So, imagine my delight when I found this -
-at my local library sale.
It's definitely not the most thorough or in-depth biography I've ever read, but nonetheless I truly enjoyed it. In fact I couldn't put it down. Okay, to be completely precise, I read the entire thing in an hour and a half.
The book is written in a very laid-back style and contains numerous photographs of Lewis, his friends and family, and significant locations such as Oxford and The Kilns, throughout his life. Together, these factors made the book a very easy read and I'm sure they contributed greatly to my enjoyment of it.
A few of the subtle, passing remarks made by the author lead me to wonder whether he is a Christian or not, which, considering the subject matter, is bound to cause some skewed perspectives in a book like this, but fortunately it didn't prevent him writing an absolutely lovely overview of C.S. Lewis' life.
As a hardcore Lewis fangirl, I found that this book only whetted my appetite and has probably driven me to the brink of yet another Lewis craze (anyone up for a Narnia marathon?). For anyone wanting to do serious research on the life of one of Christianity's greatest modern minds, a world-class writer, and a founding father of the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy genres, The Man Who Created Narnia would need to be read in concert with other, more in-depth works, but would nevertheless be an excellent volume to have on hand.
And if by some wild, evil twist of fate you know nothing about C.S. Lewis and his writings, well, this book would be an excellent place to start. Immediately... if not sooner.
Do you have a favorite biography of C.S. Lewis, or your favorite author? What's your favorite C.S. Lewis book?
My favorite Lewis books (can you only love just one) are Till We Have Faces, Perelandra, and The Horse and His Boy. I tend to like fantasy that doesn't cross worlds.
ReplyDeleteYou have an excellent point - I don't think it's possible to have just one favorite Lewis book.
DeleteMary, this was a pleasure to read!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite bio of him is Shadowlands -- this is the one I remember most. Not being a scholar I may be shortchanging or forgetting other better books, but I liked it because of the major presence of his wife, and their love.
The Magician's Nephew is one favorite Narnia book, but I like all of them. Jadeth was an amazing creation to me. Ogress - wow. What is an ogress anyway? Hard to define, easy to detect! The book has an interesting, primal feel, and deals with important things, illness and loss.
Glad I was here!
Maria
Lewis and his wife did have such a sweet love story. : )
DeleteI've been to the Kilns, and also seen his grave. Yeah, it was really cool.
ReplyDelete