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Thomas Nelson Brasil
Description
A series of congenial letters from Screwtape, an elderly devil, advising his nephew Wormwood, an apprentice devil, how to corrupt his earthly "patient."
Media reviews
"The devil," said Thomas More, "cannot endure to be mocked," and which, if correct, means that somewhere in the inferno there must be considerable annoyance.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Muscogulus
My 1979 edition (bought in Oxford, UK) is illustrated by a cartoonist called Pappas. The illustrations are clever enough, but not always in step with the text.
The book itself is in my opinion the best thing Lewis ever did (even allowing for the way he turns some of his prejudices into eternal
The book itself is in my opinion the best thing Lewis ever did (even allowing for the way he turns some of his prejudices into eternal
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verities, straight from Enemy HQ). I've found that I still often reflect on some of Lewis's insights from this book, e.g.: God wants people to be concerned with what they do; the devil wants them to worry about what may happen to them. Tell it, Brother Clive! However you understand the concept of evil, there is wisdom in that insight. Show Less
LibraryThing member Balnaves
"If people knew how much ill-feeling unselfishness occasions, it would not be so often recommended from the pulpit"
In these wickedly engaging letters, Screwtape, apparatchik in the Lowerarchy of Hell, tutors his young nephew, Wormwood, in his first evil mission – to secure a young man’s
Despite his nephew’s exasperating slowness, Screwtape has high hopes for his mission. As he gleefully tells us, ‘the safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts’. But success is by no means certain, as their Enemy above has servants too... C. S. Lewis was one of the most distinguished of modern Christian thinkers, and The Screwtape Letters has become one of his best-loved works. Both entertaining and deeply intriguing, it will provide fascinating food for thought for readers of all convictions.
‘If wit and wisdom, style and scholarship are requisites to passage through the pearly gates, Mr Lewis will be among the angels’
NEW YORKER
In these wickedly engaging letters, Screwtape, apparatchik in the Lowerarchy of Hell, tutors his young nephew, Wormwood, in his first evil mission – to secure a young man’s
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damnation. Darkly comic yet deadly serious, The Screwtape Letters depicts a morally reversed world in which Screwtape presses his protégé to ever more ingenious means of temptation.Despite his nephew’s exasperating slowness, Screwtape has high hopes for his mission. As he gleefully tells us, ‘the safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts’. But success is by no means certain, as their Enemy above has servants too... C. S. Lewis was one of the most distinguished of modern Christian thinkers, and The Screwtape Letters has become one of his best-loved works. Both entertaining and deeply intriguing, it will provide fascinating food for thought for readers of all convictions.
‘If wit and wisdom, style and scholarship are requisites to passage through the pearly gates, Mr Lewis will be among the angels’
NEW YORKER
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LibraryThing member cwflatt
I loved every page of this book so many of the letters hit me square in the face as to why things were happening in my life and how I could change to prevent them. I read very few books more than once but and am starting right away to read this one again.
LibraryThing member aslan7
This is a book that helps me hold my feet to the fire. I have to hear often that it's easy to get self satisfied and believe I have all the right answers.
LibraryThing member Whicker
Lewis's book of correspondence between two demons is at once humorous and somewhat frightening. The striking descriptions and instructions for the junior tempter are pointed and accurate. A great read.
LibraryThing member MerricMaker
It is my deep and sickening fear that America's George W. Bush, whose understanding of Christian values can generously be identified as provincial, read this book, accepted it, possibly said "Amen!" and then sought to emulate the recommendations of its final letters, not realizing that the tone of
As fine a book about self-delusion as ever there was. A series of warning signs about how easily faith in one's righteousness or religion can become poisonous hypocrisy. While the book is quite good, the full humor of it is best conveyed in the version on tape, as read by John Cleese.
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the book is heavily sarcastic.As fine a book about self-delusion as ever there was. A series of warning signs about how easily faith in one's righteousness or religion can become poisonous hypocrisy. While the book is quite good, the full humor of it is best conveyed in the version on tape, as read by John Cleese.
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LibraryThing member MeditationesMartini
Speaking of endings (as I was in the previous book's comments), best ending ever. Even if it was a little telegraphed by the centipede thing, well, the centipede thing was awesome too. Clive knows how to make you chew the fat, and if only he could have brought himself to portray the devils as
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noble-rebels-in-their-own-minds, the framing conceit would have matched the arresting theology. But it doesn't need to, because the theology IS the thing, and this is such a warm-hearted realism about humanity's capabilities and chances (ultimately good), that it makes me hate cowardice and think God is my favourite superhero. Show Less
LibraryThing member antiquary
Although tis was the book that made Lewis's reputation as a Christian apologist, I personally am less comfortable with it than some of his others.
LibraryThing member djaquay
Delightfully insightful, especially the Toast at the end. As if I wasn't already planning to read all of C. S. Lewis' work...
LibraryThing member martyr13
Could be my favorite book of all time. It brings christianity out of the ancient text of the bible and into your living room, and everyday life through the eyes of one of the devil's helpers.
LibraryThing member aethercowboy
C. S. Lewis' strength is in writing letters, which is why it should come to no surprise that one of his better known non-children's book is written in an epistemological way. This work is, of course, The Screwtape Letters, which is a collection of letters written by a demon named Screwtape to his
Wormwood faces trouble daily as his "patient" begins to sway towards "the Enemy" (that is, God).
Lewis takes one on a spiritual journey through the perspective of two demons wracking their brains, trying to find way to keep people from knowing God.
While an enjoyable work of Christian fiction, it does require some thinking to appreciate, as the letters in the book are solely those written by Screwtape, with no sign (only mention) of Wormwood's. Thus, you must read between the lines to determine what's going on with Wormwood and his patient.
An enjoyable and short work.
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dear nephew Wormwood, whose duty it is to corrupt a man, and thus deny him any eternal reward.Wormwood faces trouble daily as his "patient" begins to sway towards "the Enemy" (that is, God).
Lewis takes one on a spiritual journey through the perspective of two demons wracking their brains, trying to find way to keep people from knowing God.
While an enjoyable work of Christian fiction, it does require some thinking to appreciate, as the letters in the book are solely those written by Screwtape, with no sign (only mention) of Wormwood's. Thus, you must read between the lines to determine what's going on with Wormwood and his patient.
An enjoyable and short work.
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LibraryThing member Chelsea23
In many novels about Christianity, there is a character that has diverted from their Christian path, and faces a series of challenges and opportunities to return to the way of living that they know is proper. This is not at all the case for The Screwtape Letters, in fact, it is quite the opposite.
I was expecting this book to be a much easier read, just because of my background knowledge of Christianity and my understanding of relationship between mankind and sin, but, I was wrong. I had a difficult time getting into the novel because of the complexity of the way it is written, as well as a not-so-action packed beginning. I put myself in the “patient’s” shoes often, wondering if I was falling to the temptations that he was without even realizing it. I feel that after reading this book I was able to reflect a lot about my walk of faith. It was a challenging book to read, but a powerful one once digested.
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C. S. Lewis writes about a character named Screwtape, a demon who works closely for his “Father Below”, and the letters that he exchanges with his nephew Wormwood. The letters that Screwtape writes to his nephew contain advice on how to keep the “Patient” on the path leading to the devil. I was expecting this book to be a much easier read, just because of my background knowledge of Christianity and my understanding of relationship between mankind and sin, but, I was wrong. I had a difficult time getting into the novel because of the complexity of the way it is written, as well as a not-so-action packed beginning. I put myself in the “patient’s” shoes often, wondering if I was falling to the temptations that he was without even realizing it. I feel that after reading this book I was able to reflect a lot about my walk of faith. It was a challenging book to read, but a powerful one once digested.
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LibraryThing member Bill.Bradford
Screwtape is definitely a Christian classic (and I would add a literature classic as well). As most know, the title character is a is a senior demon whose letters to his nephew, Wormwood, provide instructions in leading a person astray. It is amazing that Lewis's insights into human nature are just
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as timely now as they were when the book was first published over sixty years ago (1941). This is one of those books you can read again and again over a lifetime and pull something new from it each time it is read. Show Less
LibraryThing member CjWilson
This book is written in a very interesting format. The book is written in a series of letters from a senior devil, Screwtape,to an upcoming demon, Wormwwood(Screwtape's nephew). The letters are advice to the young devil about how he can trip up a newly converted christian man. The book is
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entertaining and is full of plots man should watch to stay away from that can condemn him to hell. This book is a great read for adolescents to adults because the content in the book could be hard for a child to understand. Info on this book can be found at barnesandnoble.com Show Less
LibraryThing member rockatilly
This book brought out the worst in me while I was reading it. It breaks you down, tears your mind apart, and reinvents you. Not for the faint of heart.
LibraryThing member SHANONB
I was told to read this by a pastor at church. I got an overwhelming creapy feeling while reading it. It was sort of scarey and evil. Im not sure what to think about it.
LibraryThing member queencersei
Clever and thought provoking, The Screwtape Letters is a novel that relates a series of letters from Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to “Our Father Below” to his nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is a novice demon who is attempting to secure the soul of an average young man, living in WWII era
The correspondence between the two demons is witty, sly and slightly unnerving. Humanities common foibles are dissected on how best to turn ordinary emotions such as envy, boredom and even love into a one way descent into eternal damnation. The Screwtape Letters is a fascinating read and well worth a reader’s time.
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England. The correspondence between the two demons is witty, sly and slightly unnerving. Humanities common foibles are dissected on how best to turn ordinary emotions such as envy, boredom and even love into a one way descent into eternal damnation. The Screwtape Letters is a fascinating read and well worth a reader’s time.
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LibraryThing member sarah.cline
C.S. Lewis’ creative exploration on the dialogue between dark forces over the state of a man’s eternal soul. Everything from self-love to World War Two is described from a reversed standpoint, as a demon by the name of Screwtape educates his nephew Wormwood on the ways of corrupting a man known
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only as “the Patient.” Show Less
LibraryThing member isabelx
Screwtape is a senior devil and this book contains his letters to his nephew Wormwood, advising him on how to approach the task of tempting his first human 'patient'. Coincidentally it quotes one of the same Shakespeare lines as in Conscience of the King by Martin Stephen, which I also read this
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month: "But that the undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns Breathes forth contagion on the world". Show Less
LibraryThing member DrT
I finished The Screwtape Letters next written by C.S. Lewis. This little book was incredible! I enjoyed and marveled at Lewis’ ingenious way of capturing the subtleties of how to tempt an average Joe human and wrote a bunch of letters by uncle Screwtape, a senior demon, to his nephew Wormwood.
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His advice was full of ways to keep Wormwood’s human from eternal salvation and to ensnare him to keep him for Satan. Lewis wrote this book so well it really struck me and often made me say, “Yeah I can see where you get that” and “wow, you are a good demon!” Lewis covered a lot of important topics in these letters. I really liked his writing about Democracy and how he tempts us to consider how any differences are a foothold for people to believe they are below other people if they are different in any way-smarter, look better than others, etc. I also liked the Toast part that was given at a demon school. I liked the whole book. This book was 160 pages and I would easily give it 5 out of 5 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member saroz
Not quite what I was expecting. I've been told many times over the years how funny "Screwtape" is, and while I admit it's got a very humorous side, there's also something very dark and insidious about it (no doubt made more so by Joss Ackland, whose velvety, malevolent voice reads the audiobook).
As a non-Cristian, I find Lewis' take on faith surprisingly hypocritical at times: he criticizes those who have their own take on Christianity as merely taking a long road to hell, but his own faith is certainly cherry-picked from his own theories and the parts of Christianity he found appealing. At the same time, he talks about how any man who loves any simple graceful thing purely and wholly - a shared sunset, an evening cup of cocoa - has "a bit of heaven about him" (I'm paraphrasing, but it's close). So Lewis' view on Christianity is skewed even from a narrative standpoint, let alone a theological standpoint.
That said, it's a good solid story, with many memorable sections - a real feat for a book told from one-sided correspondence. "Screwtape Proposes a Toast," the follow-up story, isn't quite in the same league; to just about any modern audience, Lewis' criticism of public schooling is going to be seen as parochial and upper class. There's still some good imagery, and it makes sense to collect it together with "The Screwtape Letters," but it doesn't really add that much to the experience.
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As a non-Cristian, I find Lewis' take on faith surprisingly hypocritical at times: he criticizes those who have their own take on Christianity as merely taking a long road to hell, but his own faith is certainly cherry-picked from his own theories and the parts of Christianity he found appealing. At the same time, he talks about how any man who loves any simple graceful thing purely and wholly - a shared sunset, an evening cup of cocoa - has "a bit of heaven about him" (I'm paraphrasing, but it's close). So Lewis' view on Christianity is skewed even from a narrative standpoint, let alone a theological standpoint.
That said, it's a good solid story, with many memorable sections - a real feat for a book told from one-sided correspondence. "Screwtape Proposes a Toast," the follow-up story, isn't quite in the same league; to just about any modern audience, Lewis' criticism of public schooling is going to be seen as parochial and upper class. There's still some good imagery, and it makes sense to collect it together with "The Screwtape Letters," but it doesn't really add that much to the experience.
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LibraryThing member Noisiv
C.S. Lewis's perspective in this book really illustrates the spiritual realm. Because the likeliness of this scenario of Screwtape is real, to me at least, it helps a person to visualize the forces against them to understanding the true nature of the spirit. You don't even have to be a Christian to
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relate. If you believe that there is good and evil, then you will understand this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Amzzz
Very insightful and believable.
LibraryThing member allin1
The Illustrated Screwtape Letters: Letters from a Senior to a Junior Devil by C. S. Lewis (2008)
LibraryThing member slaveofOne
AKA, the Diary of Anne Frank-enstein. An evil spirit helps his demon-in-training learn different ways to seduce and destroy the human spirit and soul. This is a great book in terms of tying together fantasy, theology, and sociological or pyschological facets of the human condition. Unfortunately,
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it has been taken too seriously by some who read it more like a literal guide to "spiritual warfare." Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2000)
Language
Original publication date
1941-05-02 to 1941-11-28 (in The Guardian)
1942
1961 (revised)
Physical description
206 p.; 8.5 x 0.71 inches
ISBN
857860184X / 9788578601843