C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters in Everyday English: An easy to read version of a C.S. Lewis classic.

by David Harrison

C.S. Lewis' classic book, The Screwtape Letters in Everyday English.When I read Mere Christianity for the first time, I was left wondering if the average North American reader would be able to follow along without having an English-to-‘English’ dictionary at their side. Even I had to Google the meaning of some of Lewis’ 1940’s colloquialisms. Lewis himself makes reference to the changes in language and word usage over time. This led me to rework the book into Mere Christianity in Everyday English. Never did I expect such a positive response to my efforts, with a seventy percent five-star rating on Amazon. This success has led me to tackle The Screwtape Letters which Lewis had written in the year before Mere Christianity. It is hoped that The Screwtape Letters in Everyday English will likewise enable it to be enjoyed by a broader audience.Clive Staples Lewis was a Professor of English at Oxford University and authored many famous novels including The Chronicles of Narnia and The Problem of Pain. The most recent estimate for sales of his books is in excess of 200 million copies.Enjoy!

Genres: Faith

150 pages, Paperback

Published December 13, 2023

Reviews

[Olivia Soler]

such an interesting read. to change the perspective of how my soul is actively getting tempted was so interesting. even written so long ago, the way we get distracted or lost today is so similar. such a great read!

there is someone fighting for your soul!!

[Angela Blount]

I didn't actually think this book needed a language update to remain relevant. But I was curious to see how it was handled.

This is the one book by Lewis that he didn't like writing, and wasn't interested in adding to. (From what I understand, the strain of keeping in the headspace of a conniving, malicious demon was more than a little unpleasant for him.) I do wonder what Harrison's opinion of the endeavor may have been. But regardless of his feelings, he did make a solid effort to stay true to the quirkily insightful source material.

And now, after reading it, I feel it did justice to the original. I can see how it could improve the wideness of its appeal and exposure--especially to a generation of American audience who may be unfamiliar with British literature.

On the whole, I think Lewis might have approved of the more modern updating of his work. At least in this instance. (Current remake of The Chronicles of Narnia notwithstanding.)

[Katrina Cooley]

It's a challenging perspective in multiple meanings of the phrase, but good insight.
My book was not the easy English version, so quite a marathon for my brain to get the old English way.

[Aja]

If you’re feeling rather full of yourself or think you’re doing a great job at the Christian walk, I think by reading this you will become very much aware of the immense amount of sin that lurks and, is indeed, present and active in your life.

I appreciate this author that took the time to put this into plain English. I couldn’t even imagine drudging through the original version after my meager attempt at Mere Christianity years ago.

[Natalie Smith]

Incredibly insightful in more digestible language than the original. Probably the most thought provoking books I’ve read. The examination of faith through this perspective was very unique. Would recommend!

[Michael McClure]

Screwtape in English

I liked the overall sense of Letters,although at certain points I became confused and had to re read it. It certainly would awaken God in the sometime believer. Hopefully we are all trying to achieve a relationship with Him.

[Timothy Maher]

Great read

Presenting the Screwtape Letters provides the reader with an understanding they may have never received otherwise. These lessons are just as important today as when they were first published.

[Michael Ullrich]

Insight into the battle waged for your soul.

Lewis gives the reader insight into himself while entertaining with a fanciful view from the devil's camp. Highly recommended short read.

[Mitchell Lemond]

wonderful translation

This work has made what was inaccessible accessible, and for that I’m truly grateful. Every letter has its own revelations. I will be studying this work more closely now that I can see the wisdom embedded. It’s also hilarious.

[Michele Ginn]

Screwtape Letters

Interesting perspective on satan’s techniques. I did see how I fell for some in the past but so glad that I am a child of God! Good reading. Recommend reading this book. I also love that profits go 100% to charity. ❤️

[Bridget Ann]

2.5 Stars 🌟

I think I just read the original and this to close together.

[yam]

surprisingly relevant to today's pop / social media culture!? def wanna read the actual version now

[Kimberly A.]

inspirational

A thought provoking reminder of what the enemy doesn’t want us to know and of what we must remember. The tempter is ever present but Our God is greater.

[Meredith Boyce]

incredible read

Everyone should read this book. The enemy is prowling and this book gives us a pretty good idea of what he’s doing to throw us off course!

[Christi Kubat]

fabulous portrayal

This hook is a fabulous portrayal of how Satan and his cohorts operate to keep us away from the wonderful freedom God has planned for us.

[Joshua]

Great book.

Very insightful look into the way the enemy tries to get us into their camp. Loved it, and was worth the read, for sure.

[Bernadette Scullion]

I started the original screwtape letters and switched to this one after I got about half way through the original. Definitely a must read!!

[Kathryn Roach]

4 ⭐️ An interesting, updated translation of this classic. I liked that it was easier to read and relatable.

[Cambria Bond]

I have such a hard time with classical syntax and writing and this was an amazing way to tandem read with The Screwtape Letters. By the time I got about halfway through this book, I was better able to understand the original source material and I feel like it was because of this "everyday English" version, though I still kept reading it to help me with any references C.S. Lewis may have made that I wouldn't understand because of the time period difference. I'm so glad I found this because otherwise, I would have ended up using Sparknotes A LOT.

[Raymond]

This is my second time reading the book.

Outstanding insights.

Highly recommended.