The Narnian

The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis

by Alan Jacobs

On Sale: 04/01/2008

The Narnian

The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis

by Alan Jacobs

On Sale: 04/01/2008

Format:

About the Book

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 children’s 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 children’s 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 Lewis’s experiences, both direct and literary, formed themselves into patterns—themes that then shaped his thought and writings, especially the stories of Narnia.

Critical Praise

“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)

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Resources

Product Details

  • ISBN: 9780061448720
  • ISBN 10: 0061448729
  • Imprint: HarperOne
  • On Sale: 04/01/2008
  • Pages: 392
  • List Price:21.99 CAD
  • BISAC1 : RELIGION / Christianity / Literature & the Arts
  • BISAC2 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Literary
  • BISAC3 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Religious

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