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C.S. Lewis: A Life Inspired
A man of reason and vigorous discourse, and a renowned professor of literature and philosophy, C.S. Lewis, always “Jack” to family and friends, never shied from intellectual debate, and through his written works encouraged others to wrestle with the difficult questions of faith. A master of visual illustration and allegory, Lewis wrote with the intuitive understanding that his readers wrestled with the same questions about the Christian story, about pain, suffering, and notions of Heaven and Hell, as he himself had wrestled. He also understood that others found reason and imagination to be incompatible aspects of an understanding of God and the universe.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2014
800 people are currently reading
1937 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Gordon
1 book1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 4, 2021
A 2 hour and 40 minute unabridged audiobook.
Having recently watched a movie (The Reluctant Convert) about Lewis, it felt as if I was reading the screenplay for the first half (the movie was about his life up to Christian conversion, the book covered the entirety of his life).
With its short length it may be best to consider this an appetizer on Lewis' life. Enough to satsifactorily whet an appetite but not at all filling.
Having recently watched a movie (The Reluctant Convert) about Lewis, it felt as if I was reading the screenplay for the first half (the movie was about his life up to Christian conversion, the book covered the entirety of his life).
With its short length it may be best to consider this an appetizer on Lewis' life. Enough to satsifactorily whet an appetite but not at all filling.
July 10, 2014
E-books are convenient and handy. This book is interesting and well-written, but all too brief. C.S.Lewis was too complex a man to gloss over his career and his life in slightly over 100 pages. It is ironic that a man so deep has his life glossed over so that only the surface may be scratched.
This book, however, should serve as an inspiration to revisit the many works, both of fiction and non-fiction, penned by this man. Authors are frequently cautioned that they should write about the things which they know. This brief biography reminds us that by reading the works of C.S. Lewis, one may come to know the man as well. His writings parallel the growth and education he experienced in his life, and the processes he utilized in arriving at his personal beliefs. His works are a reflection of his personal growth and his desires to share that with the world.
Of course, he is best known for the Chronicles of Narnia, ostensibly written for children. While this series is probably the most easily read and understood of his works, they reveal much of the man and his beliefs. he exposes himself in all of his works, and to a degree which he himself did not always realize. The children show him at different intellectual and emotional levels through which he passed in his lifetime.
Lewis's journey to faith through reason, and his deep emotional experience of it gave meaning to his life, and to his writing, on all levels. It is almost always worthwhile to know the man behind the writings. This is especially true when it is someone so influential in modern thought and philosophy as C.S. Lewis.
This book, however, should serve as an inspiration to revisit the many works, both of fiction and non-fiction, penned by this man. Authors are frequently cautioned that they should write about the things which they know. This brief biography reminds us that by reading the works of C.S. Lewis, one may come to know the man as well. His writings parallel the growth and education he experienced in his life, and the processes he utilized in arriving at his personal beliefs. His works are a reflection of his personal growth and his desires to share that with the world.
Of course, he is best known for the Chronicles of Narnia, ostensibly written for children. While this series is probably the most easily read and understood of his works, they reveal much of the man and his beliefs. he exposes himself in all of his works, and to a degree which he himself did not always realize. The children show him at different intellectual and emotional levels through which he passed in his lifetime.
Lewis's journey to faith through reason, and his deep emotional experience of it gave meaning to his life, and to his writing, on all levels. It is almost always worthwhile to know the man behind the writings. This is especially true when it is someone so influential in modern thought and philosophy as C.S. Lewis.
July 17, 2017
This is a very well-written book. It highlights the main facts in the life of a great man. It also summarizes his most-known writings. As a biography is too short and the reader is left with questions. Therefore, if you´re looking for a Lewis´s biography, look elsewhere. However, if you´re not familiar with his life and his works, this is an excellent introduction to C.S. Lewis´s life and work. I believe this was the author´s purpose and it serves it really well. I enjoyed this read.
August 5, 2023
This biography follows the life of C.S. Lewis from his childhood to his death. It focuses on how his experiences led to his belief in God. He learned to value reason and think things through very carefully, analyzing every angle, and this led him to realize that the only rational explanation for the universe is the God of Christianity.
This is such a short book that it serves as a good introduction to the life of C.S. Lewis. However, because I have already read several biographies of Lewis, as well as most of his written works and letters, I didn't learn anything new or get a new perspective on his life.
I did like that the overall focus of the book is Lewis' faith in God. All his relationships and friendships, all his education, experiences in the war, personal tragedies and family turmoil, all led him to the point where he had to admit that God is real. It's a wonderful conversion story!
The writing style is good, and keeps your interest. The book is well-written and obviously well-researched.
This is such a short book that it serves as a good introduction to the life of C.S. Lewis. However, because I have already read several biographies of Lewis, as well as most of his written works and letters, I didn't learn anything new or get a new perspective on his life.
I did like that the overall focus of the book is Lewis' faith in God. All his relationships and friendships, all his education, experiences in the war, personal tragedies and family turmoil, all led him to the point where he had to admit that God is real. It's a wonderful conversion story!
The writing style is good, and keeps your interest. The book is well-written and obviously well-researched.
July 15, 2016
As someone who knows almost nothing about CS Lewis, this was a good introduction. I feel like he is much more complex than this biography shows, but it was a good starting point for me to learn more about him.
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April 27, 2014
A good read about the man and how his experiences were reflected in his writings along with his personal faith in Jesus Christ. Especially helpful if you have read any of his books.
April 4, 2024
This was a very basic, broad overview of C. S. Lewis's life. It was good but there wasn't a lot of information that I didn't already know. The author also had an annoying habit of adding in asides in parentheses and sometimes they were so long that I would have to go back because I completely lost the train of thought of what he was originally saying. He did it at least once in each chapter so it kind of got tedious.
January 22, 2019
Although short, this biography by Christopher Gordon was a very good introduction to the life, faith development, and writings of CS Lewis. I've read a few CS Lewis books, but never knew much about the man. Now that I've read this biography, I want to learn more.
March 5, 2017
Short and sweet overview that can't come close to covering everything on such a complex individual or his works. Great for a basic introduction with some nice facts, but overall just a simple and concise synopsis.
May 17, 2014
This book about C.S. Lewis provides information about his life that I was not aware of. I have read his books for a number of years but it is interesting to find out more about the person writing them. It was well done, tastefully done, and written in an interesting manner. I enjoyed it.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
October 1, 2015
This was a pretty good primer on the life of CS Lewis. It only took me a couple of days to read it. If you are looking for a high-level look at Lewis's life and writings, then this would be a good one to check into.
May 15, 2014
Christian Inspiration
If you are looking for guidance on Christian theology C.L. Lewis's children's book on Narnia are a place of inspiration. Decent biography on the author of these books, nothing too elaborate.
If you are looking for guidance on Christian theology C.L. Lewis's children's book on Narnia are a place of inspiration. Decent biography on the author of these books, nothing too elaborate.
April 24, 2014
JACK A GREAT READ!
I have read many books about JACK and this one is a high middle ground. It covers his life well is a balanced look at the man and his faith.
I have read many books about JACK and this one is a high middle ground. It covers his life well is a balanced look at the man and his faith.
May 17, 2014
An enjoyable look into the life of an inspiring author. A quick read that left me wanting to study Lewis's writing more in-depth.
May 7, 2014
Interesting read about the life of C.S. Lewis.
June 25, 2014
This book covers Lewis journey through Christianity and the inspiration behind his work.
January 15, 2015
Just a very summary biography with few insights.
May 9, 2018
This is not a detailed, exhaustive biography. It does not mine the varied motivations of a complex character. It doesn’t lay bare any sordid secrets. This book outlines the life of an unassuming character who had a serious impact on the world and time he lived in, an impact that continues to this day.
In an easy to read style the author walks us through the childhood and informative years of C.S. Lewis, telling his story in an interesting and engaging fashion.
We also get to review a synopsis of Lewis's more popular books which gives us an insight into the man himself.
There is no long and tedious introduction, the author gets straight to the point. It is an enjoyable book which gives what amounts to a brief overview of the subject, his family and the things that concerned him. I was happy to read it.
In an easy to read style the author walks us through the childhood and informative years of C.S. Lewis, telling his story in an interesting and engaging fashion.
We also get to review a synopsis of Lewis's more popular books which gives us an insight into the man himself.
There is no long and tedious introduction, the author gets straight to the point. It is an enjoyable book which gives what amounts to a brief overview of the subject, his family and the things that concerned him. I was happy to read it.
January 5, 2018
This is a very brief biography of Lewis, and therefore can only be considered an introduction. It is well written an provides some insight into Lewis' character and the people and circumstances that helped shape that character. For those who only have time to scratch the surface of Lewis' life and thought, this is adequate, but for those who want to go a little deeper, this will not quite fit the bill. There is obviously a lot more that can be said about Lewis that can't be covered in a hundred pages.
June 16, 2017
Good but brief
This is a very helpful though brief introduction to C. S. Lewis. Having read many of Lewis' work, I'm familiar with Lewis' biography and themes. I did learn a few things from this book but it does not go into great depth about his life or his books. However, it definitely hits the highlights and is written well and the author sneaks in the occasional gem of insight.
This is a very helpful though brief introduction to C. S. Lewis. Having read many of Lewis' work, I'm familiar with Lewis' biography and themes. I did learn a few things from this book but it does not go into great depth about his life or his books. However, it definitely hits the highlights and is written well and the author sneaks in the occasional gem of insight.
January 1, 2021
This short book is a quick survey of the writings and life of one of my favorite authors. Reading it on the first morning of the new year gives me food for thought about the flexibility of time, which is mentioned in the section on Narnia as an “irresistible inspiration.”
I give this book 4 stars because I would have liked to go further into the writings of Lewis. I do recommend the book to those new to this author.
I give this book 4 stars because I would have liked to go further into the writings of Lewis. I do recommend the book to those new to this author.
September 23, 2017
Very nice Bio and History
I have read "Mere Christianiy" and heard of Lewis's works like the Narnia saga. And, being a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien I knew of their friendship. So, I wanted to know more about him. This book is perfect! Not weighed down with every minutia it covers his life and works. His trials and successes! I highly recommend it to anyone!
I have read "Mere Christianiy" and heard of Lewis's works like the Narnia saga. And, being a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien I knew of their friendship. So, I wanted to know more about him. This book is perfect! Not weighed down with every minutia it covers his life and works. His trials and successes! I highly recommend it to anyone!
December 10, 2021
A wonderfully concise review of the life and main ideas of CS Lewis. I see this as an appetizer to the main course of his major works. I did not know anything about his life so this was a perfect book for me. It is short, but then again it was not intended to be more than a precis to a great author and thinker. Definitely recommend.
dnf
April 2, 2025This book has been sitting in my kindle for years and I decided to read it as a quick read during some downtime. Might as well read about the author who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia.
This book was not quick and not entertaining. I dnf'ed because this book is basically a regurgitation of another C S Lewis biography and the flow of the book wasn't easy to follow.
This book was not quick and not entertaining. I dnf'ed because this book is basically a regurgitation of another C S Lewis biography and the flow of the book wasn't easy to follow.
December 9, 2017
CS Lewis Concise
This was a concise and engaging book about CS Lewis and his life. It's brief but very interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Lewis. Tom Callahan
This was a concise and engaging book about CS Lewis and his life. It's brief but very interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Lewis. Tom Callahan
March 9, 2018
An insightful, intriguing, and surprising consice bio for those who have read and enjoy C.S.Lewis.
It will be more meaningful for those who have already read a few of his apologetic works. Definitely recommend start with Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters in particular.
It will be more meaningful for those who have already read a few of his apologetic works. Definitely recommend start with Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters in particular.
October 14, 2019
Lewis
A very nice, but short story of Mr. Lewis. The book does not go into many details of his life, but presents a brief synopsis of the changes he underwent and their effects on his philosophy and writings.
A very nice, but short story of Mr. Lewis. The book does not go into many details of his life, but presents a brief synopsis of the changes he underwent and their effects on his philosophy and writings.
January 29, 2024
For book club we were to read a biography of our choice. I choose this book because even though I had read 10 of his books, I did not know much about the author. This book was easy to read and gave me a lot of information on his.
December 8, 2016
It was so interesting to see how C.S. Lewis became a Christian. His scientific, evidence-based philosophy of life eventually led to his study, questioning and conversion.
May 5, 2017
Not a long book, but a good overview of Lewis' life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews