Friday, October 2, 2020

C. S. Lewis: The Rest So Far


The Inspirational Writings of C. S. Lewis: Surprised by Joy, Reflections on the Psalms, The Four Loves, and the Business of Heaven, by C. S. Lewis.

All in one handy-dandy volume. I used to have a softcover of ‘The Business of Heaven’ in a Collier edition (it is a 365 day Readings for the Year type collection from all his work), but I sold it because I have this. Gilt edging on the pages.

Ranking: Essential, I guess.

File Code: Omnibus. Inspirational. Hardback.

Companion to Narnia: A Complete Guide to the Themes, Characters, and Events of C. S. Lewis’s Enchanting Imaginary World, by Paul F. Ford. Foreword by Madeleine L’Engle. Illustrated by Lorinda Bryan Cauley. Cover by David San Souci.

A guide, and what a guide. Gathers stuff not only in the Chronicles, but every mention of Narnia anywhere by Lewis (such as in “Past Watchful Dragons”).

Ranking: Essential.

File Code: Literature. Reference. Softcover.

Tales Before Narnia: The Roots of Modern Fantasy and Science Fiction, Edited and with commentary by Douglas A. Anderson.

“Classic Stories that Inspired C. S. Lewis”. A Del Rey book. Anthology of tales that Lewis has mentioned were part of his reading or influenced his work, as well as works by his friends like Tolkien or Barfield. Tracks down and traps into one handy book sources I’ve heard mentioned dozens of times.

Ranking: Essential.

File Code: Anthology. Short Stories. Poems. Softcover.


The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe The Official Illustrated Movie Companion, by Perry Moore, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian The Official Illustrated Movie Companion, by Ernie Malik.

Heavily illustrated from the movies and their production art and behind-the-scenes photos, these visual companions delve into the making of the films and the people behind them.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Motion Picture. Production. Softcovers.


The Crafting of Narnia: The Art, Creatures, and Weapons from WETA Workshop. WETA Workshop.

Concept designs, pre-production art, clear photos of the finished models, costumes, and make-ups from the first two Narnia films, brought to you by the same special effects house that brought you “The Lord of the Rings” movies.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Costuming. Movie Design. Hardback.


C. S. Lewis’s Case for the Christian Faith, by Richard L. Purtill.

A sort of precis and summation of Lewis’s theological arguments. Can’t say I’ve read it.

Ranking: Keeper?

File Code: Theology. Softcover.

The Question of God: C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life, by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.

“Throughout the ages, many of the world's greatest thinkers have wrestled with the concept of -- and belief in -- God. It may seem unlikely that any new arguments or insights could be raised, but the twentieth century managed to produce two brilliant men with two diametrically opposed views about the question of God: Sigmund Freud and C. S. Lewis. They never had an actual meeting, but in The Question of God, their arguments are placed side by side for the very first time.
For more than twenty-five years, Armand Nicholi has taught a course at Harvard that compares the philosophical arguments of both men. In The Question of God, Dr. Nicholi presents the writings and letters of Lewis and Freud, allowing them to "speak" for themselves on the subject of belief and disbelief. Both men considered the problem of pain and suffering, the nature of love and sex, and the ultimate meaning of life and death -- and each of them thought carefully about the alternatives to their positions.
The inspiration for the PBS series of the same name, The Question of God does not presuppose which man -- Freud the devout atheist or Lewis the atheist-turned-believer -- is correct in his views. Rather, readers are urged to join Nicholi and his students and decide for themselves which path to follow.” – Amazon.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Philosophy. Softcover.

Reading the Classics with C. S. Lewis, Edited by Thomas L. Martin.

“A Guide to Literature. Reading the Classics with C. S. Lewis offers an in-depth look at Lewis's great love for literature and his monumental work as a literary critic. With chapters devoted to various genres and the major periods of English literature, this collection leads readers to a stronger appreciation of literature and a deeper understanding of Lewis as a teacher.” – Amazon. Includes chapters by the rather perfunctory Colin Manlove, and, once more, Colin Duriez.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Literary Criticism. Softcover.


C. S. Lewis and the Catholic Church, by Joseph Pearce.

Ignatius Press. We’ll be hearing a lot more about Pearce later on. “C. S. Lewis, the great British novelist and Christian apologist, has been credited by many-including the author-for aiding their journey to the Catholic Church. For this reason, it is often perplexing that Lewis himself never became Catholic. Joseph Pearce delves into Lewis's life, writings, and spiritual influences to shed light on the matter. Although C. S. Lewis's conversion to Christianity was greatly influenced by J. R. R. Tolkien, a Catholic, and although Lewis embraced many distinctively Catholic teachings, such as purgatory and the sacrament of Confession, he never formally entered the Church. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this book digs deep to present the facts of Lewis's life, to illuminate key points in his writings, and to ask the question: Was C. S. Lewis on the path to Rome? This revised and updated edition-with a new introduction by Father Dwight Longenecker-is a fascinating historical, biographical, theological, and literary account of a man whose writings have led scores to the Catholic Church, despite never having become a Catholic himself.” – Google Books.

Ranking: Essential.

File Code: Biography. Religion. Softcover.

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