A Grief Observed. London: Faber and Faber, 1961. Under the pseudonym of N. W. Clerk.

A collection of thoughts Lewis wrote down following the death of his wife, Joy Davidman Gresham, this book goes through his grief processes, and doubt and struggle of faith in God. His most inner thoughts and feelings are captured. He goes from tears and self-pity to anger and questioning to realizing selfishness, and finally to a reconciliation with God. He wants to show his readers that our faith is really challenged when we face such things as death and loneliness. His faith is even stronger after these experiences. -L. A. McMurry

A Preface to Paradise Lost. New York: Oxford University Press, 1969.

In this work Lewis discusses the importance of Epic Poetry by using the work by John Milton, Paradise Lost. Throughout the book Lewis presents various arguments pertaining to Epic Poetry. He encourages the reader to analyze the genera in the manner in which he deems acceptable. Stemming form this emerges Lewis' strongest argument in the text. He feels that "the real result is that no such man can criticize poetry at all" (10). At any rate, Lewis' emphasis is the work of Milton, which he breaks down into segments with ease for an in depth discussion. S. E. Parker

Here is Lewis' attempt to "justify the ways" of Milton to man. In great detail, Lewis explains the process by which the seventeenth century poet John Milton wrote the famous twelve book epic poem. This book discusses Milton's theology and style and the important role that they play in the development of the poem . In useful detail Lewis breaks down the three most controversial main characters: Satan, Adam, and Eve. Two important helpful insights offered by Lewis is his discussion of the Doctrine of the Unchanging Human Heart and the Elizabethan hierarchy represented in the poem. M. J. Vance

A Severe Mercy. San Francisco: Harper Collins Publishers, 1980.

An account of Sheldon Vanauken's reconciliation with grief, particularly as inspired by his friendship with C.S. Lewis. Rooted in a marriage typified by intense love and exclusionary commitment, Vanauken is left desolate by the death of his wife, Davy. Overseas correspondence and occasional meetings with Lewis provide Vanauken with emotional and spiritual support, offering readers insight into the discerning and compassionate nature of Lewis. Thus, from atheism to theism, from idolatrous to selfless love, Vanauken is guided towards a dawning realization of divine fulfillment and the harsh compassion of God's grace. E. M. Kitsteiner

All My Road Before Me: The Diary of C. S. Lewis, 1922-1927. Ed. Walter Hooper. London: Harper Collins, 1991.

As most of these diary and journal entries pre-date Lewis' conversion to Christ, they offer limited insight into his spiritual development. On the other hand, we learn much about his day-to-day life as first a struggling student trying to achieve the highest academic honors and then later as he tries to secure a teaching position at Oxford. References to life with Mrs. Moore are frequent as well as to his various rather eccentric family members, particularly Aunt Lily. In addition, Lewis recounts his work and aspirations as a poet and his enjoyment of walks in the countryside. D. W. King

An Experiment in Criticism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1961.

Here Lewis offers a test of literary criticism. He does this backwards from the way in which most critics handle books. He does not see literary criticism as judging books. Instead, he looks at the type of reader and how he reads the book. Lewis discusses many types of literature. Among these are myth, poetry, fantasy, and realism. He looks at these in terms of the two types of readers: the literary and unliterary. He gives the many different characteristics associated with each. He sees literature as something almost holy. L. A. McMurry

Christian Reflections. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1967.

In Lewis' book, he masterfully relates the "Christian" standpoint to other views in life. The beauty of this is that his insight spans from comparing Christianity to Literature, culture, fiction, and interplanetary space travel. His views on worship music although intriguing, give way to his section on culture in my personal opinion. His quote, "If we are to convert our heathen neighbors, we must understand their culture" seems to place the whole of the book into a healthy perspective. The importance of this study is crucial as the whole of the "body of Christ" should think more critically and holistically. S. R. Bowen

This is a compilation of essays and lectures given by Lewis, beginning shortly after his conversion. These articles track Lewis' life as a Christian and how he views several different aspects of the Christian faith. Lewis discusses culture and literature in Christianity and his ideas on "Ethics," "Religion," "The Language of Religion," and "Modern Theology and Biblical Criticism." He searches for God and where we might find him outside our own beliefs. This book gives a brief account of many aspects of Christianity and what modern Christians have to face in the secular world that surrounds them. K. S. Peterson

Dymer. London: J. M. Dent, 1926. Under the pseudonym Clive Hamilton.

An epic poem modeled after Lewis' favorite ancients: Homer, Virgil, and Dante. Dymer murders his teacher and then flees the city for a life of unrestrained rebellion. In all that he does he is pursuing the desire for desire though he does not initially understand this. He has a mysterious sexual encounter with an unknown woman, wanders about in nature, and is terribly wounded after meeting a mad magician. The poem ends with a battle royale between Dymer and his son, the offspring of his earlier liaison with the unknown woman; order is restored and nature is reborn as a result of Dymer's death. Not for the casual reader. D. W. King

English Literature in the Sixteenth Century Excluding Drama. "The Completion of the Clark Lectures," Trinity College, Cambridge, 1944. Published as vol. 3 of the Oxford History of English Literature. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1954.

In this majestic tome running almost seven hundred pages, Lewis surveys the non-dramatic English and Scottish literature of the sixteenth century. In one closely argued case after another, Lewis comments on the significant and not-so-significant writers of this age. One is most impressed by the sheer magnitude of Lewis' effort, not to mention his fortitude as he plows his way through writer after writer with only the occasional bright flare of genius here or there. He groups his chapters around religious controversies, "drab" verse and prose, and the "golden" period highlighted by the appearance of Sir Philip Sidney and Edmund Spencer. While a brilliant piece of literary criticism, one has to love Lewis to get all the way through this one. D. W. King

Essays Presented to Charles Williams. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1974.

Edited by C. S. Lewis, this book was to be presented to author and "romantic theologian" Charles Williams. However, Williams died before the essays were presented to him, thus making this a memorial. The book contains essays written by C. S. Lewis, Warren Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers, Owen Barfield, and Father Gervase Matthew, in addition to the preface in which C. S. Lewis wrote a tribute to Charles Williams. This is a significant book with relation to C. S. Lewis because it provides insight to the philosophical, historical and literary community in which he lived. L. J. Lance

God in the Dock. Ed. Walter Hooper. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1970.

This book is a collection of short essays regarding Lewis' opinions about certain issues in theology and ethics. He maintains that humans have gotten so pretentious that we are now putting God under our judgment, instead of we being under His. Lewis takes his usual logical approach in addressing topics like vivisection, miracles, women's roles in the church, religion, sin, war, dogma, old books, and process theology. Lewis' logical manner of discussing the questions is very much appealing to the reader who looks for answers to religious or ethical dilemmas that are not hindered by emotional biases. B. Erikson

This is a compilation of C.S. Lewis' essays brought together by Walter Hooper after Lewis' death. The essays all vary in length, style, content and audience, but the defending of the Christian faith is where the common link may be found. Lewis maintains his light and irrevocably logical style throughout the book and often allows the reader a glimpse of his personal development and downfalls as a Christian. The essays discuss nearly every facet of Christianity and include such subjects as miracles, evolution, and vivisection. J. Reardon & J. A. Hinman

Letters of C. S. Lewis. Ed. with a memoir by W. H. Lewis. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1966.

Warren Lewis spent many hours compiling this labor of love. His memoir is excellent and provides helpful insight into both his brother's character and his love for him. The letters, rarely complete, reflect variously on the aspects of Lewis' life that many want to know more about, particularly his role as a spiritual counselor to many different people. There are many gems within very much worth the dig. The picture of Lewis that emerges complements the one we find in his books and essays. If you can find this collection, buy it. D. W. King

Letters to an American Lady. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1967.

Lewis' correspondence to an American lady, this book is expressive of the personality of Lewis as well as giving a more concrete understanding of him within the different areas of his life. From the content of the letters to the American lady, the reader is able to gain insight into four key aspects or themes in Lewis' life. These themes include: principle theological ideas, likes and dislikes of his persona, helpful ideas or sayings that bring insight to general life, and the progression of his illness up until his death. S. A. Harrison

Letters to Children. Eds. Lyle Dorsett and Marjorie Lamp Mead. New York: Macmillian Publishing Company, 1985.

This is a collection of letters Lewis wrote to children during a twenty year time span (1954 to 1963). There are several children and families he wrote to on a regular basis: his goddaughter Sarah, a girl from New York (and Florida) named Joan, and a family though mostly to Hugh and Martin. He even comforted a young boy named Laurence and his mom because Laurence loved Aslan more than Jesus. He encouraged the children to be creative. He was their friend. He tried to answer their questions about the Narnia books. This is a charming book. D.B. Oblander

In Lewis' usual form of conversational writing, he responds to numerous children's letters. This collection consists of correspondences between his god-daughter and other children, mainly concerning the Chronicles of Narnia series. Practical advice is given to these young readers. Lewis' care and concern for any aged reader shines through. The themes of encouragement and explanation of Christ are portrayed beautifully, even until his death. Lewis' personality is seen as his love for literature and the desire to expand young minds is emphasized. The simplistic writing style reaches all readers and the imagination is stirred by Lewis' comments. K. J. Boyer

Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1964.

An imaginary correspondence to a dear friend, chiefly on the subject of prayer. Through friendly, but argumentative letters Lewis expresses his ideas on prayer and the forms that he finds to be the best way to reach an omniscient God. Through his use of humorous antidotes and stories, Lewis shares his ideas on how best he prays. This book is to be used as a guideline and Lewis suggests that one must find the way that suits him best, for Lewis did not believe that he should tell others how to pray. K. S. Peterson

Mere Christianity: A Revised and Amplified Edition, with a New Introduction, of the Three Books A Broadcast Talks, A Christian Behaviour, and A Beyond Personality. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1952.

First given on the air as a radio broadcast, Lewis addresses unbelievers concerning the validity of Christianity. Since he himself was at one time an unbeliever, he is able to answer logically the questions unbelievers have and why no matter what or how they think, the end result is a God. His gentleness and tone in this book is such that it does not offend the unbeliever and consequently makes this book a success. Although addressed to unbelievers, his defense of Christianity helps to strengthen Christians as well. C. H. Smith

Perhaps Lewisí most popular and influential book raising a reasoned apologetic method for defending Christianity. The written words contained in this book were originally radio talks given to the BBC then published into three separate parts between 1943-1945. Lewis shares to the readers his reasoning for becoming a Christian and accuses his atheism being too simple. Lewisí argument against God was because he is unjust, but Lewis had to ask himself where did the idea of just and unjust come from? He concludes atheism left his questions about God and the universe unanswered. T. Allen

Miracles. New York: Macmillan, 1947.

When Lewis wrote Miracles, which deals with the issue of the title, the writer came with this same approach as he did with Mere Christianity. Instead of preaching the existence/nonexistence of miracles, Lewis attempts to gear his reader for his own examination of the validity of these acts. As he states himself in one of the opening paragraphs, "My effort is to put my readers in a position to...examine the historical evidence for the Christian miracles." Lewis attempts to use the issue of miracles as a means to point his reader to investigate the claims of Christ. W. J. Sheets

Miracles asks the question, "Are miracles possible?" C.S. Lewis says, "The accounts of the miracles...are either lies, or legends, or history..." (97). His answer, history, is supported in detail, but his main goal is to give answers to the arguments which twentieth-century minds come up with against the possibility and probability of miracles. These arguments are embodied in the naturalist and pantheistic movements, and thus these "religions" are studied throughout the book. Lewis spends a majority of the book looking specifically at the miracle of the incarnation and the old and new creation miracles. J. Piersma

Narrative Poems. Ed. Walter Hooper. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1969.

In addition to Dymer, this volume contains "Lancelot," "The Nameless Isle," and the delightful "The Queen of Drum." They are the total of Lewis' surviving narrative poems, a genre in which he earnestly wished to achieve fame. Though the poetry is not in vogue in the twentieth-century, it attests to Lewis' love of language, use of metaphor, simile and sound, fascination with Arthurian themes, and tendency toward the fantastic. Some of the verse is quite good Cexuberant, hearty, and unabashed. This is Lewis as few know him. D. W. King

Of Other Worlds: Essays and Stories. Ed. Walter Hooper. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1966.

A collection of essays and short stories compiled to bring together Lewis' conception of the story as a literary form, these entries discuss story technique, literary criticism, myth and fantasy, science fiction, and writing for children. It offers an insightful look at Lewis with regard to personality, humor, and belief. It also discusses his views on moral intent within a story and gives an eschatological look at man's desire for power. The book concludes with five chapters from an unfinished novel, After Ten Years, which Lewis was writing at the time of his death. B. S. James

Out of the Silent Planet. London: Bodley Head, 1938.

The first book of the Space Trilogy where we meet Edwin Ransom, a philologist, who is kidnapped by Weston and Devine and taken to Malacandra (Mars) as a supposed human sacrifice to appease the natives. On this beautiful but dying world Ransom learns that kinship transcends outward appearance and finds himself honored to become the friend of Hyoi, a hnau, and his family. After Weston murders Hyoi, the three earthmen are taken to the Oyarsa, the ruling power of Malacandra, who decides to send them back to earth, to keep Malacandra free of the spiritual infection the earthmen have brought. Often called a series focusing on Lewis' interest in the myth of Deep Space. D. W. King

Perelandra. London: Bodley Head, 1943.

The second of Lewis' Space Trilogy, wherein Ransom returns for another intergalactic adventure. This time Ransom is transported to the planet Perelandra, our equivalent of Venus, where he must prevent the fall of that world by safeguarding the Green Lady from the devilish tempter Weston. Analogous to Eve's predicament in the Garden of Eden, the Green Lady must choose whether to obey her creator or heed the logical rationale of the Un-Man, a Satan possessed Weston. Ultimately, Ransom and the Un-Man engage in a physical and quasi-spiritual battle that is the deciding factor in the fate of Perelandra. J. F. Reardon.

Poems. Ed. Walter Hooper. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1964.

Poems is a posthumously published collection of poems that Lewis wrote over a life time. It is divided into four sections: the hidden country, the backward glance, a larger world, and further up and further in. There is great range in these poems. They cover gods, giants, dragons, unicorns and angels. Some of the poems had been previously published but most were collected after Lewis' death. This work represents the true love of Lewis for poetry and, though not dated, they portray various stages of Lewis' life. The style is reminiscent of the classical poets of Yeats and Milton, Lewis' favorites. K. J. Boyer

Present Concerns. Ed. Walter Hooper. London: Fount, 1986.

A recent collection of essays printed in newspapers and magazines, these pieces provide insight into issues that were of concern to Lewis and his contemporaries. Many of the concerns that Lewis deals with are issues that are still prevalent today. For example, the morality in the media, the lack of strong education, living in an age of the atomic bomb and equality, especially within education are issues Lewis addressees; throughout he shows great insight into present concerns. A. F. Ozanne

Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1951.

In this, the second adventure in Narnia, Lewis traces the development of Prince Caspian, an orphan heir to the throne who is being raised by an uncle intent on claiming the throne for himself. Educated by his tutor, Dr. Cornelius, on the ways of old Narnia, Caspian escapes from his uncle and is assisted by Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. Led on a perilous journey to find Caspian by the loyal but skeptical dwarf, Trumpkin, the children help free Narnia from the usurper and order is restored. D. W. King

Reflections On The Psalms. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1958.

To Lewis, the Psalms were an important literary piece. Lewis believed he could contribute a laymanís and literary critique. ìA man canít be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it.î This was his approach for writing the book. With all theology and philosophy aside, Lewis shows us how the people of God in the Old Testament had a longing to know Him. Although more of a literary critique of the Psalms than an explicate, Lewis (the poet) viewed the Psalms as great poetry. His suggestion for those who are reading Psalms is to read them as poetry or ìwe shall miss what is in them and think we see what is not.î T. Allen

In an attempt to clear up some of his own confusion as well as help others get a better understanding of the Psalms, author C.S. Lewis breaks down some of the veiled meanings behind this rich book of the Bible. Lewis discusses the many authors of the book and their use of lyric, hyperbole, simile, personification, symbols, and imagery. By breaking the book up into categories for the average reader to understand, Lewis hopes to alleviate confusion. Some of the categories he divides the verses into are judgment, cursings, death, beauty, nature, praise, and commandments. M. J. Vance

Selected Literary Essays. Cambridge; Cambridge University Press, 1969.

In Selected Literary Essays, Lewis reveals his identity as a rationalist. He explores areas such as reason and truth, imagination equals meaning, the failures among writers, and variations in methods. Lewis also gives his opinion that there is no value to metre due to the fact that modern readers are not skilled on scanning. E.A.Harris

Lewis plays literary critic in this compilation of essays. From the Authorized Version of the Bible to Joseph Addison, Lewis objectively points out the pros and cons of some of the most well-known and widely read pieces of literature. In defense of Alow-brow literature, Lewis also attempts to define what makes a book good or bad by looking at style, popularity, and triviality. The reader is also given a textbook lesson in philology with Lewis' chapter on four-letter words. Rounding out his essays, Lewis berates the modern psycho-analytical approach to literary criticism. J. F. Reardon.

Spenser's Images of Life. Ed. Alastair Fowler. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1967.

The book entitled, Spencer's Images of Life was not actually written by C.S. Lewis. The information found in Lewis' notes, on the poem The Faerie Queen, was reworked by Alastair Fowler and published in a book. The book addresses characters such as Cupid and Venus. Also we get an in-depth look at how good and evil are portrayed in reference to the time period in which The Faerie Queen was written. Along with this different literary devices are looked at in reference to the poem, some being allegory, pageant characters, and historical setting. J. Piersma

Spirits in Bondage: A Cycle of Lyrics. London: J. M. Dent, 1926. Under the pseudonym Clive Hamilton.

As Lewis' first book of published poetry, Spirits in Bondage chronicles the author's aspiration to be a poet, a notion carried over throughout the remainder of his literary career. This book, unified by the central thread of disbelief in a loving and merciful God, explores Lewis' agnosticism. Fraught with disillusionment and frustrated raging against a capricious deity, Lewis' poems reveal honesty through valid psychological and spiritual questions; yet rising above the author's internal turmoil, the beauty of the human spirit prevails. Lewis concludes, esteeming the will and intellect of man as the single source of spiritual and intellectual contentment. E. M. Kitsteiner

Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1966.

This is a heavy duty book in which Lewis gives criticism and commentary about his favorite authors in Medieval and Renaissance literature. Although he writes in a very clear and comprehensible fashion, the reader would benefit from Lewis' ideas if one was familiar with the works that he discusses. The most interesting part is when Lewis lists all of the convicted crimes that Mallory committed and then Lewis gives extreme excuses in defense of Mallory. This book is definitely a good reference for literature of the time period. Lewis was a literary genius. D.B. Oblander

These essays correlate both the literary techniques within specific pieces of literature with a concentration on Dante and Spencer as well as the principle and intellectual presuppositions of the era in relation to imagination and thought. Lewis clearly manifests his points of view by employing a pedantic expression of study which reveals a diverse array of essays. The essays contained in the collection are difficult to find and most of them have not been previously published. As a result, the essays have been arranged in their order by the subjects they discuss. S. A. Harrison

Studies in Words. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960.

This work is based on a series of lectures given at Cambridge by Lewis himself. Lewis states that his intention is to examine the lexical and historical development of certain words in relation to the "right" reading of older works in order to more accurately understand the author's original meaning and sentiment. It is not an essay on higher linguistics. The crux of the lectures to Lewis' students and the reason for their publication is to instill in students an inquisitive nature as regards the usage of, not necessarily the origin of, a word or words. C. A. Munroe

Lectures exploring the history of eleven words and tracing their current definitions. In the search to facilitate an accurate reading of old books, Lewis researches the origin of specific words and the changes they have experienced throughout the years. Numerous literary and metaphoric examples are used in this scholarly explication of language. The themes cover the numerous meanings one word may have, the content, the dangerous meanings that become dominant, and the moralization of words. Religious and moral insights are an extra that the reader receives in addition to the historical life of a word. K. J. Boyer

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1955.

Lewis concentrates on those early developmental influences that made him the person he was. Of special note are the people: his father; his brother, Warren; teachers at the public schools he attended; W. T. Kirkpatrick, his crusty but beloved tutor; Owen Barfield, Arthur Greeves, and many others. Also, the thematic key to all of Lewis' writings is revealed: his search for an experience he calls joy: "An unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction and anyone who has experienced it will want it again" (17-18). A great source for learning what makes Lewis tick. D. W. King

That Hideous Strength: A Modern Fairy-tale for Grownups. London: Bodley Head, 1945.

The final of the Ransom Trilogy, this book ties together two of Lewis' favorite subjects: the old-world myth and the modern world that has been taken over by people living outside the Tao. The setting is on earth, an already fallen planet, which has fallen deeper because of the evilness of an organization called the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.); this organization exposes mankind's eternal quest for god-like power over humanity and the forces of nature. Perverted strength must be averted by Ransom, St. Anne's, and the powers of the Oyarsu. Mark and Jane Studdock offer the contrast of divergent paths that ultimately lead to self-knowledge, reunion in marriage, and truth. Lewis uses this book to warn against an elite few controlling all. Though evil is diabolically strong, degenerate man must yield to redeeming spiritual faith. B. S. James and M. J. King

The Abolition of Man: or Reflections on Education with Special Reference to the Teaching of English in the Upper Forms of Schools. New York: Macmillian, 1947.

C. S. Lewis' most basic and central philosophy is presented via three lectures delivered by Lewis defending the existence of Absolute Truth. Lewis argues that this is a basic principle known to all people worldwide. Lewis begins by discussing the problems with the English school system and the way in which they fail to teach the existence of truth. Lewis says that the abolition of man begins with early education and the denial of the Tao. Lewis uses the term Tao, taken from Confucianism to mean Absolute Truth. L. J. Lance

This work is a response to an elementary textbook called by Lewis The Green Book, a fictitious title. Lewis' work consists of three essays on contemporary educational philosophy and the dangers we may find therein. Lewis states that the educational system in England is not attentive enough to the content of elementary text-books, and cites The Green Book as a classic example of how the inherent philosophy in a particular methodology or literary genre, however subtle or unintentional, affects the quality and scope of the educational system, i.e., the teaching of arbitrary values to modern students. C. A. Munroe

The Allegory of Love. New York: Oxford University Press, 1936.

This book attempts to trace the rise of allegory through the Middle Ages by analyzing some of the greatest works of literature during that time and critiquing their use of the allegorical method. It also attempts to bring together true allegory with the courtly attitude toward love. Lewis reviews such writers as Spencer, Chaucer, Jean de Meun, and Guillaume de Lorris. He does a brilliant job of dissecting the literature into well written allegory and accepted allegory, the latter of the two giving way to the modern day misunderstanding of the genre. A. E. Eckler

Within this piece of literary criticism, Lewis tracts the historical progression of both allegory and courtly love. Hearkening back to the eleventh century, Lewis' study centers around the medieval tradition, exacting both a point of origin and structural framework of the allegorical method and the sentiment of courtly love. With the foundational tenants of his subject thereby defined, Lewis analyzes various pieces of medieval literature which either exemplify or digress from the intent and original style these forms adopted. Works undergoing analysis span the period between De Lorris' Roman de la Rose and Spencer's The Faerie Queen. E. M. Kitsteiner

The Dark Towers and Other Stories. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.

Six short stories published by Walter Hooper, four of which previously appeared in other works. The two which were not, "The Dark Tower" and "The Man Born Blind," were manuscripts which were very nearly lost forever in a bonfire. The other four, "The Shoddy Lands," "Ministering Angels," "Forms of Things Unknown" and AAfter Ten Years" had been seen in science fiction and literary magazines. "The Dark Tower" had characteristics which had been in The Ransom Trilogy, but was unrelated to events in that trilogy. The others were completely new. J. L. Troutman

The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1964.

In this book, Lewis provides a map as he calls it to literature of the middle ages. He analytically dissects and categorizes various elements of the time period's writing so that readers can pick up a book from then and not be overwhelmed with things they don't understand. Lewis does this not only to facilitate studying of the genre, but also to encourage appreciating its entertainment and aesthetic value. He hoped not to provide direction out for those lost in middle age literature but to lead outsiders into

unfamiliar territory without fear. C. Howard

Lewis defines and explains some of the works, thoughts, and beliefs (what he calls "the model") that influenced Medieval and Renaissance Literature. He includes many things; from ancient literature to the thoughts about the heavens, to the complexions of humans, to education and even beliefs about fairies. Lewis shows through specific examples and generalizations about Medieval literature how all of these subjects were influential. This book also shows how Lewis' research into these subjects also influenced him and his writing of fiction and poetry including The Ransom Trilogy and Spirits in Bondage. M. J. King

The Four Loves. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers, 1960.

The purpose behind The Four Loves was C. S. Lewis' attempt to explore the different kinds of love and their relationships to as well as their effects on man. Throughout the various stages of the book, Lewis showed how each is viewed by man by presenting them in their pure and manipulated forms. By treating the various kinds of love (affection, friendship, eros and charity) in this manner Lewis is able to prove that all loves are created by God with His specific purpose in mind. Lewis does make a disclaimer in the introduction and admits that explaining the four loves would be difficult. S.E. Parker

Here Lewis examines the roles of storge (affection), phileo (friendship), eros (romantic), and agape (charity) in our lives. He examines each of these in light of need-love and gift-love. Need-love is "that which sends a lonely or frightened child to its mother's arms." Gift-love is "that love which moves a man to work and plan and save for the future well-being of his family which he will die for without sharing or seeing" (11). Lewis establishes the difference between Alike" and "love" and then demonstrates the four components of our word "Love". J. L. Troutman

The Great Divorce. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, Inc., 1946.

Through a dream vision, Lewis writes in defense of the Biblical doctrine of Heaven and Hell. Fantasy is used to present the spiritual truth of eternal separation from God, the "great divorce." The fate of man's soul is seen to be contingent upon choices made in life and as a reflection of self-will. Cynical, self-centered ghosts symbolically represent different aspects of sin. Lewis gives an insightful look at man's sinful nature; an encouragement to accept Christ; and a view of the damned, within a brilliant contrast of light and darkness, good and evil, eternity and damnation. B. S. James

The Horse and His Boy. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1954.

The fifth in the celebrated Narnia series, this book tells the story of a young orphan boy named Shasta. Shasta has been raised by a rather abusive Calormene fisherman and one day decides to run away to the land he has heard so much about: Narnia. With the aid of Bree (a horse from Narnia) and Aravis (a Calormene noblewoman), he finally makes it there. But on the way he meets Aslan, fights in a battle, and discovers that he is in fact the lost son of the king of Archenland. The eternal fight between good and evil wages on in this book and Lewis once again bring light to a part of God's character. J. A. Hinman

The Last Battle: A Story for Children. London: Bodley Head, 1956.

This is the last book in his Chronicles of Narnia series. Lewis alludes to the book of Revelation and the end times through the deceit of Shift, the Ape, and Puzzle, the Donkey. Shift makes a costume out of a dead lion's skin and makes Puzzle wear it so that people think he is Aslan the King. Because of this deception, the people of Narnia have doubts about Aslan and whether he is real or a hoax like Puzzle. Aslan returns to restore truth and salvation to the people of Narnia. C. H. Smith

In Lewis' conclusion to the Narnia series, Lewis offers exciting views into the character of God as he formulates a story about the made-up world of Narnia. The inhabitants of this world are undergoing a false illusion that is portrayed by a donkey wearing a lion's skin. The whole scam is thought up by a monkey who is tired of doing things like they have always been done before. Thus, the deception of a false "King Aslan." When the real Aslan comes on the scene, order is restored and the land's perception of the "King" is healed. S. R. Bowen

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1950.

This is the first Chronicle of Narnia. Lewis wrote this Narnia to children, even though there is a lot of morality that adults could learn from. This book was once the best selling than other Narnians. This was the introduction of Aslan the lion and the two daughters and the two sons of Adam and Eve. Aslan plays the figure of Christ, his death and the resurrection. The importance of love, hate and friendship is emphasized so that children could know the difference. The interest that Lewis had for children kept him on the spirit of writing more Chronicles. Q. Musengwa

This is the story of four children's adventures in Narnia. Narnia is a fictional, mythical place which C. S. Lewis created. In Narnia, as in our society, there is good and evil. Lewis symbolically recreates the passion story of Jesus' death, resurrection, and victory through the use of a lion named Aslan. Aslan dies in the place of one of the children, but later rises from the dead to claim victory over the evil witch. Lewis writes this story as a children's book, therefore it is very easy to read. C.D. Sorensen

The Magician's Nephew. London: Bodley Head, 1955.

The sixth book in the Chronicles of Narnia, in this tale Narnia is born, as the first humans ever present in that world look on, via the aid of magical rings. Good and evil clash for the first time in this new land and an English boy named Digory must decide which force he will follow. Aslan, Jadis (the White Witch), and a whole host of others are introduced within and the stage is set for the other Narnia adventures. J. A. Hinman

The Personal Heresy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1939.

Recorded in the pages of The Personal Heresy is a debate between two great authors/poets in the form of six essays, three from Lewis and three from Tillyard. This conflict centers around the issue Lewis penned in his first essay, "I shall maintain that when we read poetry as poetry should be read, we have before us no representation which claims to be the poet"(4). The personal heresy occurs, in Lewis' words, when one reads this "representation" into the work of writing. Tillyard staunchly argues throughout his essays to gain contact with this personality of the poet. W. J. Sheets

The Pilgrim's Regress: An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason and Romanticism. London: J. M. Dent, 1933.

This is Lewis' first published work after his conversion to Christianity. Written as an allegory and inspired by Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, this book is Lewis' attack on the spiritual malaise of Western culture as he saw it in the late 1920's and early 1930's. John (will or desire), tries to find the Island (joy or heaven), in various experiences, ideologies, philosophies, and movements; though hindered many times in his pilgrimage, he is eventually assisted by Vertue (conscience or morality) and together they reach the outskirts of heaven as the book concludes. D. W. King

The Problem of Pain. London: The Centenary Press, 1940.

This work of Lewis' focuses mainly on answering the question, "If God is good, why do His people suffer?" His style in approaching the question is logical and, for the most part, free from emotional interference. Lewis maintains that there is a need for human suffering in order not only for God to be able to draw people to Himself, but for people to be able to experience the fullness of life in all of its experiences. The main reason for the existence of pain, says Lewis, is due to the Fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, and to the subsequent bent towards selfishness which is prevalent in the human race. B. Erikson

Lewis' initial book length discussion on human grief and suffering. Tracing the origin of pain back to the Garden of Eden, Lewis attempts to answer the age old question, "How can a God who is good allow His people to suffer?" One answer lies in the cataclysmic fall of man. Pain is the natural consequence to Adam and Eve's insubordinate disruption of order. Lewis finds further justification for God's seemingly merciless behavior in scientific limits and laws. Lewis also delves into the topic of Heaven, Hell, as well as the enigma of animal pain. J. F. Reardon.

The Screwtape Letters. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1942.

This book is a compilation of "letters" from a senior demon to a junior demon on his first assignment to a human victim. Lewis uses this brilliant strategy to confront a very hazy concept in Christian theology. The senior demon, Screwtape, who is the junior demon's "uncle," attempts to guide Wormwood, his nephew, through the process of learning how to tempt a human being. As Wormwood fails, Screwtape teaches him different strategies to keep the man in Satan's possession. These strategies come directly from struggles humans face every day, and they show Lewis' own reflection of the human condition. A. E. Eckler

Lewis shows his insight into the spirit world through this imaginary correspondence between Screwtape, a senior devil, and his nephew, Wormwood, who is learning how to tempt souls to evil. The "patient" (a human) comes under spiritual attack regarding prayer, sexuality, church tasting, and fear of the future. Lewis shows great understanding of how the spiritual world affects our lives. This is Lewis' attempt to give readers a healthy insight into devils and spiritual warfare; in addition, there is a certain grim humor to this work that makes it readable and quotable. A. F. Ozanne

The Silver Chair. New York: Collier,1953.

The Silver Chair is the fourth book in The Chronicles of Narnia collection. The book exposes humanistic disciplines. It shows the relationship between morality, knowledge, self-control, and will-power. Jill and Eustace are on a quest from Aslan to find the Prince Rilian. The children are guided by Lewis' characteristic of having nonhuman inhabitants who bring forth knowledge. E.A.Harris

The fourth book in the Chronicles of Narnia, this is the story of Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole and their adventures in Narnia. They enter through a wall at school while escaping from bullies. When they enter they are in Aslan's country. Aslan sends them on a mission to find the abducted son of King Caspian, as he is the only heir to the dying king. They travel with a guide, Puddleglum the Marshwiggle. They fall into Underworld where they free the prince from an enchantment of the Queen of Underland, returning him to Narnia. L. J. Lance

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1952.

This novel is one of the Narnian series. In order to fulfill a vow he made on his day of coronation, Prince Caspian sets sail east to discover the fate of seven missing lords. The ship intercepts Edmund and Lucy and their cousin Eustace along the way. The main theme of the novel is facing and weathering the challenges of growing and traveling, especially for Eustace and Reepicheep, the warrior mouse. The change occurs primarily in Eustace, who becomes a much more agreeable person at the end. C. Howard

This is the third book in the Chronicles of Narnia. It is the story of how Eustace Scrubb, the cousin of the Pevensies (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) first enters Narnia. The story follows the events that happen to Eustace, Edmund, and Lucy. They enter through a picture that hangs upstairs in Eustace's house. They land near the "Dawn Treader" and are picked up by Prince Caspian and his crew. They go with Caspian to find the seven banished lords and Aslan's country. The main theme of the book is the redemption of Eustace. L. J. Lance.

The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses. New York: Macmillian, 1949.

A small but valuable collection of sermons and talks given to various audiences on various subjects. The title piece, "The Weight of Glory," is a wonderful sermon in which Lewis argues for the need to forget our own glory so we can concentrate on our neighbor's: "The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken." Other topics include the inner ring, membership, and learning in wartime. A great little find. D. W. King

In Lewis' conclusion to the Narnia series, Lewis offers exciting views into the character of God as he formulates a story about the made-up world of Narnia. The inhabitants of this world are undergoing a false illusion that is portrayed by a donkey wearing a lion's skin. The whole scam is thought up by a monkey who is tired of doing things like they have always been done before. Thus, the deception of a false "King Aslan." When the real Aslan comes on the scene, order is restored and the land's perception of the "King" is healed. S. R. Bowen

The World's Last Night: And Other Essays. New York: Harcourt, Brace & Co., 1960.

This book is made up of seven essays. There is one on prayer, one on belief, one on culture, one on spiritual warfare, one on works verses work, one on redemption, and lastly one on the second coming of Christ. Each topic is attacked with vigor; however, Lewis does this in a relaxed and witty manner, uncommon to many of his writings. These essays were not originally placed together by Lewis, and because of that, they seem to lack a common theme. Each essay is enlightening and therefore worth a good read. C. D. Sorensen

They Stand Together: The Letters of C. S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves (1914-1963). Ed. Walter Hooper. London: Collins, 1979.

The collection of all the letters Lewis wrote to his lifelong friend, Arthur Greeves, from the time they first met as teenagers to just before Lewis' death. With frankness and openness, Lewis shares with Greeves his love for books, music, and especially poetry. In addition, it is fascinating to chart Lewis' journey from atheism to faith in Christ via these letters. Such a lifelong correspondence is rare today and illustrates Lewis' sheer love of writing. For those who want an "inside look" at Lewis the man this is must reading. D. W. King

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1956.

The story of love between Orual and her younger, beautiful sister Psyche. In it Lewis traces the progression of affectionate love which Orual had for Psyche into possessive love. Orual, who is unattractive and is treated by her father and his household as a man, eventually sees how her love is based on conditions. The story shows how love (selfish love) can mutate into hate when the object of that love goes away. Lewis effectively illustrates how denial or lack of self-knowledge can lead to dire consequences in relationships between people. J. L. Troutman

Montreat College

Spring 1997

William Sheets and Don W. King