The Cambridge Companion to C. S. Lewis

Cambridge Companions to Religion

by Robert MacSwain (Editor), Michael Ward (Editor)

A distinguished academic, influential Christian apologist, and best-selling author of children's literature, C. S. Lewis is a controversial and enigmatic figure who continues to fascinate, fifty years after his death. This Companion is the first comprehensive single-volume study written by an international team of scholars to survey Lewis's career as a literary historian, popular theologian, and creative writer. Twenty-one expert voices from Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, and Wheaton, among many other places of learning, analyze Lewis's work from theological, philosophical, and literary perspectives. Some chapters consider his professional contribution to fields such as critical theory and intellectual history, while others assess his views on issues including moral knowledge, gender, prayer, war, love, suffering, and Scripture. The final chapters investigate his work as a writer of fiction and poetry. Original in its approach and unique in its scope, this Companion shows that C. S. Lewis was much more than merely the man behind Narnia.

Genres: Nonfiction, Literature, Books About Books, Theology

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Skrivena stranica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Only few authors were getting on my nerves since they believed I would be interested in their topics more than what Lewis really thought of them. There was this one pacifist who used more than half his paper to show what he believes about pacifism... like, dude, I don't care, show me what Lewis believed without your moral evaluation (even if I agree with you). What is it with people that they believe they should show what their ideals are if they speak about some of author's ideals that they don't agree with, and in scientific work what's more?

[Derek Winterburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a light read as it comprises a series of chapters written by 'academics for academics'. It is not inaccessible but a fair amount of background knowledge of a wide range of fields is assumed. There are a number of chapters that deal with Lewis's professional works in English studies. I think some of the strongest chapters were when authors critically engaged with works that the public still read: on love, violence, suffering, heaven and hell.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read a few selected chapters of this book to help with book club selections of the space trilogy. The chapters I read, however, were quite good.

[JeSuisJaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Michael Ward in Oxford while he was discussing this piece. The book is a compilation of short essays and bits of insight gleaned from Lewis' work.

[Jeffrey Kahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many distinguished scholars joined together to offer this volume that looks at the sheer breadth and depth of Lewis’ thought. Each chapter takes a different facet of Lewis’ work, often through the lens of critical questions and opposing viewpoints.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent scholarly introduction to Lewis the academic.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful guide to his work.

[AnnaRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that explores many aspects of C.S. Lewis and his work.

[Leigh McLeroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential to serious readers of C. S. Lewis.