ENG 2161 - Intro to C.S. Lewis: eBooks

The beloved Chronicles of Narnia are only the "top layer" of the rich treasure trove of C.S. Lewis's writing. This brilliant Oxford don made a tremendous impact on contemporary Christian thought and has deeply influenced generations of followers of Jesus in the half-century since his death. The authors in this collection examine Lewis's many contributions and reflect deeply on their significance for theology, spiritual imagination, and the challenge of Christian discipleship today. From Narnian adventures to Screwtape's letters, through studies of Lewis's collaborators (like J.R.R. Tolkien) and inspirations (like George MacDonald), and by way of reflection on deeper theological themes like human will, joy, and the End of Days, this book will inspire and provoke contemplation of God's presence in your life and in our world.

While visiting with Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lucy Pevensie notices a bookshelf filled with such titles as Nymphs and Their Ways and Is Man a Myth? Beginning with these imaginary texts, Charlie W. Starr offers a comprehensive study of C.S. Lewis's theory of myth, including his views on Greek and Norse mythology, the origins of myth, and the implications of myth on thought, art, gender, theology, and literary and linguistic theory. For Lewis, myth represents an ancient mode of thought focused in the imagination--a mode that became the key that ultimately brought Lewis to his belief in Jesus Christ as the myth become fact. Beginning with a foreword by Lewis scholar Devin Brown, The Faun's Bookshelf goes on to discuss the many books Lewis imagined throughout his writings--books whose titles he made up but never wrote. It also presents the sylvan myths central to the first two book titles in Mr. Tumnus's library, including explorations of the relationship between myth and reality, the spiritual significance of natural conservation, and the spiritual and incarnational qualities of gender. Starr then turns to the definition of myth, the literary qualities of myth, the mythic nature inherent in divine glory, humanity's destiny to embrace (or reject) that glory, and a deeper exploration of the epistemological ramifications of myth in relation to meaning, imagination, reason, and truth."-- Back cover.

This title explores the creative works of famous author C. S. Lewis. Works analyzed include The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair. Clear, comprehensive text gives background biographical information of Lewis. The "You Critique It" feature invites readers to analyze other creative works on their own. A table of contents, timeline, list of works, resources, source notes, glossary, and an index are also included.

Join award-winning author Devin Brown as he takes readers on a fascinating journey to the land of Narnia. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Chronicles of Narnia or are just discovering them for the first time, you will be amazed and inspired as you undertake your very own chapter-by-chapter guided tour of C. S. Lewis's beloved classics. This tale about Narnia takes readers on a high-seas adventure to places beyond the imagination filled with new characters and new conflicts. Learn more about Reepicheep, the valiant mouse who is small in stature but great in courage. Meet Eustace Clarence Scrubb and find out how Professor Lewis came up with his dreadful name. Travel to where sky and water meet and discover how Aslan is also present in our world as well.

This book offers the first full-length critical assessment of that trilogy, placing the three volumes in the context of Lewis's life and work. David C. Downing reveals the autobiographical and theological subtexts of Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength, showing as well how much Lewis the classical and medieval scholar influenced the work of Lewis the creator of interplanetary fantasies. Downing also examines the chief imaginative and intellectual sources of the trilogy and addresses persistent issues raised by reviewers and critics: Was Lewis's lifelong devotion to fantasy a mark of intellectual independence or a case of "arrested emotional development"? Were his views on women sexist, even misogynist? How much of his critique of modern science and technology was well informed and how much the result of prejudice or habitual suspicion of all things modern? A brief appendix on "The Dark Tower" fragment provides what background is known about this mysterious document, summarizes the story as far as Lewis developed it, and comments on how this unfinished work fits in with the Ransom books published during Lewis's lifetime