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

(Paperback)

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A journey into the imagination of C.S. Lewis explores the themes and life events that contributed to The Chronicles of Narnia, the most enduring classics of childrens literature

C.S. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th 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 childrens series called The Chronicles of Narnia, which have become enduring classics. Alan Jacobs takes this imaginary world of Narnia and uses the themes and stories found within to explore the imaginative life of C.S. Lewis. Not just a conventional, straightforward biography of Lewis, Jacobs instead seeks a more elusive quarry: an understanding of the way Lewiss experiences, both direct and literary, formed themselves into patternsthemes that then shaped his thought and writings, especially the stories of Narnia.

Reviews

"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

"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

"An erudite and welcome addition to the C. S. Lewis canon." -- Mary S. Lovell, acclaimed biographer and national bestselling author of The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family

"The most influential Christian apologist of the last hundred years has found a worthy biographer." -- Richard John Neuhaus, editor in chief of First Things

"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

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

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

"[Jacobs] provides excellent context by explaining authors and literature that influenced Lewis...his matter-of-fact approach is welcome." -- The Christian Science Monitor

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

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

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

"Combines fine scholarship with winsome writing . . . it is an important contribution." -- Books & Culture

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

Author Bio

Alan Jacobs is professor of English at Wheaton College in Illinois. He is the author of several books, including most recently The Narnian, a biography of C. S. Lewis. His literary and cultural criticism has appeared in a wide range of periodicals, including the Boston Globe, The American Scholar, First Things, Books & Culture, and The Oxford American.