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The Major and the Missionary: The Letters Of Warren Hamilton Lewis And Blanche Biggs
After the death of his brother, Warren Lewis lived at The Kilns in Oxford, edited his famous brother's letters, and did a little writing of his own. Then he got a letter from a stranger on the far side of the world. Over the years that followed, he and Blanche Biggs, a missionary in Papua New Guinea, shared a vibrant correspondence. These conversations encompassed their views on faith, their politics, their humor, the legacy of C. S. Lewis, and their own trials and longings. Their letters paint a colorful portrait that illuminates not only the particulars of distant times and places, but the intimate contours of a rare friendship.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2023
12 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Diana Pavlac Glyer
21 books191 followersDiana Pavlac Glyer thinks that studying faded pencil marks on dusty manuscripts is more fun than going to Disneyland. That's why she has spent more than 40 years combing through archives and lurking in libraries. She is a leading expert on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings. Her book "The Company They Keep" changed the way we talk about these writers. Read more of her work on the Inklings in "BANDERSNATCH: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings." Bandersnatch is practical and really inspiring. Her scholarship, her teaching, and her work as an artist all circle back to one common theme: creativity thrives in community.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 27, 2024
This book was such a nice surprise. I always felt so badly about “Warnie’s” life after his brother died but this gives a more cheerful side. Blanche Biggs and Warren are both authentic and likable in these letters even though we can read between the lines of Warren’s true illness and even wonder what the Miller caretakers were really up to.
August 30, 2023
A new and exhilarating look into the life of Warren Lewis as a correspondent with those outside the Lewis/Belfast/Oxford circle. This collection is brimming with new insights for Lewis fans and scholars alike. The Major and Missionary provides Warren's response to current events, prayer, and his brother's legacy (among other fantastic topics). Brava to Diana Glyer for editing such a marvelous exchange. A MUST READ.☺️
October 16, 2023
Full review here: https://dearstrangethings.substack.co...
November 5, 2023
The care and detail with which the correspondence between "Major Lewis" and "Dr. Biggs" has been collected and annotated speaks to the love and respect the author must have for both parties. I confess that I purchased the book because I wanted to know more of C.S. Lewis' brother. I didn't expect to fall in love with his missionary friend!
Their conversations range from theological conundrums (how DID Mrs. Pilate's vision end up in the hands of the disciples, anyway?) to political and social issues of their days. Any lover of Deanna Durbin's "It Started with Eve" will understand when I say, "they disagree on Brahms," and that made me smile.
How can a correspondence about such ordinary things be so extraordinary? I don't know, but I could read a dozen books like it. Glyer's extensive bibliography has me eager to dig out some of the books referenced. I most certainly will be reading Seven Years Solitary by Edith Bone. I've already found it online. Wish I could justify spending sixty dollars on a copy but... Seriously, though, this book has over four pages of books either referenced by the author or the correspondents. The author did her homework, and I for one am grateful
Their conversations range from theological conundrums (how DID Mrs. Pilate's vision end up in the hands of the disciples, anyway?) to political and social issues of their days. Any lover of Deanna Durbin's "It Started with Eve" will understand when I say, "they disagree on Brahms," and that made me smile.
How can a correspondence about such ordinary things be so extraordinary? I don't know, but I could read a dozen books like it. Glyer's extensive bibliography has me eager to dig out some of the books referenced. I most certainly will be reading Seven Years Solitary by Edith Bone. I've already found it online. Wish I could justify spending sixty dollars on a copy but... Seriously, though, this book has over four pages of books either referenced by the author or the correspondents. The author did her homework, and I for one am grateful
May 29, 2024
Turns out, I love reading Lewis brother letter correspondences. This has been my year of reading letters and I feel a bit hooked. This set was especially sweet as, thanks to Blanche's carbon copy letter keeping, you were able to enjoy the back and forth of the letter writing instead of guessing what the previous letter said. In so many ways, I wish we were still a letter writing people, though I am also grateful for the technology that allows us do more than just write a letter.
It was a treat to get to know Major Warne Lewis. So often he gets labeled as the brother of C.S. Lewis who struggled with alcoholism, so these letters introduce you to the person behind the label. And then I have so much respect for Blanche and her pioneering doctoral work in Papua New Guinea. There is much to admire about her and I want to learn more about her work. The modern romantic in me wanted them to meet and fall and love and have Blanche take care of Warne in his old age, but that was not God's plan for them. Blanche remained faithful to her duty and Warne to his, but what a sweet friendship between a brother and sister in Christ that emerged from these two mutually encouraging one another from afar.
It was a treat to get to know Major Warne Lewis. So often he gets labeled as the brother of C.S. Lewis who struggled with alcoholism, so these letters introduce you to the person behind the label. And then I have so much respect for Blanche and her pioneering doctoral work in Papua New Guinea. There is much to admire about her and I want to learn more about her work. The modern romantic in me wanted them to meet and fall and love and have Blanche take care of Warne in his old age, but that was not God's plan for them. Blanche remained faithful to her duty and Warne to his, but what a sweet friendship between a brother and sister in Christ that emerged from these two mutually encouraging one another from afar.
February 11, 2024
This collection of letters was precious, and I'm so glad I made the impulse buy when it was published!
Not only is the reader introduced to both C.S. Lewis' lesser-known older brother and the missionary with whom he developed a long-distance friendship, but it's also a glimpse into historical events during the 1960s-70s.
Sidenote: Letter writing is, sadly, a lost form of correspondence in a culture too fast-paced wherein information and friendships are dependent on proximity. I attribute my longest standing friendship to letter writing during our childhood and early adolescence.
Not only is the reader introduced to both C.S. Lewis' lesser-known older brother and the missionary with whom he developed a long-distance friendship, but it's also a glimpse into historical events during the 1960s-70s.
Sidenote: Letter writing is, sadly, a lost form of correspondence in a culture too fast-paced wherein information and friendships are dependent on proximity. I attribute my longest standing friendship to letter writing during our childhood and early adolescence.
November 27, 2023
What a delightful read. This book captures the growing friendship between a missionary doctor in Papau New Guinea and Major Warren Lewis, brother of CS Lewis. If you are at all a fan of CS Lewis, you will enjoy getting to know his older brother through the letters that he writes to Dr Blanche Biggs.
In particular, their discussions of the "troubles" in Ireland reminded me much of the current discussions of the troubles in Israel/Gaza. That's really only a small part of the book. What I enjoyed most is the gentle way that they came to know and care for one another via their letters.
In particular, their discussions of the "troubles" in Ireland reminded me much of the current discussions of the troubles in Israel/Gaza. That's really only a small part of the book. What I enjoyed most is the gentle way that they came to know and care for one another via their letters.
September 13, 2024
What a sweet and wholesome read. I loved hearing about Warren and his experience as a sibling for C.S. Lewis. Growing up overseas to parents who were missionaries, I always like to hear stories of missionaries and their experiences, like Blanche.
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December 30, 2025I listened to this not realizing at first that it was an adapted/abridged version - the audio of a play written from the book. It was fine, but perhaps not as good as the book itself hopefully is.
April 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this dip into the life of Warren Lewis and missionary doctor, Blanche Biggs. Letters like these are such a wonderful way to get a realistic glimpse into times, places, people, and thoughts of the past. So much has changed, so much is the same!
February 1, 2024
This collection of letters is fantastic and what makes it all the more remarkable is that we have both sides of the conversation between these two firm believers in Christ who became such close friends. You can tell as you read how much both Warren and Blanche enjoyed getting a letter from the other, in one letter Warren even says it was so delightful when he opened a letter that he almost put aside for later because of the hospital address and found it was from her. She had in fact posted the letter under that return address because of a postal strike, hoping it would be delivered more promptly. I am so grateful we have this collection, as many parts throughout are so encouraging and filled with godly wisdom. All thanks to Dr. Diana Glyer for her work putting this together! Can't wait for the audio play to be made available, and hope to one day see the play performed live.
December 6, 2024
Warren Lewis (CS’s brother) received a letter from Blanche Biggs, a doctor/missionary from Australia living in Papua New Guinea in October of 1968. She inquired about how and whether or not to publish her letters as a missionary from over the years - or even if she should bother. As he was in the habit (as was his brother) of answering all correspondence that came his way, he responded with advice. In this way, began their correspondence lasting until he died in 1973.
They were both good writers and interesting people; the friendship that you see developing in the letters is as charming as much of the content. They wrote a fair amount about the troubles in Ireland, the ongoing strikes in Britain, her work with TB and leprosy patients in Papua, her acquisition of a motorbike, his work corresponding as well as entertaining the plague of tourists that came every year to see the Kilns where his famous brother and he lived. They wrote feelingly about the church and the changes they were living through. She was more inclined toward a friendly ecumenical melding of the Church of England with the Methodists, while he was “violently opposed.” He said, “It can only be done by compromise, which makes nonsense of doctrine. If we are right, why do the Methodists not come over to us? Or, if they are right, why don’t we join them?”
They were agreed on their dislike of the introduction of modern music into the church service. Lewis wrote, “One idea here is that the introduction of ‘pop’ hymns, complete with a three-piece ‘pop’ band, brings people into the church. No doubt: and a strip tease act would fill it to capacity. But is this in any sense Christianity?” That made me smile.
Their letters were very formally addressed for several years (“my dear Major” and “Dear Dr. Biggs”), but at one point she suggested they drop the formalities and go by their first names, a suggestion he immediately adopted. One wonders if either of them entertained any romantic ideas about one another, in spite of the 15 year age gap between them. They were clearly very sympathetic to one another and enjoyed the conversation they were having, however infrequent the letters were sometimes. They exchanged photos as well.
In one of his last letters, he told her “The season has come when camera-clad Americans descend on me wanting to know what was my brother’s favorite breakfast food, his views on the unmarried mother, etc. etc…” She replied, “Surely no other country has ‘tourists’ who ask such stupid questions as the Americans? Or is it just that the Americans are more numerous and so have a higher probability of having stupid people among them?” Ha ha!
They had wanted to meet, but his health was poor and he died before she could get there. She was able to come to England a year later and visit his grave.
I enjoyed these letters very much. What a wonder to think that their private letters got made into a book. With the dearth of letter writing these days, it’s hard to imagine a more modern version of this correspondence being published.
They were both good writers and interesting people; the friendship that you see developing in the letters is as charming as much of the content. They wrote a fair amount about the troubles in Ireland, the ongoing strikes in Britain, her work with TB and leprosy patients in Papua, her acquisition of a motorbike, his work corresponding as well as entertaining the plague of tourists that came every year to see the Kilns where his famous brother and he lived. They wrote feelingly about the church and the changes they were living through. She was more inclined toward a friendly ecumenical melding of the Church of England with the Methodists, while he was “violently opposed.” He said, “It can only be done by compromise, which makes nonsense of doctrine. If we are right, why do the Methodists not come over to us? Or, if they are right, why don’t we join them?”
They were agreed on their dislike of the introduction of modern music into the church service. Lewis wrote, “One idea here is that the introduction of ‘pop’ hymns, complete with a three-piece ‘pop’ band, brings people into the church. No doubt: and a strip tease act would fill it to capacity. But is this in any sense Christianity?” That made me smile.
Their letters were very formally addressed for several years (“my dear Major” and “Dear Dr. Biggs”), but at one point she suggested they drop the formalities and go by their first names, a suggestion he immediately adopted. One wonders if either of them entertained any romantic ideas about one another, in spite of the 15 year age gap between them. They were clearly very sympathetic to one another and enjoyed the conversation they were having, however infrequent the letters were sometimes. They exchanged photos as well.
In one of his last letters, he told her “The season has come when camera-clad Americans descend on me wanting to know what was my brother’s favorite breakfast food, his views on the unmarried mother, etc. etc…” She replied, “Surely no other country has ‘tourists’ who ask such stupid questions as the Americans? Or is it just that the Americans are more numerous and so have a higher probability of having stupid people among them?” Ha ha!
They had wanted to meet, but his health was poor and he died before she could get there. She was able to come to England a year later and visit his grave.
I enjoyed these letters very much. What a wonder to think that their private letters got made into a book. With the dearth of letter writing these days, it’s hard to imagine a more modern version of this correspondence being published.
April 26, 2024
It feels weird to rate a book of letters—because this was a real correspondence between real people—but I greatly enjoyed reading this collection.
I don’t see myself picking these up for repeated reading (hence the 4-star rating,) and yet there were so many little phrases and ideas that touched me more deeply than I expected.
It was an interesting peek into a little corner of history and I particularly liked seeing another view of Warren “Warnie” Lewis and reading contemporary reactions to pieces of history I’ve heard of (The Troubles, strikes in England, etc.)
Reading these letters also made me ponder the nature of communication and how it’s changed since the late 1970’s. I confess feeling a little nostalgic/wistful at the loss of letter-writing. Texts are useful for quick messages, but there’s something about the intention and thoughtfulness of putting aside time to write to someone else, not to the mention the patience for the letters to travel back and forth. (Some of these international letters took weeks or months to arrive!)
Anyway, take a look at the book blurb and if it interests you, do take the time to savor this correspondence.
I don’t see myself picking these up for repeated reading (hence the 4-star rating,) and yet there were so many little phrases and ideas that touched me more deeply than I expected.
It was an interesting peek into a little corner of history and I particularly liked seeing another view of Warren “Warnie” Lewis and reading contemporary reactions to pieces of history I’ve heard of (The Troubles, strikes in England, etc.)
Reading these letters also made me ponder the nature of communication and how it’s changed since the late 1970’s. I confess feeling a little nostalgic/wistful at the loss of letter-writing. Texts are useful for quick messages, but there’s something about the intention and thoughtfulness of putting aside time to write to someone else, not to the mention the patience for the letters to travel back and forth. (Some of these international letters took weeks or months to arrive!)
Anyway, take a look at the book blurb and if it interests you, do take the time to savor this correspondence.
May 31, 2024
This was an edited correspondence between Major Warren Lewis, brother of the more famous C.S. Lewis, and Dr. Blanche Biggs, medical missionary to what was then called New Guinea. She wrote asking for advice on how to archive her papers, and their correspondence soon became much warmer and less businesslike. The letters made it obvious that both appreciated and enjoyed their ongoing back and forth of exchange of information and friendship. They also detail the religious situation in both New Guinea and England/Ireland during that time period. I found it to be a very interesting series to read, and to learn about Christians from a much different "stripe" than I come from.
August 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the letters between Dr. Biggs and Major Lewis.
Topics included, just to name a few: work, church life and religious tension (particularly Northern Ireland during the The Troubles), travel, family, literature, aging. Biggs gave an evocative narrative about what it was like to be a missionary doctor in Papua New Guinea during the 1960s and '70s from Dr. Biggs's letters. She was rather remarkable.
I'm inspired to read some of Warren Lewis's books, particularly, The Splendid Century: Life in the France of Louis XIV.
Diana Glyer's editing skills are outstanding. I particularly appreciated the Introduction (which I often skip) and the footnotes, which ranged from syntax to clarification of cultural 1970s in Ireland, England and Papua New Guinea.
Topics included, just to name a few: work, church life and religious tension (particularly Northern Ireland during the The Troubles), travel, family, literature, aging. Biggs gave an evocative narrative about what it was like to be a missionary doctor in Papua New Guinea during the 1960s and '70s from Dr. Biggs's letters. She was rather remarkable.
I'm inspired to read some of Warren Lewis's books, particularly, The Splendid Century: Life in the France of Louis XIV.
Diana Glyer's editing skills are outstanding. I particularly appreciated the Introduction (which I often skip) and the footnotes, which ranged from syntax to clarification of cultural 1970s in Ireland, England and Papua New Guinea.
October 10, 2023
I found this to be a delightful book. The courtesy between two strangers who eventually became friends was sweet to read. We have lost the art of letter writing these days. In a simple read, it also gave insight to current events (60s and 70s), various locations, religious opinions, and new (old) books to read.
The book had a calming affect as I enjoyed their letters and longed for the same type of friendship in my life.
The book had a calming affect as I enjoyed their letters and longed for the same type of friendship in my life.
March 6, 2024
What a remarkable way to share a bit of history with the rest of us. I love how the relationship between these 2 very different people, grew into a fond almost a sweet love story even though they never met. To hear news of 2 different slices of history from 2 different part of the world I thought was fascinating and kept me comparing then to now. I really enjoyed this/their story very much and I hope others take the time to 'adventure' along with these two amazing people.
May 5, 2024
This was really sweet and enjoyable to read.
Some parts got a little old since I read it in big chunks but others kept me really engaged.
It made me laugh, made me think, encouraged me and I even teared up.
Great look at two lives that weren't really too long ago and so much is the same and yet so much has changed (hello, WhatsApp!)
And also hearing about how bad Ireland was and how they didn't have any hope and yet now is at peace, makes me hopeful for Palestine & Israel.
Some parts got a little old since I read it in big chunks but others kept me really engaged.
It made me laugh, made me think, encouraged me and I even teared up.
Great look at two lives that weren't really too long ago and so much is the same and yet so much has changed (hello, WhatsApp!)
And also hearing about how bad Ireland was and how they didn't have any hope and yet now is at peace, makes me hopeful for Palestine & Israel.
November 27, 2023
Wonderful book! I always enjoy books of letters, and this one did not disappoint. The correspondents were intelligent, faithful people who read widely, thought deeply, and shared very interesting conversations over a number of years, never actually meeting in person this side of heaven. I highly recommend.
May 1, 2024
What a fun excursion! It brought 84 Charing Cross Road to mind. I hope the print book is longer than the 1:12 audio version, which is a stage adaptation. I will search out the paperback.
Epistolary books are fun for searching out clues between the lines. The greeting and closing gradually changed as their trust and affection grew.
Epistolary books are fun for searching out clues between the lines. The greeting and closing gradually changed as their trust and affection grew.
May 18, 2024
The Major and the Missionary was a great read. It is interesting to watch their relationship grow. Through their letters, you get a glimpse of the history of their time and how they processed the events. It has humor and tragedy. You can pace yourself by reading a few letters a day. The content will also draw you in so that you don’t want to stop at a few letters.
January 1, 2025
I tried desperately to finish this by the New Year. I was so close!! Anyway, this is a delightfully fun book. Letters give such a unique insight into so many things. I especially enjoyed hearing Major Lewis and Dr. Biggs discussing their denominational differences and church experiences. Now, how do I get someone in England to write to me?
August 12, 2025
This book was a treasure!
It is an epistolary, which I adore. It felt like reading someone's diary since they are real letters between two fascinating people. I love reading about medical missionaries so learning about missions in Papua New Guinea was wonderful. I look forward to seeing the stage play.
It is an epistolary, which I adore. It felt like reading someone's diary since they are real letters between two fascinating people. I love reading about medical missionaries so learning about missions in Papua New Guinea was wonderful. I look forward to seeing the stage play.
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October 25, 2023"Blanche wrote for the joy of self-expression and connection with her reader." Meredith Goehring writes this in the Afterword to Diana Pavlac Glyer's edited collection of letters between two people a world apart in the years 1969-1974.
I write for the same reason.
I write for the same reason.
February 24, 2025
I really enjoyed reading through these letters. I found myself laughing, relating, feeling convicted, and wishing to know more. It's wonderful that copies of their letters remained and readers can watch how this intriguing friendship unfolded.
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February 3, 2024Only listened to the Rabbit Room audio production, so it seems silly to give a rating to what was a real correspondence. But I enjoyed it.
March 10, 2024
Engaging and interesting
March 23, 2024
Delightful insight into the correspondence of two friends. Curious how so many of the issues they wrestled with then we do now!
March 23, 2024
The abridged audio play of this book was exceptional! Can’t wait to pick up a copy of the actual book.
May 7, 2024
I was born in the wrong time period! Letter writing is such a lost art!! ❤️ Warren & Blanche’s exchange & subsequent friendship is absolutely precious! It was a sweet, sweet read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews