The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C.S. Lewis

Jacobs, Alan

ISBN 10: 0060831251 ISBN 13: 9780060831257

Publisher: Zondervan, 2005

Synopsis

The White Witch, Aslan, fauns and talking beasts, centaurs and epic battles between good and evil -- these have become a part of our collective imagination through the classic volumes of The Chronicles of Narnia. Yet who was the man who created this world? This audio book attempts to unearth the making of the first Narnian, C. S. Lewis himself.

One of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably the most influential religious writer of his day, Lewis was also an Oxford don and a scholar of medieval literature who loved to debate philosophy at his local pub. Yet one of the most intriguing aspects of Clive Staples Lewis remains unanswered. How did a bachelor professor, nearly fifty, and living in a wholly adult world, turn to the writing of stories for children -- stories that would become among the most popular and beloved ever written?

Alan Jacobs masterfully tells the story of C. S. Lewis. From his childhood days in Ireland to his horrific experiences in the trenches of the First World War, to his friendship with J. R. R. Tolkein (and other members of the "Inklings") and his remarkable late-life marriage to Joy Davidman, Jacobs traces the events and people that shaped Lewis's philosophy, theology, and fiction. The story of a profound mind and extraordinary imagination,The Narnian is a remarkable tale of a man who knew great loss and great delight, but who knew above all that the world holds far more richness and meaning than the average eye can see.

About this title

Review:

"An amiable, uncluttered biography..." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Jacobs has written[...]not onlya portrait of a dazzling writer but also a defense of Lewis as aseeker and thinker..."--Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A deeply insightful yet broadly accessible intellectual biography, written in an engaging voice."--Christianity Today, (a CT Book Award winner)

"This is the book on Lewis we've all been waiting for: probing, generous, lyrical and entertaining."--Charles Marsh, author of The Beloved Community: How Faith Shapes Social Justice, from the Civil Rights Movement to Today

"Jacobs provides a fluent and sensible re-telling of the main outlines of Lewis's life..."--Richard Jenkyns, The New Republic

"It is hard to imagine a more insightful and even-handed treatment of the life and work of Lewis."--Frederick Buechner, author of Beyond Words

."..[B]est appreciated by the Narnia enthusiasts seeking to learn more about the man behind the stories."--Presbyterians Today

"An amiable, uncluttered biography..."--Kirkus Reviews

"A book about Lewis that will fascinate even those readers who think they aren't interested in reading about him."--Edward Mendelson, author of Early Auden and Later Auden

"The Narnian is thoughtful, intriguing and inspiring--a treasure for Narnia fans, as well as aficionados of fine biography."--Booklist

Synopsis:

C. S. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. Yet among his poetry, literary history and criticism, novels and Christian apologetics stands a unique, delightfully imaginative children's series called "The Chronicles of Narnia", which have become enduring classics. Alan Jacobs takes this imaginary world of Narnia, that has captivated children and adults alike for years, and uses the themes and stories found within to explore the imaginative life of C. S. Lewis. Few things are more interesting to human beings than trying to figure out how another human being (especially a profoundly gifted one) works. Not just a conventional, straightforward biography of Lewis, Jacobs instead seeks a more elusive quarry: an understanding of the way Lewis's experiences, both direct and literary, formed themselves into patterns - themes that then shaped his thought and writings, especially the stories of Narnia. It is in the Narnia stories that we see the most of Lewis, and this illuminating biography delivers a true picture of the life and imagination of the Narnian.

About this edition

• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0060831251
• ISBN 13: 9780060831257
• Binding: Audio CD