Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis

by Lyle Wesley Dorsett

C. S. Lewis is perhaps the most beloved modern Christian author. From The Chronicles of Narnia to Mere Christianity, his works have enthralled readers of all ages. Yet, though numerous books have been written about Lewis's life and his dramatic conversion to Christianity, none have asked the important question of how he grew spiritually. Lyle Dorsett sets out to answer that question in Seeking the Secret Place.

Drawing on Lewis's books, letters, and interviews with his contemporaries, Dorsett reveals how Lewis's faith grew on a steady diet of Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments--not only to show how his faith developed but to encourage readers on the path to spiritual growth. C. S. Lewis fans and anyone looking to grow spiritually will value this book.

Genres: Biography, Spirituality, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian

182 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Lyle W. Dorsett received his B.A. in history (1960) and M.A. in history (1962) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and his Ph.D. in history from the University of Missouri-Columbia (1965). He began his teaching career at the University of Missouri, moving briefly to the Univ. of Southern California and University of Colorado at Denver, before he joined the history department at the University of Denver.

Reviews

[Candy Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My interest in Lewis has grown over the last few years. After a search for something I can across a teaching on Lewis by Dorsett. I then found the recordings for Doesett’s seminar based on this book. (Highly recommend watching this as well.) After watching them, I knew I had to have the book.

This book is beyond phenomenal. Well researched and well written. It did not lose my attention for one second. He takes on the task to show how Lewis matured in his faith. Prayer, scripture, church, and spiritual direction is a quick summary but it goes deeper to give a glimpse of his character. Extra insight was given into his obedience as well as his beliefs through his many letters. This is a book about a beautiful soul who lived out a simplistic life and beautiful faith.

[Sarah Blount · Rating 3 out of 5]

“the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ is present in all true Christians. He is prominent in some, and He is pre-eminent, alas, in only a few.” Meyer to Moody on Lewis.


An interesting (for the most part) look into Lewis’s spiritual growth—not some magical overnight change, but the slow formation that comes through the same disciplines available to the rest of us. Same channels of grace, just pursued with a single eye.

[Trey Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an Anglo-Catholic and a fan of C.S. Lewis’ work since I was a kid, I absolutely loved this telling of his story. Lyle Wesley captures the heart of Lewis as he digs deep into his personal and spiritual life based on his letters, published work, and testimonies about him. It’s an absolute must read and it’s a book that I will read again very soon.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have read in a while. Scrupulously well researched by a serious student of CS Lewis. An inspirational window into the secrets of Lewis’ spirituality and impact on many lives. Highly recommended.

[Jon Wisnieski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the personal life of a man who preferred not to talk of himself. It seems he was every bit as prayerful and holy as he encouraged others to become.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem this little book is.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the spiritual practices and influence of C. S. Lewis.

[Jen H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books about Lewis as author or Lewis as apologist abound, but try to find a book about his growing in Christ from the time of his conversion to the end of his life and you'll come up empty until you find this book by Lyle Dorsett. Dorsett is no newcomer to Lewisiana, having served as the head of the Marion Wade Center in Wheaton, Illinois and having been the originator and the one responsible for the treasure trove of oral histories on Lewis housed in that facility. In other words, Dorsett knows Lewis, and his very well-written book (a very personal book, he says) answers many questions concerning Lewis spiritual development after his conversion. I've given this book 5 stars mostly because I think it is the only one of its kind, and I appreciate the effort. By Dr. Dorsett to present an impoverished readership with a book that finally goes to the root of Lewis' broad appeal, his relationship and his firm commitment to being obedient to the One who rules the world by a mere swish of his paw.

Thank you, Dr. Dorsett, for a job well done!

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was helpful to see how C. S. Lewis developed in his faith. It's not as good as reading Lewis himself, but Dorsett is able to pull from a trove of unpublished material that few people have access to which helps develop an mature and developed portrait of Lewis.

Kudos to Dorsett for not presenting Lewis as a buttoned-up evangelical and including his Anglo-Catholic leanings. It's helpful to have a portrait of Lewis's very vibrant faith. This especially whets my appetite to read more of Lewis's writings.

Someone could easily pass on this book though if they already were reading Lewis works and had good spiritual disciplines unless someone was specifically interested in that bit of Lewis's life.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of C.S. Lewis' story is not new to me, having read numerous other biographies in the past. But, what I appreciated about this little book was how it emphasized the way that Lewis cared for the souls of so many people through faithful correspondence. To date, some of the richest pieces of Lewis' writings that I have read have been found in these humble corresponsendes with people of little noticeable significance. In general, the book emphasized the "humanness" of Lewis in a way that traditional biographies don't.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book for all lovers of C.S. Lewis! The author reveals what spiritual disciplines that Lewis practiced in his growth after conversion. Very enlightening, and it gave me new perspectives on him!

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very well written biography by Dorsett, I read a while ago. Really like how balanced he is in not only retelling the story, but interpreting the life of C.S.Lewis. Covers different areas of Lewis' spiritual growth. Exiting read!

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed learning the influences on Jack's life

[Mark Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for fans of C. S. Lewis and for those seeking guidance for their own spiritual formation. The author uses Lewis' letters particularly well.

[Justin Dillehay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorsett's chapters on Lewis's letter-writing are priceless--some of it can also be listened to at this link: http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/c...

[Brooke E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, clear and easy-to-read book about the spiritual influences in Lewis' life. I really enjoyed Dorsett's summary of Lewis' letters in Chapter 7.