Those who read Lewis in any more than a casual way know that his letters are gems. From his kindness in corresponding to the hypochondriac woman in Letters to an American Lady to his wise counsel on prayer in Letters to Malcolm, we not only take great pleasure in older styles of correspondence, but drink deeply from the wells of his wisdom. Letters are also a good way to see in to both the biography and the character of a person. There is a reason that the letters of nearly all famous people get published.
The long-awaited final volume in the three-book set of The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis has finally hit the stores. The sub-title tells of the importance of this volume: Narnia, Cambridge and Joy (1950-1963.) These have been expertly edited by Walter Hooper (Harper SanFransico; $42.95.) We are honored to have such a volume on our shelves (like my last post I feel a certain gravity in announcing this, as these will be enduring classics) and hope you will find it of interest. To be honest, the first two—now available in paperback in a slip-cased boxed set, by the way—were less interesting to me than this one. Here, we have his most important correspondence—stuff about Narnia, letters to Tolkein, notes to people about his most famous books. And, plenty of more ordinary writing. We have, for the first time, the complete collection of letters to Mrs. Shelburne (the “American Lady”) as well as many written to ordinary folks who had written to him. (Lewis had rheumatism in his right hand and the hours he spent writing each day was difficult, but he endured, faithfully.) The complete, charming Letters to Children is reproduced here, along with others which have not been seen by the public. These are, of course, an important source of information about Narnia as Lewis loved telling kids about the story, why he wrote them as he did and so forth.
An appendix to this hefty volume includes the early philosophical exchange between Lewis and Owen Barfield, who had become interested in Rudolf Steiner and a view that now might be called “new age.” These debates—at a time before Lewis’ conversion when he was a secular naturalist (with no hint of anything supernatural)—are particularly fascinating and may be useful for many, today.
Pieces to other literary and theological figures are here, including all fifty letters he penned to Dorothy Sayers. And, of course, Joy Davidman—letters to and about her!
Mr. Hooper’s decades of dilgent work bringing these letters together deserves a medal of honor; his work as literary advisor to the Lewis Estate is well-respected. Lewis fans, students and scholars alike will thank God for him for bringing these letters to publication.
An appendix to this hefty volume includes the early philosophical exchange between Lewis and Owen Barfield, who had become interested in Rudolf Steiner and a view that now might be called “new age.” These debates—at a time before Lewis’ conversion when he was a secular naturalist (with no hint of anything supernatural)—are particularly fascinating and may be useful for many, today.
Pieces to other literary and theological figures are here, including all fifty letters he penned to Dorothy Sayers. And, of course, Joy Davidman—letters to and about her!
Mr. Hooper’s decades of dilgent work bringing these letters together deserves a medal of honor; his work as literary advisor to the Lewis Estate is well-respected. Lewis fans, students and scholars alike will thank God for him for bringing these letters to publication.
BLOG SPECIAL
BUY ANY OF THE COLLECTED LETTERS
at 25% off
and
get a small hardback anthology of Lewis’s writings free
Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Family Letters (1905-1931)
Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Books Broadcasts, and the War (1931-1949)
Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Narnia, Cambridge, and Joy (1950-1963)
The first two are available in a slip-cased paperback set ($39.95) or in hardcover at $34.95 each.)
Volume three is only available in hardcover for $42.95
We will deduct 25% off any purchase and enclose a free gift hardback book.
BUY ANY OF THE COLLECTED LETTERS
at 25% off
and
get a small hardback anthology of Lewis’s writings free
Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Family Letters (1905-1931)
Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Books Broadcasts, and the War (1931-1949)
Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Narnia, Cambridge, and Joy (1950-1963)
The first two are available in a slip-cased paperback set ($39.95) or in hardcover at $34.95 each.)
Volume three is only available in hardcover for $42.95
We will deduct 25% off any purchase and enclose a free gift hardback book.
Josh,Thanks for asking. It is one of the very best books on spirituality that I’ve read. Brillant!Hey, nice to see that story about your blog in the local paper. I gave the reporter your name and URL. Hope it helps!Byron
Great deal! You do such good business, Byron.Peace,Michele
Byron,Have you read The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser? We had to read it for a spiritual formation class that I am in and have greatly greatly enjoyed it. He has chapters on the eucharist, incarnation, social justice, sexuality and spiritual practices that bring a sense of freshness to all those topics.Peace,Josh
One time I read something from C.S.Lewis, I don’t remember the exact words but he said something like: before I realized what happened the big fisherman had cast his line (or hook) and the hook was in my tongue (or mouth)
I would love to know where I could find it.
I am 81 years old and uneducated so to speak but I love to read C.S. Lewis even when I don’t understand everything he says.
Sincerely, Ms.Berle George
Dear Ms George,
What a wonderful note, seeking a good quote from a serious author…thank you very much.
We can find this, perhaps, and would love to chat more, but we can’t write back to you here. I can only hope you check back and read this post (knowing it is an older post.)
Can you write to us at read@heartsandmindsbooks.com
or do an inquiry at our webpage inquiry page. Or even call the shop (717-246-3333.) I know this quote, too, but have to find the right pages. I’ll look for it if you get in touch. Hope your reading along!
Thank you again.
Byron