Status
Checked out
Due 5 May 2024
Call number
Genres
Publication
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2016), Edition: Reprint, 448 pages
Description
Biography & Autobiography. Christian Nonfiction. Religion & Spirituality. Nonfiction. HTML:ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Winner (Non-Fiction)! Fifty years after his death, C. S. Lewis continues to inspire and fascinate millions. His legacy remains varied and vast. He was a towering intellectual figure, a popular fiction author who inspired a global movie franchise around the world of Narnia, and an atheist-turned-Christian thinker. In C.S. Lewis�A Life, Alister McGrath, prolific author and respected professor at King's College of London, paints a definitive portrait of the life of C. S. Lewis. After thoroughly examining recently published Lewis correspondence, Alister challenges some of the previously held beliefs about the exact timing of Lewis's shift from atheism to theism and then to Christianity. He paints a portrait of an eccentric thinker who became an inspiring, though reluctant, prophet for our times. You won't want to miss this fascinating portrait of a creative genius who inspired generations.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member joshrskinner
I really enjoy biographies. There is something about hearing the story of someone’s life, when told properly and well, that can be moving and encouraging. They can go far in putting people in proper perspective and, when of authors or leaders, lead to a greater understanding of their work.
Alister
I came to this work with a very limited knowledge of all things Lewis. For those who are more familiar, much of the gold that stood out to me might simply be old hat. However, McGrath is brilliant in his presentation and I strongly feel even Lewis experts will enjoy the fruit of his efforts.
Lewis and Tolkien. I thoroughly enjoyed how McGrath traced this tumultuous relationship from its beginning to its end. It is interesting, to say the least, to see Narnia and Middle-Earth intersect, to see such great minds interact as normal people.
Tolkien was not the only relationship that Lewis enjoyed/endured during his life. His relationship with his father was a strained one and the death of his father during Lewis’ absence doubtlessly influenced the remainder of his life. Mrs. Robinson…I mean Mrs. Moore enjoyed a, at least it seemed to me, seedy relationship with young Lewis that lasted for a good part of his life.
This was not the only love interest that seemed much out of place. Lewis’ wife of his later years was a good deed turned bad deal turned love of his life, the death of whom led Lewis to what has been misdiagnosed as a reversion to agnosticism in A Grief Observed.
Lewis’ relationship with academia in England was even strained due to decisions of his and, mostly, due to his popular reception with the common audience.
A real unique aspect of McGrath’s work is how he sets out to make a case for that Lewis’s conversion has been misdated, even questioning Lewis’ on account based on primary documents, specifically Lewis’ correspondence. Whether you come to agree with McGrath or not, it is interesting to see him develop his argument and to go down the road of “What qualifies as a conversion?” to which this investigation can easily lead.
Lewis was an apologist, but definitely not an Evangelical. It is interesting to me how often he is unequivocally received my many who, when pressed, would strongly hold many differing views on doctrines as serious as the atonement, people who in every other case would reject seemingly reject a “Mere Christianity” in favor of sharp denominational divisions.
When we reach the point of Lewis’ death in 1964, the same day as President Kennedy, you are so invested in CS Lewis that it is hard not to experience the angst and grief you would feel from the loss of someone you genuinely knew. I am constantly amazed at this in reading well written works of history or even fiction.
McGrath saves room at the end to go into detail about the resounding legacy of Lewis’ works and how they have interacted with and changed so many readers, young and old. Although his influence was deemed to be “on the wane” in the mid 1960’s, the rumors of this demise were certainly exaggerated.
I learned much about CS Lewis. What stood out to me the most was that Lewis was a flawed, weak, sinful person. Just like me. Lewis was a sinner who was saved by grace. Just like me! Should he be put up on a pedestal? No. Should he be set before someone as the example of how to live? No. Should he be worshiped? No. There is one Lord. One Savior. One who is worthy of worship. CS Lewis is not God but because of the finished work of Christ on the cross He is now in the loving presence of God. And that is what He would want you to remember about his life. I am certain of it!
Alister
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McGrath is a brilliant author and his work on C. S. Lewis will be the definitive work for time to come. McGrath took his affinity for history and theology and utilized his skills to offer the world a brilliant, extensive work on a novelist, theologian, and, most importantly, a redeemed sinner. I came to this work with a very limited knowledge of all things Lewis. For those who are more familiar, much of the gold that stood out to me might simply be old hat. However, McGrath is brilliant in his presentation and I strongly feel even Lewis experts will enjoy the fruit of his efforts.
Lewis and Tolkien. I thoroughly enjoyed how McGrath traced this tumultuous relationship from its beginning to its end. It is interesting, to say the least, to see Narnia and Middle-Earth intersect, to see such great minds interact as normal people.
Tolkien was not the only relationship that Lewis enjoyed/endured during his life. His relationship with his father was a strained one and the death of his father during Lewis’ absence doubtlessly influenced the remainder of his life. Mrs. Robinson…I mean Mrs. Moore enjoyed a, at least it seemed to me, seedy relationship with young Lewis that lasted for a good part of his life.
This was not the only love interest that seemed much out of place. Lewis’ wife of his later years was a good deed turned bad deal turned love of his life, the death of whom led Lewis to what has been misdiagnosed as a reversion to agnosticism in A Grief Observed.
Lewis’ relationship with academia in England was even strained due to decisions of his and, mostly, due to his popular reception with the common audience.
A real unique aspect of McGrath’s work is how he sets out to make a case for that Lewis’s conversion has been misdated, even questioning Lewis’ on account based on primary documents, specifically Lewis’ correspondence. Whether you come to agree with McGrath or not, it is interesting to see him develop his argument and to go down the road of “What qualifies as a conversion?” to which this investigation can easily lead.
Lewis was an apologist, but definitely not an Evangelical. It is interesting to me how often he is unequivocally received my many who, when pressed, would strongly hold many differing views on doctrines as serious as the atonement, people who in every other case would reject seemingly reject a “Mere Christianity” in favor of sharp denominational divisions.
When we reach the point of Lewis’ death in 1964, the same day as President Kennedy, you are so invested in CS Lewis that it is hard not to experience the angst and grief you would feel from the loss of someone you genuinely knew. I am constantly amazed at this in reading well written works of history or even fiction.
McGrath saves room at the end to go into detail about the resounding legacy of Lewis’ works and how they have interacted with and changed so many readers, young and old. Although his influence was deemed to be “on the wane” in the mid 1960’s, the rumors of this demise were certainly exaggerated.
I learned much about CS Lewis. What stood out to me the most was that Lewis was a flawed, weak, sinful person. Just like me. Lewis was a sinner who was saved by grace. Just like me! Should he be put up on a pedestal? No. Should he be set before someone as the example of how to live? No. Should he be worshiped? No. There is one Lord. One Savior. One who is worthy of worship. CS Lewis is not God but because of the finished work of Christ on the cross He is now in the loving presence of God. And that is what He would want you to remember about his life. I am certain of it!
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LibraryThing member spbooks
An excellent biography of C S Lewis. Brings lots of new insights to a complex man who has contributed so much to society - secular and religious. The best biographies, in my opinion, describe a picture of a person that is nuanced and fearless in presenting some of our "heroes" as genuine, flawed
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human beings. McGrath has done just this and, as a result, increases the respect we have for someone like Lewis. The book is well written and easy to read. The author tells the story in a way that moves along well and balances a discussion of bigger themes with the detail of Lewis's life. If you've read any of C S Lewis's writings you'll want to read this very comprehensive, respectful, and honest biography. Show Less
LibraryThing member Iacobus
Alister McGrath has a clear respect and sympathy for C.S. Lewis which is evident throughout this comprehensive biography. He strikes a sound balance between Lewis the man, Lewis the academic and Lewis the popular author. McGrath displays an obvious understanding of Lewis the Christian. Being
There are two aspects of Lewis' life that particularly struck me:
1. His unconventional private life. I don't mean his smoking or drinking! I am thinking about his odd, quasi-Oedipal relations with Mrs Moore, his difficult relations with his father (Oedipus again!) and the way he went about the initial stages of his relationship with Joy Davidman. McGrath does not attempt any hagiographical cover-ups and he is clearly critical, at times, of Davidman.
2. His deteriorating friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. I think that Tolkien I clearly superior as a writer of mythic fiction. The Narnia Chronicles are too didactic at times, and Middle Earth is a deeper and richer tapestry. Nevertheless, I find it sad that Tolkien allowed himself to be distanced from Lewis. The latter could, at times, have exercised a little more tact and insight towards his friend. Yet Tolkien seems to have been too sensitive and brooded over perceived slights and actual differences. This is a shame because I have so much respect for both men. It was heartening that Tolkien was one of the small band of mourners at Lewis' funeral.
The end of this biography sounded a jarring note for me. McGrath is clearly writing for a US market and charts Lewis' posthumous influence there. He even ends off with a JFK quote! Now, it is inevitable that Lewis should be discussed in a US context: he has had an enormous influence on American Christianity and (for various reasons) McGrath will want to appeal to readers in the USA. But I (and millions of others who read English) am not American and I am left wondering how Lewis impacted other parts of the Anglophone world - including his native country! The American habit of idolizing certain personalities and their ideas seems a little too uncritical to me. OK, my problems may be with Americans. McGrath's problem is the many non-US readers that his final chapter has excluded.
But let's not end on a sour note! As long as you are prepared to make your own national caveat for the final chapter, C.S. Lewis: a Life is a riveting, engaging and stimulating read.
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himself an Oxford academic and a successful apologetic writer, I would even say that McGrath can empathize with Lewis.There are two aspects of Lewis' life that particularly struck me:
1. His unconventional private life. I don't mean his smoking or drinking! I am thinking about his odd, quasi-Oedipal relations with Mrs Moore, his difficult relations with his father (Oedipus again!) and the way he went about the initial stages of his relationship with Joy Davidman. McGrath does not attempt any hagiographical cover-ups and he is clearly critical, at times, of Davidman.
2. His deteriorating friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. I think that Tolkien I clearly superior as a writer of mythic fiction. The Narnia Chronicles are too didactic at times, and Middle Earth is a deeper and richer tapestry. Nevertheless, I find it sad that Tolkien allowed himself to be distanced from Lewis. The latter could, at times, have exercised a little more tact and insight towards his friend. Yet Tolkien seems to have been too sensitive and brooded over perceived slights and actual differences. This is a shame because I have so much respect for both men. It was heartening that Tolkien was one of the small band of mourners at Lewis' funeral.
The end of this biography sounded a jarring note for me. McGrath is clearly writing for a US market and charts Lewis' posthumous influence there. He even ends off with a JFK quote! Now, it is inevitable that Lewis should be discussed in a US context: he has had an enormous influence on American Christianity and (for various reasons) McGrath will want to appeal to readers in the USA. But I (and millions of others who read English) am not American and I am left wondering how Lewis impacted other parts of the Anglophone world - including his native country! The American habit of idolizing certain personalities and their ideas seems a little too uncritical to me. OK, my problems may be with Americans. McGrath's problem is the many non-US readers that his final chapter has excluded.
But let's not end on a sour note! As long as you are prepared to make your own national caveat for the final chapter, C.S. Lewis: a Life is a riveting, engaging and stimulating read.
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LibraryThing member ctpress
Alistair McGrath has written an engaging and all-round biography of Lewis - a little to scholarly at times I think - but I guess only a C. S. Lewis fan will start to read a 400+ biography.
McGrath devotes several pages to many of Lewis’ books - most notably the Narnia-universe. Of most interest I
I would still recommend "Jack: A Life of C. S. Lewis" by George Sayer if you should only read one biography of C. S. Lewis - after all he was a friend of Lewis and knew him personally.
McGrath devotes several pages to many of Lewis’ books - most notably the Narnia-universe. Of most interest I
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found the early years - Lewis’ complicated relationship with his father, and his close relationship with his brother and the effects that the war had on Lewis - and also later his struggle with academic recognition. His friendship with Tolkien and the Inklings gets a good treatment also.I would still recommend "Jack: A Life of C. S. Lewis" by George Sayer if you should only read one biography of C. S. Lewis - after all he was a friend of Lewis and knew him personally.
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LibraryThing member bobg43
Fairly Scholarly Treatment of Lewis' life. though very readible. Read: 3/11/2013 to 3/14/2013 Ocompleted)
LibraryThing member malindahodgson
This book was very informational and gave great details about C.S. Lewis' life. I found it interesting to know that he was a very popular writer. This book would be a good book to have students read when doing research on famous author.
LibraryThing member kathyhorn
very good info about C. S. Lewis and the writing of Chronicles of Narnia and other works, although it got a little long at times. I learned enough to make it worthwhile.
LibraryThing member cstebbins
Oddly uneven. Something seems to be missing, but I don't know what.
LibraryThing member ted_newell
Enjoyed the first third. The revised conversion chronology makes sense: especially appreciate the way McGrath pictures God becoming the only key to unlock the world. As sensitive literary man Lewis looked for depth in mythic tellings of the world, so Lewis "reluctant convert." The sense of lived
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Oxford did not come across anywhere near as clearly in, say, Carpenter's bio of Tolkien. Show Less
LibraryThing member sparkleandchico
This was okay but didn't hold my interest. I had to abandon it towards the end due to time constraints. I hadn't read any other books about Lewis' life so some of the detail was interesting. I think this would really only appeal to serious fans of Lewis (which I am not.) The author devotes an
I found the section about Narnia slightly more interesting and the references to things in Lewis' life that he had perhaps drawn the inspiration from. I will probably read some of the other books mentioned in this biography...
Recommended for Lewis fans....
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entire chapter to proving that Lewis' conversion to Christianity occurred a year later than most had believed. He opens the biography with an announcement about this stating that he is about to reveal something dramatically spectacular. For me it was neither. I found the section about Narnia slightly more interesting and the references to things in Lewis' life that he had perhaps drawn the inspiration from. I will probably read some of the other books mentioned in this biography...
Recommended for Lewis fans....
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LibraryThing member jnmwheels
McGrath attempts to write a balanced inspection of the life of C. S. Lewis, his rise to influential Christian theologian and some of the reasons for his lingering impact today. The book will cause stress for folks who prefer to see Lewis' saintly side. While it was interested and well written, the
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author admits to speculation as to Lewis' motives and actions. McGrath brings to light what appears to be inconsistencies in Lewis' autobiographical writing. I particularly enjoyed the peek into the inklings interrelationships and the methods these men used to produce literature. Overall it was a fascinating tomb well worth the read and perhaps a second. Show Less
LibraryThing member tuckerresearch
Unfortunately I waited ten years to read this biography of C. S. Lewis. It is quite good. Good biography, good discussion of theology, good discussion of academics, good discussion of writing, good discussion of the world of his fictions. (It even made me go out and buy a hardcover of his Space
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Trilogy.) Well-told, well-researched, and interesting. It held my attention from first to last and gave me excellent background to better understand and appreciate Lewis's thought and writing. Good pictures, good citations (including expansive endnotes), good index. I liked the formatting too, good all around. I would say, having read nothing else, that it is THE biography of Lewis to start with and read if you like any of Lewis's writing, either apologetical, academical, or fictional. Show Less
Awards
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Inklings Studies — 2016)
Christian Book Award (Winner — Non-Fiction — 2014)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013
Physical description
8.8 inches
ISBN
1496410459 / 9781496410450