Letters: C.S. Lewis, Don Giovanni Calabria : A Study in Friendship

by C.S. Lewis, Giovanni Calabria, Martin Moynihan

This is translated collection of letters written in Latin by C.S.Lewis to a distinguished Roman Catholic priest, Don Giovanni Calabria (1873-1954), known not only for his piety and writing but for the home he founded for orphans in his native Verona, Italy. The central theme is Christian unity, written from well within the Anglican tradition. Other great Christian themes are also touched upon and alongside these, the thoughts of Lewis's own writing, his reading and of the tragic death of his wife, Joy. There is also a lengthy introduction by Martin Moynihan, who discovered the letters among the C.S.Lewis archive and who comments on their language, content and relationship with C.S.Lewis's other work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Christianity, Christian, Catholic, Spirituality, Religion

125 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]

Reviews

[Mike Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s probably unfair that C.S. Lewis gets compared to himself. I enjoyed these letters, but they weren’t quite as rich for me as the other collections of his letters to children and an American lady. Of course, that might be due to my extremely poor Latin. I do think these letters show a unique aspect of his humility. And the most central theme of Christian unity is beautiful. He also shares a lot of wisdom about how to live in a time when it seems like there could be much to despair over.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will make no secret that C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential Christians I have known. And yes, I know him through his books! His clear and lucid writing have helped shape my Christian thinking, so I eagerly read and study every book I can get that he has written. This book is a very special "find", and unusual in many regards. The first and most unusual aspect is that it is written in Latin! The English translation is on the other side, so this is rather like a diglot book.

The Roman Catholic priest, Father Giovanni Calabria read C. S. Lewis' book, "The Screwtape Letters" in 1947 and wanted to write Lewis. Being Italian and knowing no English and figuring rightly that Lewis knew no Italian, Father Calabria banked on Lewis' classicist background and boldly wrote him in Latin. Lewis answered each and every letter also in Latin. The ongoing correspondence is very kind and loving between these two Christians. Father Calabria hoped that Lewis would use his influence in the Protestant world to help repair the division between Christians. Lewis agreed that the division among Christians was grievous yet he was only a layman, and not a theologian, so he felt his influence in that regard was limited.

But the ongoing correspondence has a very loving and even playful aspect to it. These men, both Christians, agreed to pray together about many things, including the division among Christians.

I recommend this book highly. There are only a few of Father Calabria's letters, so Lewis' letters make up the majority of the book. And if you want to practice your Latin translation I think this would be a very worthwhile book to do that with!

[Lauren Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these correspondences with Don Calabria overall, though I preferred Letters to an American Lady and Letters to Children more. Their mutual love for Christian unity was inspiring and convicting. These letters would be fun fodder to try and translate as I study Latin alongside my children in the coming years.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents the correspondence in Latin between C.S. Lewis and a Roman Catholic priest, Don Giovanni Calabria (with English translations of course). The letters are mostly Lewis' because Lewis didn't keep those of Fr. Calabria. It's a quick read filled with Lewis wisdom, especially on the topic of ecumenism and unity. I think Lewis has it right that greater unity among different Christian traditions will not emerge from disputations about doctrine (as important as they are). Rather, when Christians work together in common cause (are "co-belligerents"), are persecuted together, and even are martyred together -- that will make us one and may lead to greater doctrinal unity in the future.

[Viggo van Uden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Latin Letters of C.S. Lewis (published in 1998) is a delightful book that presents the correspondence between the renowned Oxford scholar C.S. Lewis and Dom Giovanni Calabria, an Italian priest. After reading the Italian translation of The Screwtape Letters, Dom Calabria reached out to Lewis. Due to the language barrier, their correspondence unfolded in Latin, creating a beautiful exchange between two believers who became true brothers in Christ. Their correspondence continues the Christian epistolary tradition into the modern era. That they do this in Latin is absolutely great. (In the book you will find the letters in Latin, as well as an English translation.)

Their letters reveal a touching connection, especially as Lewis shares his personal struggles, including his mother’s and wife’s illnesses and the death of his confessor. Yet, he ties these hardships to his faith, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his spiritual reflections. Even though Lewis and Calabria haven't met 'in the body,' they are so close and united, which is a wonderful testimony of unity and solidarity. In some parts I was really touched by the unity that speaks from this correspondence.

The primary theme is unity—expressed in their prayers and meditations—though they also discuss broader issues, such as the statu morali nostri temporis (“the moral state of our times”). Despite the status moralis, Lewis stresses hope (non desperandum), drawing inspiration from the New Testament, the Psalms, and (to me surprisingly) The Imitation of Christ.

This book is highly recommended for C.S. Lewis enthusiasts, admirers of Christian correspondence, and lovers of Latin. For those with an interest in all three, this volume is a rare gem. I gladly award it four stars for its heartfelt beauty and testimony of unity and solidarity!

[Bill Stutzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all the Lewis I have been around, this collection was new to me, and it came at just the right time. Everything about this makes me smile, from the idea of Lewis dusting off his elementary Latin and taking up a multi-year, international correspondence with a stranger (turned brother) to the pithy and poignant gems that find their way into these short epistles. I love the personal touch and the lack of pretentiousness. Contained herein are a couple of thoughts I have often heard referenced but have never found in Lewis's other works. I'm thankful for the newly found stranger-friend who sent me this as a gift, and it makes me deeply grateful for my good friends who live far away yet remain faithful. This is a new favorite.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

For completists only. Not bad, just lightweight. Some quips from Lewis about the youths these days (not as bad as we old fogies might think, he sez), the state of post-Christian Europe, hopes for an "eventual re-unification of doctrines". The Latin and English texts, most if not all of them, are included in The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, so if you have that all you'll get from this that is new is the Preface, Introduction, Notes, and Index. My editions has a lengthy introduction by Martin Moynihan which is, in the spirit of the correspondence itself, irenic and ecumenical. The Latin with facing English translation is nice.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Over and above that work, it has always seemed to me that I should maintain as much fraternal intercourse as possible with all those who call themselves Christians. If all were actively to do this, might we not hope that this unity of love and action over many years would precede- not to say foster- an eventual re-unification of doctrines. Thirdly, there remain - what is most efficacious - prayers."

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to find that C. S. Lewis exchanged letters with a Catholic priest and saint! Unfortunately, Lewis had the habit of burning the letters he received, so we don't have many of St. Giovanni Calabria's letters, and the ones which are included don't tell us very much about him. I would be interested to learn more about him in the future. A couple of Lewis's letters were very good.

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting text for Lewis enthusiasts. Thankfully, English translations are included for those of us who didn't study Latin, or have forgotten everything their professors tried to teach them (sorry, Dr. Goodyear!).

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating correspondence. Clearly St. Giovanni and Jack came to consider one another a close friend in spite of never having met the other in person. Each drew encouragement and strength from the other's letters, inspiring!

[Sophie Polyankina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Latin originals and design of the book amazing! However, the letters themselves didn't contain many philosophical or religious topics.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet correspondence between Lewis and Calabria was a joy to my soul. I pray that I can have as joyful and blessed of a friendship with believers of other denominational leanings as these two.

[Kavanaugh Kohls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection, while interesting, is naturally limited by Lewis' unfortunate practice of burning the majority of letters he received.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and powerful compilation of letters between C. S. Lewis and Don Giovanni Calabria. You gain an insight into the souls of both men and the respect they had for each other.

[Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

a collection of pastoral and personal correspondence between friends.

[G. Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A neat little intro to a side of Lewis' work that hasn't been discussed much and seems especially important today: an attitude of ecumenicism where Protestants and Catholics can civilly dialogue about faith.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great peek into the personal life and sensitivities of one of the greatest men of the century. Also, a really intriguing glimpse into life in Europe in the middle of the 20th century, when the last gasps of so many good things were perishing. Finally, if you like Latin, it is a fun way to compare Lewis's classical Latin with his interlocutor's ecclesiastical Latin, as well as the various modern usages that are on display in each.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating stuff - I am especially delighted to learn that C.S. Lewis had correspondence in Latin, as I do.

[Fr. Peter Mottola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and encouraging. The English translation was not as polished as it could have been, but this volume will be of most interest to those who are reading the Latin.

[Andrew Orange · Rating 4 out of 5]

For buffs of C.S. Lewis mainly.
I read this book in Russian (with the Latin original text).

[Ben Lansing]

“Beware... lest humility should pass over into anxiety or sadness. It is bidden us to ‘rejoice and always rejoice’. Jesus cancelled the handwriting which was against us. Lift up our hearts!”