Welcome to Tumnus’s Book Shelf where we review any and all books related to Narnia and CS Lewis! For this weeks review, we will be looking at From the Library of CS Lewis edited and compiled by James Stuart Bell, Jr and Anthony Palmer Dawson.
Title: From the Library of CS Lewis
Various Authors
Edited by James Stewart Bell Jr and Anthony Palmer Dawson
Publisher: Shaw Books (November 6, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0877880441
ISBN-13: 978-0877880448
Summary of the Book:
Part devotional book, Part Who’s Who of Western Thought and Literature, From the Library of CS Lewis contains passages from selected authors, thinkers, philosophers, critics, and scholars who influenced CS Lewis. From writing that helped him in his Christian faith, to the writings of those who knew him personally, this book runs through a whole gamut of literature spanning thousands of years of human history. Each writer is still just as important and relevant today as they were not only in their own time, but in the life of Lewis.
Review of the book:
As time seems to go on and more and more theology books and devotional books are published, the more ‘nice and soft’ they become. While some devotional books are great others are just quick cash-ins on what ever “new idea” may be popular. With modern entertainment clamoring for our attention, we tend to favor these more Happy Meal approaches to our daily walks with God, and forsake some of the older, more meatier aspects of Christianity.
From the Library of CS Lewis is not that kind of devotional, as it is just as much an indispensable resource material containing a vast treasure trove of key thinkers and writers of Western thought. Part of the books appeal is the fact that the writings contained in this work are all those of authors who influenced Lewis either as a writer or a person. Some of the writings contained in this volume are by big names in European literature like John Donne, John Milton, John Bunyan, Dante, and Plato. These writers find themselves right alongside church fathers like St. Augustine, and Martin Luther and not one of them seams out of place.
This is also one of the few books where you will find excerpts of writing from other members of the Inklings beyond Tolkien ( though he is in here.) There is even a sample of writing from Joy Davidman as she did influence Jack as a writer and person. One writer is featured in this work the most is GK Chesterton, and rightfully so, as his own writings influenced Lewis’ apologetics.
James Stuart Bell and Anthony Palmer Dawson did a great job collecting all the materials in this book and laid them out in a clear, concise format. The book is divided into 18 chapters dealing with different topics that were pertinent to Lewis as a Christian and a scholar.
For those wondering about who influenced Lewis as a writer, or are wanting deeper ideas in their Christian faith this book is indispensable and makes an excellent devotional for all readers. Parents will also find this an excellent educational tool for their children in introducing them to a wide range of important writers.
I had gotten this book on a whim when purchasing some books for one of my college literature classes. It was well worth the purchase and has found a prominent place on my shelf, and in my devotional time. I am sure it will for you as well.
5 out of 5 shields