The Man Who Created Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis

by Michael Coren

Traces the life of the British author famous for writing the "Screwtape Letters," and the "Narnia Chronicles"

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, British Literature, Canadian Literature, Biography Memoir, Christian, World War II

140 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Michael Coren is an English-Canadian columnist, author, public speaker, radio host and television talk show host. He has been the host of the television series The Michael Coren Show for six years. He has also been a long-time radio personality, particularly on CFRB radio.

He has writen more than ten books, including biographies of H. G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, and C. S. Lewis. His latest book, Why Catholics are Right, will be published in 2011.

Reviews

[Nick Imrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very short synopsis of C. S. Lewis's life: closer to a long essay than a short book. It's perfectly readable, and told in a sensible chronological order. Mostly just the facts of his life, with little time for the details of what he was thinking or feeling.
Given that it's so short, it lingers in odd places. For example, Lewis wrote an entire book about his conversion to Christianity: Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life, yet Coren doesn't go into any of the details of how Lewis wrestled with his faith, but he does bother to spend a few pages outlining general Christian beliefs. Likewise, he doesn't bother to go into much detail of Lewis's writing and editing process, but he does waste a page providing a chronology of the events in Narnia, and short plot summaries of the books. Very odd.
Also, somewhat shakey on the facts, I think. I can't check, because the copy of Surprised By Joy that I read is now returned to the library, but Coren says that Lewis passed his exams and was accepted to Oxford. I am almost sure that he failed the exam, but was accepted because of his service in the war. Perhaps I misremember, but other reviews have pointed out other minor factual mistakes, so I wouldn't quote this book without checking elsewhere first.

[Robin Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read, short and careful not to offend. From the title I hoped for more of an analysis of the creative sources that influenced Lewis' Narnia books, but little is said in detail, and the slim volume is focused on its service as a short biography, glossing over much of what Lewis himself has confessed of his conflicts and experiences, particularly as a young man before his conversion. As others have commented, there are some odd errors when the author speaks about the Narnia books, with major characters left out in the synopses and factually wrong descriptions of plot. However, if you want an unchallenging quiet read before bed-time and won't end up angry over such mistakes, you may enjoy this piece.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very brief biography of C.S. Lewis that puzzled me throughout. Most particularly, I was confused by the intended audience of the book. The short length of the book, and the choices to define certain words (like 'allegory') makes me think this is a children's book. However, Coren lingers on details of Lewis's life that are bound to hold no interest to young people. The book is littered with photographs, with seemingly very little concern about how those pictures and their captions might fit with the text. An easy read, and a reasonably good introduction to Lewis's life, but a strange book.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the first book I managed to finish in a while now. I've read it for an university essay, but am positively surprised how well and easily understood the author presents both the character of C.S. Lewis as well as his opinions. I really enjoyed it and would recommend to all those who would like to learn about a great figure in literature in a way that is easy and pleasant, yet still very informative.

[Nessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a very easy to read book. However, it does give short summaries of some of Lewis' works, and those summaries contained the occasional error. That left me wondering how much of the rest of the biography might be incorrect, and that feeling made the book less enjoyable.

[Doug Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable account of a terrific author and thinker. Very balanced and honest look at the complexities of his life, faith, and work. It is a brief (concise) work that provides an excellent picture of C. S. Lewis.

[Ken Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding

This a book which captivated me from start to finish. It introduced me to Lewis in a new way. It was written sensitively and with amazing insight. I heartily recommend it.

[Klarastromdahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable informative biography. The title is slightly misleading as the main focus of the book is about Lewis early life and mid career.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Loved the fact that it was quick and had many pictures. May read more about his life but this was the perfect introduction.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biografi. återuppväcker mitt intresse, trots att den är skriven 'simplistiskt'. Väckte även mitt intresse för Chesterton,

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh

[D'Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so scholarly that you get lost, but full of the gear sort of a great man. A fun and balanced biography that makes you feel like you know C.S. Lewis.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kimberly Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly simplistic book. It almost feels like it is written for a youth audience. But I did learn a lot about the life of CS Lewis and I’m glad I read it.

[Willow Lezcano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put: I love C.S. Lewis and this biography was well written and captured his story nicely.

[Collin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An even briefer overview of Jack's life than, erm, Jack's Life, The Man Who Created Narnia is a suitable read for those just leaping into the quietly amazing life of C.S. Lewis. The style is easy to read, and the facts are presented well, though in no great detail.

I did have a few beefs with some of those facts. The story of Jack's conversion is a different one from what I've always heard, which rather confused me (involving a bus to town instead of a motorcycle car to the zoo). And the wrong Narnia book is referenced once - Prince Caspian was not the origin story of Narnia; that's The Magician's Nephew.

But those are little issues, really, so for anyone trying to get a very broad, simple picture of Jack's years, I'd recommend it. Also, it has a large section in the back devoted to a timeline, Jack's written works, and written works about Jack. I almost enjoyed those more than the actual biography.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read. Learned some interesting details about the life of this literary genius. I found it fascinating that his good friend, Tolkien, didn't thing Narnia was any good, and that the world nearly missed Narnia on account of him. How tragic that would have been!! Lewis has been, and I believe will always be, my all time favorite author. Off to Narnia :)

[carly]

I have loved the Narnia story every since I was little. To the day I am still obsessed with it. I found this book at a used book store and thought I would give it a try. Getting to know the background of C.S. Lewis and how he created such a world in the beloved tale was wonderful to learn about. My only concern is, is that it only discussed Narnia in one chapter

[Håvard Bjørnelv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettlest, men ikke veldig dyptgående. En enkel oversikt over Lewis' liv, muligens passende som bakgrunnsstoff for en litterær særoppgave på ungdomsskolen? Mange flotte fotografier trekker opp. Skulle gjerne fått mer info om Oxford, the Inklings, hans allegoriske produksjon m.m.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid and reasonably comprehensive biography of Lewis for the young adult audience, and well illustrated. Coren does not skirt the more delicate episodes of Lewis' story. A fine book for readers 5th grade to 8th.

[Rachel Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but clear and interesting brief of the life of C S Lewis. Not detailed or deep but enough to draw you in to want to find out more about the man, his marriage to Joy Davidman, and the Inklings.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I love C. S. Lewis and it was fun to quickly get a fuller picture of his life. I also enjoyed the extensive resources cited at the end for further reading. I would refer back for that, and some of the quotes, but I think it's not one I would read again just to read.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry in places, but overall I much enjoyed the window into such a fascinating, spiritual-yet-cerebral man. He's one of my Quote Journal favorites!

[Kjersti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent biography, although quite brief, and easy to get through. Not bad if that's what you're after.

[Child960801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and readable. I enjoyed learning more about one of my favourite authors.

[Katrina Bergherm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read with some basic facts about this author.

[Lynne Mclaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Mr. Coren, for such a beautiful and reverent biography of a man I adore and admire so very much!

[Michał Kasztura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polecam fanom "Opowieści z Narnii".

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will definitely need to read another biography or two on this man. Was surprised to learn that Tolkien had a thumbs down attitude about the Chronicles of Narnia.