found the insights into Prince Caspian helpful, and enjoyed being introduced to A Grief Observed, a book I will have to look into in the future. Finally, Chapters 19-24 come under "Words Of Grace", and share the power Lewis saw in words and stories of all kinds. I was greatly impressed by The World's Last Night in Chapter 23!

This book is well worth reading, whether you have an appreciation for Lewis, or have just heard his name. You will leave the book with a thirst to read more, and a feeling you know Lewis like never before.

The Soul of C.S. Lewis
The Soul of C.S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best-Loved Writings
Written and edited by Wayne Martindale, Jerry Root, and Linda Washington

Whether the words Narnia, Screwtape, and the Weight of Glory lead down familiar paths in your reading habits, or if you are just being introduced to one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century, this book is a must-have. It is an invaluable spring-board into the broader range of Lewis' thinking coupled to helpful comments and Biblical passages.

It is dedicated to the need for quiet reflection and the "interconnectedness of Scripture and life."

Designed for the reader's personal growth, each offering is one short page. The book is divided into four categories: Pilgrimage, Temptation and Triumph, Going Deeper, and Words of Grace. There are six chapters in each category from six different writings, with ten contemplative offerings from each work cited. The introduction is packed with valuable references and establishes the flow for the entire work.

This book is three hundred and seventeen pages of sustenance for our souls. It expands our ability to plumb the depths of God's Word through the heart of C. S. Lewis.The contributors vary from life-long Lewis scholars to those who have lived his mind in the realms of his fiction. All carry insight into Lewis' connection to the mind of God.

Thankfully, his fiction works have been included and act as what they are: an expansion of his intellectual understanding of human nature. Story, for many of us, is the link that brings truth to life. The introduction states:

"Lewis himself was well aware that reason has its own weaknesses. If someone makes a bad decision or a questionable moral choice, reason is not so quick to challenge the choice and call the individual to repentance. It is more likely that reason will be marshaled by the will to make a host of rationalizations and excuses for the bad choice. Consequently, bad moral choices can lead to intellectual blindness; cleverness is no synonym for ethical clarity. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:18 that `wicked people...suppress the truth by their wickedness.' Lewis recognized that reason, having been employed to justify a bad choice, will stand like a dragon guarding access to the heart, thus keeping one's understanding darkened. Sometimes story alone makes it possible to get past a watchful dragon."

We have been blessed with Lewis' insight into the human soul. His ability to communicate that insight will stand for posterity. This book adds to that gift by helping us connect the dots between Lewis' vast works, his enduring themes, and Scripture. It is the work of ten gifted writers who will help move this treasure into the minds and hearts of coming generations, adding their own depths of scholarship and understanding to us, the readers.

Tyndale House Publishers has graciously provided a complimentary copy of this book to the reviewer. Yea!

Meditations on the Master
C. S. Lewis' writing prowess is legendary--especially in Christian circles. His economy of language and knack for choosing the perfect metaphor to make any point made him one of my favourite authors from a young age. Now, after having read most of Lewis' works at least twice, I discovered this book of meditations.

The Soul of C. S. Lewis is a collection of 240 one page meditations on Lewis' works. His popular books are all here, but so are some of his lesser known works and essays. Lewis' style lends itself perfectly to this sort of treatment. You can choose a line from almost any page of his written output to reflect upon.

The book has three writers/editors on the front cover, and ten author biographies in the front of the book. While the overall quality of the meditations is high, the diversity of authors shows through at times. Some meditations reach to the depths of Christian experience while others seem to pick the low-hanging fruit. Some meditations are tersely constructed mini-essays, while others are two stream-of-consciousness paragraphs strung together.

This is a substantial devotional for any believer, but almost required reading for a C. S. Lewis fan.

Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided for free by Tyndale Publishing House. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Forever Impressive C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis spent his early life as an athiest, or at least agnostic, and then found Christ.Like St. Paul, he had a lot of catching up to do and unlike Paul who was tutored exclusively by the Holy Spirit, Lewis had the advantage of both the Holy Spirit and written scripture - the Holy Bible.Lewis is not an "easy read" for most people because of his profound intellect, but to hear his words read (I listened to the book on CD while driving to and from work each day and Ralph Cosham was an outstanding reader and had a great feel for Lewis the man as well as his work), the majesty of his thinking came through in most interesting ways.As an evangelical Christian, I factored in that Lewis was Church of England - what most folks call "high church," yet his knowledge of and acceptance of fundamentalism is remarkable.Folks may bristle at hearing him categorize the Psalms into types - one such grouping as the "hateful" Psalms - which for me were a total eye-opener.These are the Psalms where the Psalm writer pleads for God to destroy the writer's enemies and then, the writer will praise and worshop God - sort of asking God to be one's own hit man.I found a number of things that I am still mulling around as to whether or not I can agree - but heard nothing with which I outright disagreed.Lewis, like A.J. Tozer, are not scanable and to be fully appreciated must be taken in slow, small doses, much like the study of a college text.But the trip is well worth the effort. ... Read more

Product Description
Published under the pseudonym, Clive Hamilton, Spirits in Bondagewas C. S. Lewis' first book. Released in 1919 by Heinemann, itwas reprinted in 1984 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and includedin Lewis' 1994 Collected Poems. Most of the poems appear to have been written between 1915 and1918, a period during which Lewis was a student under W. T.Kirkpatrick, a military trainee at Oxford, and a soldier servingin the trenches of World War I. Their outlook varies from Romanticexpressions of love for the beauty and simplicity of nature tocynical statements about the presence of evil in this world. Ina September 12, 1918 letter to his friend Arthur Greeves, Lewissaid that his book was, "mainly strung around the idea that Imentioned to you before--that nature is wholly diabolical &malevolent and that God, if he exists, is outside of and inopposition to the cosmic arrangements." In his cynical poems,Lewis is dealing with the same questions about evil in naturethat Alfred Lord Tennyson... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Wonderfully mature and insightful work!
Considering Lewis wrote this cycle of poems when he was in his early twenties, they provide incredibly mature insight into the role pain has in people's lives. I ordered this book because I am writing my thesis on C.S. Lewis - I have to say, no study of Lewis' work is complete without this, his earliest and perhaps most poignant contribution to thoughts on powerfully important human topics like pain.

Not the best poetry, but vital to a proper understanding of Lewis
These poems have their bright spots, thought in parts they are rather overloaded with mythic words and a sense that the author was struggling to keep up a sense of awe and epicness and failing in the process.Most of the poems revolve around two themes: (1) I hate God and (2) I hate the world.Most of them are not happy poems to say the least.

While they are not excellent poetry, they are decent, and very good if you take into consideration that he wrote them while a teenager.They provide a glimpse into his thoughts on life and God which cannot even be seen in his letters from the period.He apparently felt he was able to write in poetry what he did not necessarily want others to know that be thought.The fact that he published it under the false name Clive Hamilton should not be overlooked.

In short, do not get this if you're looking for excellent poetry.Get this if you want to understand the development of Lewis' thought.

Overall grade: B+

Little-known writing on par with Lewis' best
The creativity and keen spiritual insights that have made C.S. Lewis the most renowned Christian writer of the modern era combine with eloquent poetry to reveal the writer's struggles, hopes and nightmares that predate his conversion to Christianity.This book of poems illustrates his yearning for truth and salvation by revealing his images God, man and Satan in delightful, rhyming lyrics.The intellectual and spiritual force present in these poems create a powerful edge rarely matched.Readers will discern the drive that eventually leads Lewis to find "his heart's delight." This is a must-have for those who have appreciated Lewis' other writings.

Lewis' searching and questions parallel many who have had doubts about the present reality and character of a God that seems to hide in mysteries.The genius behind Mere Christianity and the Chronicles of Narnia is behind these poems, even though he has yet to have his eyes opened.The heart of a desperate, sincere seeker of God is painted in these lyrics that in themselves make great poetry.

vivid, beautiful poems
I know that Lewis is mostly known for his books, but these poems have images in them that have remained in my mind for several years after I've read them...the imagery, and the ideas, is what really works in these poems.
Also, it is very interesting to read what Lewis wrote before he became a Christian; since most of his writings are religious.

Pre-Christian Poetry of C.S. Lewis
First published in 1919 when Lewis was 20, a recent veteran of World War I, and still an agnostic/atheist. The planned title was "Spirits in Prison" taken from the verse in First Peter. The title reflects Lewis' Platonic dualism that sees the human spirit (which is good) trapped in matter (which is evil). Lewis never abandoned Platonism entirely (e.g. "The Last Battle") but it is far more stark and more grim in many of these early poems. In this - his transition from Platonism and its remaining vestiges after conversion - Lewis is similar to St. Augustine. (For more in this line see Lewis' "The Pilgrim's Regress" - particularly the introductory essay he wrote for later editions). "Spirits in Bondage" has beautiful moments such as "Dungeon Grates" which is not (in portions) an unfit expression of a Christian's experience: that sudden awareness of `unsought beauty in a casual hour.' All in all, this book is fairly grim (flatly blasphemous in places), but interesting for who wrote it and for the occasional moments of beauty and wit. [The star rating is reflective of this last thought.] ... Read more

Product Description
Discover great truths from C. S. Lewis’s mentors

C. S. Lewis was perhaps the greatest Christian thinker of the twentieth century. He delighted us in The Chronicles of Narnia, intrigued us in The Screwtape Letters, mystified us in The Space Trilogy, and convinced us in Mere Christianity. His influence on generations of Christians has been immeasurable.

But who influenced C. S. Lewis? What were the sources of his inspiration? Who were his spiritual mentors? Who were his teachers?

Drawn from Lewis’s personal library, annotations, and references from his writings, the selections in this book bring us into contact with giants such as Dante, Augustine, and Chaucer, as well as introduce us to more contemporary writers such as G. K. Chesterton, Charles Williams, George MacDonald, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Over 250 selections provide a vast array of inspiration from those who have shone forth as messengers of light in Lewis’s own thinking, writing, and spiritual growth.

A rare glimpse into the intellectual, spiritual, and creative life of one of literature’s great writers, From the Library of C. S. Lewis is a treasury of insight and wisdom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful collection
Lewis read an interesting collection of stuff, from the logical to the fanciful, orthodox to outrageous.This is a fabulous collection that helps the reader get inside his head just a little and taste the many flavors that went into his own writing.

Rivers of Thought
In order to understand the deep sea of Lewis' thinking and opinions, it is necessary to explore the many streams and rivers of thought, experience and philosophy that contributed to that great ocean of erudition. Lewis was a scholar who read an incredible amount of material in the course of his life. Throughout his writings one finds continuous references to ideas and observations that he picked up from the great writers of the ancient and medieval world, as well as his own great contemporaries. Lewis debts to these writers inevitably leads one to seek out and explore them as well.
In my own case, I discovered two of my favorite writer/thinkers, G. K. Chesterton and George MacDonald, through my reading of C. S. Lewis. The book under review gives one an expanded opportunity to discover and enjoy the reading heritage that was so important to Lewis and to the development of his theology and philosophy. Even more, it allows children of a desicated age to experience and drink in some of the great thinkers and writers of our Western heritage. Writers who, alas, are no longer shared with students as a part of what we used to call a higher education.
Therefore, if you love C. S. Lewis, Western Civilization, or just reading, get this book, read it, think it and treasure it. It will be one of the best investments that you have ever made.

Profound insight into the Lewis' spiritual journey
C.S. Lewis is one of this centuries most influential writers/thinkers.This book does an excellent job of giving us deep insight into the writings which had a profound influence on Lewis' own spiritual pilgrimage.Even if you have only aremote interest in his writings or thought, get this book.If I could give higher than 5 stars I would.Great!!

perfect "grazing" material for Lewis fans
As possibly the most popular and influential Christian intellectual of the 20th century, Lewis has generated great interest in his literary and spiritual influences. As one looks further and further into the subject, there is an impossible desire to read every book that Lewis loved. This book (the most fascinating "Lewis-related" book I've seen) collects short excerpts (most are a single page) from writers who influenced Lewis, thus giving the reader a taste of many fascinating writers and making it possible for one to focus in on a few avenues for further exploration in the future. Looking through the book, it's just hard to believe that no one ever thought of doing this before. ... Read more

Product Description

In this collection selected by C. S. Lewis are 365 selections from MacDonald's inspiring and challenging writings.

Customer Reviews (20)

Good for C.S. Lewis fans
If you are a fan of C.S. Lewis and trying to collect his materials thisis a simple and enjoyable daily reading. I particularly like the paperback cover with the feather on more than the new ones, so I would recommend a used copy. I would also suggest "The Abolition of Man" and "The Weight of Glory" to go with it. It makes for a nice three book set.

C.S. Lewis: George MacDonald
Loved it! Amazing how much Lewis own thought and often words are an echo of MacDonald.

This edition was very nice too. I ordered two and preferred this one. Layout, paper, print all added to the experience of the thought.

I highly recommend it- profound truth in short pithy statements! Needs to be pondered often.

Extreme, complex, multi-faceted ... wisdom in sound bites
No wonder CS was drawn to this man's writing! Lewis sorts through MacDonald's body of work to get to real nuggets.

MacDonald packs more theological mind-fodder in one or two sentences than most can pack in a book. There are sound bites that will occupy your thoughts all day.

Excellent, Short Devotionals
George MacDonald has a lot of spiritual wisdom; I love short little tidbits of his thinking that I myself can think on.If you like MacDonald (or Lewis) and his books, especially the spiritual aspect, you will love these quotes.

Star Pupil Lewis re-introduces his master in "George MacDonald"
In CS Lewis' 1945 novel, "The Great Divorce," 19th century fantasy poet/pastor George MacDonald guides Lewis' narrarator on passages between hell (the joyless, fearful "grey city") and heaven. The narrator (by extension, Lewis himself) acknowledges MacDonald's life influence from when, at 16, the then-agnostic Lewis read MacDonald's "Phantasies" and concluded: "Here begins the new life."

MacDonald's influence reaches past Lewis to forebears Lewis Carroll (whom MacDonald mentored through Carroll's writing/publishing "Alice in Wonderland"), James Barrie, and GK Chesterton. Barrie and Chesterton helped co-chair MacDonald's centenary celebration in 1924, and Chesterton later called MacDonald "one of the three or four greatest men of 19th century Britain."

No wonder Lewis prefaces his anthology of MacDonald quotes by calling its compilation "discharging a debt of justice." MacDonald, overlooked in a fantasy literature timeline stretching from Lewis and fellow Inkling J.R.R. Tolkein to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, shows his wisdom through365 excerpts from his poems, sermons, and short stories. Each is less than a page-long for easy daily reading.

Referring continually to Lewis' introduction helps while reading hisMacDonald selections. Lewis writes, "Nowhere else outside the New Testament have I found terror and comfort so intertwined." It guidesMacDonald images of the Good Shepherd's sharp-toothed sheepdogs tracking and returning sinners (quote 149), or being told in bereavement "you must be made miserable that you may wake from your sleep to know that you need God." (quote 223, from a man who lost a wife and daughter during his life). Even misplaced daily items are God's blessing against materialism (81). Lewis built his "Screwtape Letters" concept near completely around quotes 245-247.

"George MacDonald" rewards those consistently referencing it. It captures not only MacDonald's freedom from his Calvinist upbringing, but does so though powerful images of Father and Son, Christ and His faithful. It straddles God's demanding "the last farthing" against sin to man's ability to deny self (159, 300) and see that self as God does (208, 243) before we see Him for what He is. Fear and shame, to MacDonald, are undesirable but acceptable introductions (349, 214, 242), until we know, accept, and obey that deeper love (208, 243).

These are excerpts, nothing more. Even praising MacDonald's vision Lewis admits, "If I were to deal with him as a writer...certainly MacDonald has no place in its first rank - perhaps not even in its second." Indeed, many MacDonald inspired (again, Lewis' beloved "Narnia" series) wouldtake his approach to fantasy as a window into human behavior to wildly popular heights a century after his death. "George MacDonald" is neither biography nor full appreciation. But it reintroduces a key 19th literary/spiritual figure through his star pupil, and is recommended for fans of Lewis and of Christian fiction.

... Read more

Product Description
C. S. Lewis’s fiction is rich with reflections on the afterlife. For many, reading his books helps in forming a more vivid understanding of Heaven and Hell. In this book, Lewis scholar Wayne Martindale uses some of Lewis’s best-loved fiction as an imaginative complement to his discussion on eternity.

Those who know Lewis’s work will enjoy Martindale’s thorough examination of the powerful images of Heaven and Hell found in Lewis’s fiction, and all readers can appreciate Martindale’s scholarly yet accessible tone. Read this book, and you will see afresh the wonder of what lies beyond the Shadowlands. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Much Food for Thought
Of course nothing can be a true substitute for reading the works of C.S. Lewis, however, this book is a great introduction to these works in how they weave together Lewis' take on the Christian doctrines of Heaven and Hell.Wayne Martindale does a great job of discussing the various works of Lewis and bringing out particular passages that concern the main topic.He also brings in the insight from other Christian authors that influenced Lewis in order to weave a more complete picture of Lewis' views on the subject.This is much here that provides food for thought and reflection.Lewis has helped me a lot in my own life when it comes to doubt and faith.

Skip Martindale and go straight to Lewis
This book suffers from two faults. First, it does very little beyond restating what Lewis wrote in his books. None of his books are very long, so I suggest you skip this one and just get it from the horse's mouth. Second, Martinadle falls into the same old trap of casting Lewis in his own image. Lewis was an enigmatic square peg, but so many readers twist Lewis' words to endorse their own ideas because they've fallen in love with the picture of C. S. Lewis that live in their minds. This effect helps book sales, but it leaves Lewis misunderstood.

very helpful
This book provides quotes from a wide range of Lewis's works and is set out in a very clear format. I recently wrote an essay on C S Lewis and this book was one of the most useful.

Fascinating Look at a Misunderstood Man
Dr. Wayne Martindale is a recognized authority on the works of C.S. Lewis. That said, I never felt that I was being lectured to or spoken down to as I read this book-though I now know that I need to read a LOT more Lewis.

The purpose of the book is to look at various myths of both Heaven and Hell, and compare them with the pictures of both that Lewis paints in his works. Martindale shows that Lewis' ideas of the afterlife are far more Scriptural than most of the common misconceptions that we have today.

I think that the richest parts of this book are those sections where Martindale explores in depth Lewis' conceptions of heaven and hell. These read like literary criticism, but they are easilly accessible to any reader. Readers who are familiar with Lewis' writing will want to explore them again, and those of us who have not read as much of Lewis as we should (or would like) will find ourselves buying more books!

One of the things that I was hoping to gain from this book is an explanation of Lewis' alleged heterodoxy. I've heard him accused of universalism. I've heard that he believed in Purgatory. From reading Mere Christianity, I can tell he was fairly ecumenical. Martindale defends Lewis from the first two charges in this work.

Much of Martindale's book is literary criticism: he looks closely at the symbols and imagery that Lewis uses, and shows their meaning in terms of Heaven and Hell. He assumes that the reader has at least a passing familiarity with Lewis' work, which I am increasingly aware that I do not have. The Space Trilogy is referenced many times-I have put reading that trilogy at the top of my must-read list. I've decided that I really need to start reading more C.S. Lewis-the weekly readings out of Mere Christianity aren't enough. And I'm buying the Narnia set to read to my daughter.

The benefits of reading this book are numerous. I've gained an appreciation for C.S. Lewis beyond what I already had. But more importantly, my desire for heaven and my outlook on the afterlife has been slightly changed. More than a merely spiritual existance, we have a life to look forward to-a life full of enjoyment and pleasure, unburdened by the worry and bondage of sin. We will be able to do what we want, because our desires will be pure.

This book should be on the shelf of anyone who reads and enjoys Lewis' works, both fiction and nonfiction. It should also be on the shelf of anyone who is interested in learning some very different ways of looking at both Heaven and Hell.

What waits beyond...
C.S. Lewis was once described as the man who could convince people to believe in God who were letting their intellects get in the way. Wayne Martindale brillianty proves why. He looks at the fiction of Lewis and finds the truth in these works. By concentrating on Heaven and Hell, he directs the focus to the most misunderstood part of the Christian existance and one of the major difficulties that non-Christians have, what is Heaven and Hell?

As far as what I got out of it is that Heaven is the full realization of what we as humans can become, the "fullfilment of the human potential" as he puts it. He blows apart the myths that "heaven will be boring" by saying, essentialy, how could heaven be boring if you're in the presence of the one who created pleasure in the first place. Hell, on the other hand, is the shriveling up of human potential, all the negative effects and aspects, therefore it's so nearly nothing. That's why the myth of all the interesting people being in Hell is ridiculous because it's complete selfishness. My favorite part is what he says about Ghosts, that their shriveled up souls, dried up without potential or any hint of being human, i.e. Jacob Marley in Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Basically what he's saying is that our limited understanding of us just being in the "Shadowlands," a Lewis word from The Great Divorce, makes the potential of what is on either side easily corruptible.

Brillantly written with endnotes and great biblical quotes. Highly recomened for anyone interested in what else is out there. ... Read more

Product Description
The first book in The Chronicles of Narnia is now available in a full-color, unabridged gift edition that includes all of the original Pauline Baynes illustrations. This handscome new edition will make a wonderful family keepsake to read aloud together.Amazon.com Review
This large, deluxe hardcover edition of the first title in the classic Chronicles of Narnia series, The Magician's Nephew, is a gorgeous introduction to the magical land of Narnia. The many readers who discovered C.S. Lewis's Chronicles through The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will be delighted to find that the next volume in the series is actually the first in the sequence--and a step back in time. In this unforgettable story, British schoolchildren Polly and Digory inadvertently tumble into the Wood Between the Worlds, where they meet the evil Queen Jadis and, ultimately, the great, mysterious King Aslan. We witness the birth of Narnia and discover the legendary source of all the adventures that are to follow in the seven books that comprise the series.

Rich, heavy pages, a gold-embossed cover, and Pauline Baynes's original illustrations (hand-colored by the illustrator herself 40 years later) make this special edition of a classic a bona fide treasure. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (273)

Read in order of publication date PLEASE
Great book as are the rest of the "Chronicles of Narnia". But I do encourage anyone who has not read them to do so in publication order not how the story is set out chronologically. Reading the books in publication order reveals so much more.

Adventurous, dark, encouraging, and just as good the 5th time you read it
The Magician's Nephew was the sixth novel written in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series, but it chronologically the first story within the Narnian universe and is now published with a big number "1" on the spine, so that's become the last word on reading-order, despite the fact that the book seems to presuppose a knowledge of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

TMN, in a practice common to mid-20th-century children's books, employs a friendly (and relentlessly British-sounding) narrator who intrudes into the story a bit, occasionally offering his own opinions on the action, but mercifully, not too often. I find the narration charming, as it is in Tolkien's The Hobbit, but it can seem cloying if you aren't used to the style. The book is set in London around 1900, and features Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer as the adventurous child protagonists. Though really, this is Digory's book--Polly is around to offer sensible yet plucky advice and to offer gender balance to the events.

It's a cold, wet summer and the children have nothing to do (which could be the opening of The Cat in the Hat), so they go exploring through the attic rafters of their connected tenement buildings, and accidentally stumble into the attic of Digory's nefarious Uncle Andrew. Uncle Andrew is the magician promised in the title, though he has little idea of how his own limited magical connections work--he leaves that discovery to Digory and Polly, who are coerced into traveling into an alternate dimension, the Wood Between the Worlds. From the Wood, they experiment with dimension-travel and go to the dead world of Charn where they meet a 7-foot-tall cruel beauty, Queen Jadis, and inadvertently bring her back to London with them. Jadis has no regard for human life and is bent on world domination, though her brief rampage through the streets is played for humor, and the children try to beam her back to her old world, but instead take her to...dun dun dun...

...Narnia. But it's early Narnia, just as Aslan the great Lion (and Christ figure) is singing it into existence. Jadis loses no time in expressing her hatred for the Lion, and runs away to the north to become, you guessed it, the White Witch. Digory has brought evil into the new world, and he gets to atone for it by riding a winged horse (!) to a magic garden and pick a special apple, so that it can be planted in Narnia as a tree of protection from the Witch.

A moral complication arises--Digory has a dying mother back in London, and when he finds out that he's on a mission to obtain magical, life-sustaining fruit, he would much rather bring a piece back to earth to save his mother, than trust a lion he's just met and bring it to him for his own use. Fortunately, in this story, selflessness and sacrifice is rewarded, and when Digory chooses to bring the apple back to Aslan instead, he gets to take a replacement magic apple home to his mother, who makes a full recovery.

I must admit flat-out that I am a fan of this book. Of all the Chronicles of Narnia, this one is likely my favorite, because I find it deeper, darker, and of a different style than the others. The characters are more fleshed out--Digory and Polly complain and grumble and get into fights with each other, but are also brave, adventurous, and determined to help others when the situation arises. Unlike Lucy & crew from the other books, they are painted realistically, instead of being pleasant/vacant reader avatars, and Digory's pain over his mother's illness is palpable. In a different writer's hands, or if this book had been written in modern times, I could almost see the entire story taking place in Digory's head--the imagination of a hurt child, dreaming up a world of magical justice where he can obtain a cure for his mother.

Other virtues: 1. Exquisitely rendered illustrations. Pauline Baynes' artwork is lovely and always adds to the story, helping to ground the reader with detailed visual images. 2. Humor. TMN brings out this element quite a lot, usually in connection with Uncle Andrew: in Narnia, he faints out of fear, and the talking animals conclude that since he's tall, thin, and doesn't speak he must be a tree, and therefore they must plant and water him. 3. Darkness. One of the creepier Narnian books, especially the Charn chapter and Jadis' temptation of Digory in the garden. The ominous undertone never goes on too long, but I certainly appreciate it while it's there. Reading about the streets of Charn soaked with the blood of that world's final armies, the hall of waxworks with malicious expression, and hearing passing references to the 'principal torture chambers', etc. make for chilling reading, which is good for children's books in small doses. 4. Blatantly cool elements. Early Narnia is like Eden, but more awesome. Walking trees, talking animals, winged horses? Please book my flight to the Narnian countryside immediately.

Downsides: 1. British slang. I adore it, but young readers will have to navigate 'bosh', 'jawing', 'blubbing, 'ansom cabs', 'mind your P's and Q's' and so on. 2. Repetition. When Uncle Andrew's monologuing about magicians, Digory interrupts him with the exact same protest a dozen times. It gets old. 3. One-offs. Hoping to hear more about Mrs. Lefay, the bad fairy godmother who almost died in prison? How about the origin and purpose of the box of Atlantean dust (or indeed, any other references to Atlantis, ever)? Or the mention that the royal family of Charn has giantish blood? Too bad! They are never mentioned again, and I want to hear about them all. If the Lewis estate ever authorizes sequels, I want something dark and mysterious set in Charn, and I want the connection between Narnia and Atlantis explained.

Any book I can read five times without boredom gets an "A" rating, without question. TMN can offer equal delights for children and adults, and that is why it has remained a favorite of mine for more than a decade.

Great to listen for fun and learning
Love the CD, it is so well done! We use it in our home school class time but, it is so entertaining that you can just listen for fun.Kenneth has a wonderful voice and does a beautiful job making the story come alive.

I like it so much that I bought the entire set of CD's from Harper Children's Audio!

Rings of a New World
With news that another fantasy fiction Hollywood blockbuster, perhaps similar to those based on the books of J.R.R Tolkien or J.K Rowling, would be making its box office debut sometime at the end of 2005, many an entertainment review began to talk about how C.S Lewis' The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe would compare with rival film productions. These days, the quality of the special effects is what determines whether or not such fantasy fiction movie epics become hits or fall by the wayside. Regardless, there is a strong case to be made for reading the books first simply because books give the author's own unadulterated versions of their stories and allow the reader to use his or her own imagination to its greatest potential. For C.S Lewis the stories of Narnia do not in fact start with The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe but with another epic, The Magician's Nephew.

In The Magician's Nephew, the story begins in early 20th Century London with a girl, Polly Plummer, who, together with a boy by the name of Digory, sets off on a little adventure to explore a tunnel that runs through the attic of her house. Inadvertently they end up crawling from the tunnel into the office of Digory's Uncle Andrew who launches them on a journey that sets the stage for the rest of the book. With his magical powers and eagerness to try out a set of magical rings that allow those who touch them to travel into other worlds, Uncle Andrew forces Digory and Polly to become subjects for his experiments. Sure enough, Digory and Polly quickly find themselves in Charn- a world which an evil witch, Queen Jadis, has all but destroyed with her magical powers. But as they attempt to flee back to their own world, they unwittingly bring her back to London where her intentions to conquer every land that she can lay her hands on take new meaning.

After some rather comical moments involving the witch, whose theft of a large sum of money has more than caught the attention of a rather angry London mob, Digory and Polly manage to use their magical rings to catapult themselves and the witch back out to another magical world, thus saving London from its unwanted ruler. Yet the children bring with them not only the witch but an additional entourage composed of a carriage cabby and his wife, a stolen horse by the name of Strawberry and Uncle Andrew himself. The world in which they all end up in is a world that has not yet begun- a world that consists of nothing but darkness, devoid of any other living creatures. But as a voice in the distance begins to sing, this emptiness is transformed into a universe ablaze with stars, constellations and planets, "brighter and bigger than any in our world" (p.61). As the singing continues, more of this incipient creation becomes apparent. A bright sun rising up above the horizon illuminates a river flowing eastwards while the neighboring hills become covered in grass and trees. The singing voice turns out to be none other than that of Aslan-a lion whose goodness in creation seems altogether repulsive to the evil witch. Shrieking with fear, she runs away, while the children look on in wondrous amazement at the new land rising before them.

The runaway witch becomes the focus of the adventure that unfolds. The children are given the seemingly insurmountable task of journeying to the farthest reaches of the land better known as Narnia to find a garden with an apple tree that bares a special kind of fruit- a fruit that will protect Narnia from the witch's evil influences and which they must bring back with them. Aslan gives them everything they need for the task including a winged horse by the name of Fledge (aka Strawberry) that will fly them across the forests and mountains which lie in their way. Their journey is made all the more thrilling by the scenery they encounter for these same forests and mountains make of Narnia a land that rivals any on our earth in its beauty and majesty.

As one reads The Magician's Nephew, it is all too evident at key moments in the story Lewis has borrowed scenes from the biblical creation account. The unfolding of the new world with Aslan's singing, for example, mirrors God speaking the creation into existence in the book of Genesis. At times Lewis displays a unique sense of humor even though the overall thread of the story is obviously quite serious. What is perhaps most striking about Lewis' writing is his ability to reach out to both child and adult alike in what is a story that appeals to all our senses of doing good and living a righteous life. In short, The Magician's Nephew opens up a view of the world in which a divine purpose for our lives is ever-present, ready to guide us to an end in which good conquers evil. It is an adventure story that anybody can enjoy.

The Chronicles of Narnia, The Magician's Nephew
This is the first book in "The Chonicles of Narnia" series. Digory and Polly are two kids who visit Digory's Uncle Andrew, who happens to be a magician.Uncle Andrew runs an experiment.He tests it on Digory and Polly, using two different rings. Digory and Polly are warped into another world when they place the rings on their fingers.When they get to the other world they forget that they were working on the experiment and instead they explore the world, until they find a bell.They ring the bell and a Queen comes to life.Digory and Polly bring her back to their world.

Digory is a young boy around nine or ten years old.He is an emotional boy, coping with a close member of his family who is very ill and close to dying.Polly is a compassionate girl who is concerned about others.Digory and Polly meet each other at school.The Queen is a magician and is a very powerful ruler, having overthrown the former queen.She is hated by her former peers.Azalon is lion who appears differently to each person.He is their soul and asks them to do things.All good beings listen to him, while evil beings ignore him.

I like Digory because I understand him.I can relate to his life.Polly is a good person but I don't have strong feelings for her one way or the other.I dislike the Queen, because she is evil,even though she advances the plot.

I liked the book because it is a fantasy.I would recommend the book to 10-12 year olds who like to read fantasy or to adults who like deeper meaning books.People who read series books such as Harry Potter would enjoy reading this book because it is a fantasy even though it is easier reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Thoughtful Believer
This book begins at the beginning, establishing the rationale for accepting that there is a Being which created and sustains the Universe, but deals with each of us on an individual basis.He then moves on to identify what kind of Being this is, eventually naming Him "God".The next step is to further identify this God as the Christian God, one Being composed of three Persons.Throughout the book, the author always returns to and emphasizes the individual's relationship to God as the primary reason he has written this book.It is fascinating, calling each of us to examine that relationship and its ultimate meaning.

Mere Christianity
One of the best books to read if you have no faith or want to deepen your faith.CS Lewis is one of the premier Christian writers of this century.

Mere Christianity Stated and Defended
Atheists, skeptics in general, and non-believers in particular, are not just wrong-headed but actually irrational. They are purporting to demonstrate that faith is unreasonable but CS Lewis demonstrates that truth and reason must have a source beyond mere human beings. Lewis defends Mere Christianity in a smooth, elegant, and compelling manner.

Christianity Today named this as "One of the most important religious books of the 20th century." I would add that it is one of the most important books of any genre.

All apologists must read this work and it is still a nice gift for our friends and loved-ones who are not Christians.
See the New Book that proves the existence of God using moral absolutes by Mike Robinson:
There Are Moral Absolutes: How to Be Absolutely Sure That Christianity Alone Supplies
or additionally see potent book:
Letter to an Atheist Nation: Presupositional Apologetics Responds To: Letter to a Christian

Solid, consistent and enjoyable
Originally a series of radio broadcasts that were transcribed into book form with the author's help, C. S. Lewis' witty and systematically logical defense of Christianity still endures as a favorite today. Although intellectual works of this caliber can seem intimidating, his conversational style of communication makes the book approachable and thoroughly enjoyable. He not only addresses the common sense of Christianity, but also thoughtfully doesn't neglect the practical need, the heartfelt void, that Christ alone can fill. All in all, this book is an all-around, solid work that consistently covers all the bases of thought and makes for a great read. ... Read more

Product Description

Esta obra es un lindo y resuelto testamento de cómo hasta un creyente incondicional puede perder el sentido de la vida, y de cómo puede gradualmente orientarse de nuevo

Product Description
In 1950, C. S. Lewis introduced the world of Narnia and its unforgettable King, Aslan. ... Read more