Reflections on literature and science fiction; three stories; and the beginning chapters of a novel. Edited and with a Preface by Walter Hooper.
read full description
reviews
Dec 29, 2010
RE
rated it: 
If you're a writer who enjoys CS Lewis' works, then this collection (9 Essays, 3 Short stories, and an unfinished Novel fragment) is a treasure trove. Here, CS Lewis writes about writing - the creation "of other worlds," as editor Walter Hooper decided to title it.
Speculative fiction writers in particular will find this collection fascinating, as it contains the essay "On Science Fiction" and "Ministering Angels." In the latter in particular, see CS Lewi More...
Speculative fiction writers in particular will find this collection fascinating, as it contains the essay "On Science Fiction" and "Ministering Angels." In the latter in particular, see CS Lewi More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 08, 2012
Tre
rated it:
This first, and larger, part of this book is a collection of essays which are also printed in On Stories by C. S. Lewis and edited by Walter Hooper. The latter part of this book is a collection of 3 science fiction stories and an unfinished tale, entitled After Ten Years, based the events revolving around Menelaus and Helen after the sacking of Troy. I found the science fiction stories to be incredibly thought provoking, at times funny, and certainly a surprise when compared to lewis' other writ
More...
Jan 19, 2012
Jed
rated it: 
Gives Lewis' theories on childrens' story writing and fantasy and science fiction literature, all of which have dominated my own theories since I first read this some years ago. This volume also includes an interesting argument Lewis had with Dr Haldane (Lewis wins) and some previously unplublished stories: these stories are generally the unfortunate type that lead people to call Lewis a misogynist, but some are good in their own right. Lastly, it includes some chapters of a darker type of book
More...
Oct 30, 2008
Sara Diane
rated it:
I've had it on my shelf for a while. I wanted something short to read before drifting off to dreamland, and Lewis is always a great option (both his fiction and non-fiction).
Wow- this was a great read. The first 2/3rd of the book are essays about various topics pertaining to lit and criticism. Thankfully they are pretty short (because I glaze over after a while) but full of great ideas and points. Lewis also talks about his writing process for fiction and answers some of the critics More...
Wow- this was a great read. The first 2/3rd of the book are essays about various topics pertaining to lit and criticism. Thankfully they are pretty short (because I glaze over after a while) but full of great ideas and points. Lewis also talks about his writing process for fiction and answers some of the critics More...
Feb 20, 2011
Megan
rated it:
Ahhh, what to say about this one...
My favorite parts were the short stories. Especially _The Shoddy Lands_. Just brilliant. Absolutely brill-frickin-iant.
The essays were good, too. Not as good as the stories. But still good.
And take a gander at that cover art, will you? My, my.
My favorite parts were the short stories. Especially _The Shoddy Lands_. Just brilliant. Absolutely brill-frickin-iant.
The essays were good, too. Not as good as the stories. But still good.
And take a gander at that cover art, will you? My, my.
Oct 22, 2011
Tanner
rated it:
A wonderful collection of Lewis's essays and short stories. Any Lewis fan would do well to add it to their Lewis library. The essays are short but pointed. The essay, "On Science Fiction" is a strong defense against critics who regard science-fiction as incapable of being literary. At the end of the book are some of Lewis' only published short stories and "After Ten Years" is an enthralling story which makes you wish that Lewis had the final drive to finish it.
Aug 17, 2010
Scott
rated it:
Informative, fascinating, and funny. Whether you love or hate science fiction or children's stories, everyone should read this wonderful book.
Jul 12, 2008
Randall
rated it: 
Interesting essay collection that primarily examines why sci-fi and fantasy should be taken seriously. Unfortunately repetitive. Well worth a look for the Lewis enthusiast.
But the short stories. Wow. Susan's demise at the end of "The Last Battle" has long made me very uneasy because I thought it revealed misogyny in the author. These short stories pretty much seal the deal. I love some of Lewis's work, but in these stories he reveals a contempt for female sexuality. An asto More...
But the short stories. Wow. Susan's demise at the end of "The Last Battle" has long made me very uneasy because I thought it revealed misogyny in the author. These short stories pretty much seal the deal. I love some of Lewis's work, but in these stories he reveals a contempt for female sexuality. An asto More...
Jun 30, 2008
Vickie
rated it:
Yet again, I find that I absolutely love all that flowed from Lewis's pen.
I wasn't able to finish this before I had to return it to the library, so I just checked it out again. If you have any interest in literature, specifically what Lewis has to say about it, this would be fun for you. He has so much great stuff to say, particularly in defense of the fantasy and sci-fi genres. He's inspired me to try sci-fi; apparently there is some that is high quality, and he makes a good argument More...
I wasn't able to finish this before I had to return it to the library, so I just checked it out again. If you have any interest in literature, specifically what Lewis has to say about it, this would be fun for you. He has so much great stuff to say, particularly in defense of the fantasy and sci-fi genres. He's inspired me to try sci-fi; apparently there is some that is high quality, and he makes a good argument More...
Apr 16, 2010
Stephanie
rated it:
I especially liked one of the short stories, but his essays were also very interesting and reminded me a LOT of Tolkien's scholarly essays as well. Much the same style. It had a couple chapters of the book Lewis was on-and-ff writing when he died called After Ten Years, which started out quite interestingly. It was about Menelaus after the Trojan War, but there wasn't really enough of it to see where he was going with it.
Feb 11, 2010
Snail in Danger (Sid)
rated it:
The best of these essays I think are really brilliant, for their consideration of why reading and story work the way they do. The stories at the end, really, I can leave. For some reason Lewis has never been appealing to me.
May 20, 2010
A must read for people who would like to write in fantasy or sci fi genres. A classic collection of essays that subtlety provides instructions and advice for the best methods in world development, themes, and writing.
Jan 11, 2008
Devin
rated it:
This contains some of Lewis's essays on creative writing and thought, including his thoughts on writing for children and dealing with the fantasy genre. Absolutely marvelous collection.
Jan 05, 2008
Joanna
rated it:
I ought to reread this as I am currently feeling a warm hazy sensation. I enjoyed this book, of that I am sure. I don't remember any more than that.
Dec 16, 2009
Kate
rated it:
there are a couple of duds in here, but everything else is glorious as usual
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 10, 2012
Feb 08, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 06, 2012
