From A to Z to Narnia with C.S. Lewis

by Louis A. Markos

The writings of C.S. Lewis have touched millions of readers. This new handbook makes clear that it is not just the words and stories of Lewis that capture the attention of the reader; it is also the ideas. The power of words to convey principles and ideas is remarkable, and few contemporary authors do it as well as C.S. Lewis. Matching one idea or aspect of Lewis' writings with each letter of the alphabet, Louis Markos employs a memorable method to demonstrate both the simplicity and the complexity of Lewis. Markos also gives those who want to know more about Lewis an overview of his life and brief guides to his books and three film productions of his works.

Genres: Christian, Biography

Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Dr. Markos earned his B.A. in English and History from Colgate University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, he specialized in British Romantic Poetry, Literary Theory, and the Classics.

He has taught at Houston Baptist University since 1991, where he is Professor in English and holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities.

Reviews

[Patricia Wolverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

C S simplified

The only thing I find fault in this book is that it seems too short. I like the format and the topics. I find it hard to believe that more topics couldn't be added.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as much as the other Louis Markos books that I have read. I would say that this book is a shallow treatment of many different (A to Z) deeper topics that I would love to read about in more depth. The film reviews at the end are very good, and the suggested reading order of C.S. Lewis books is great. I have totally read them in the wrong order :) but it's worked ok for me. Suggested bibliography about C.S. Lewis in the back is a good resource as well, though it might be in some of his other books as well. I think this is a good intro book, but if you've already read "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" or "Restoring Beauty," this might not be as worth your time.

[ladydusk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle.

This was offered free for Kindle in 2013, and I snatched it up. I was glad to have this quick overview to get me into thinking about Lewis, his influence (and influences), and his writing before our Year of Narnia. I enjoyed the quick glimpses of some of his ideas as expanded upon in his books, his Christian view on different ideas, and his own life's history.

There is little to no critique in this work, however. Markos seems to be all approbation of Lewis. I would recommend this as a quick, easy introduction before digging into deeper depths.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique book doing an alphabetical run through the life and times of C.S. Lewis. His world view on a great number of the vast volume of works that are his. One cannot come away without a deeper appreciation of Lewis as writer.

[Hal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for what it is -- a basic look at C.S. Lewis' apologetic for the Christian faith. It is aimed at the average person and is not intended to be a deep philosophical/theological discussion.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love C.S. Lewis and Dr. Markos, so it is no surprise that I really like this book. A little lighter than his other works, it was still exactly what I needed. Reminded me how much I enjoy Lewis' works and how I need to get back to them every once in a while.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a great admirer of C.S. Lewis, I found this book interesting. It provides some context for several of Lewis' themes and writings. Very readable.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad as a sort of primer for C. S. Lewis