C.S. Lewis

Men of Faith

by Catherine M. Swift

The personal story of one of the most influential Christian writers of all time From his celebrated children's stories of Aslan and the land of Narnia to his imaginative insight in The Screwtape Letters , Clive Staples Lewis has become one of the most prominent Christian statesmen of the twentieth century. His writings are known worldwide, and his own story offers readers an illuminating and fascinating look into the events and factors that shaped his life and thinking. Christians familiar with Lewis' books may be surprised by what they the faith-shattering early loss of his mother, a father who remained aloof, constant illness which threatened his education, a tormenting principal who strengthened his belief in hell, a near death in France during World War I. This story of C. S. Lewis a confirmed agnostic and skeptic at the age of thirty-one and of his remarkable conversion to Christianity and subsequent commitment to influence others for Jesus Christ make for inspiring reading. When God "closed in" on him, life would never be the same!

Genres: Biography, Christianity, Nonfiction

127 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little booklet was a brief, but informative glimpse into the life of a larger-than-life author. I thought this was well-written and fulfilled its role of whetting the appetite for reading Lewis' highly acclaimed writings. I really didn't know much about his life before reading this but appreciated learning the circumstances and world events that forged books like Mere Christianity and the Problem of Pain.

I'm sure there must be some better and more thorough biographies, but this booklet randomly plucked from my shelf (probably a freebie from a conference) provided a good "bathroom book" to peruse for a few minutes several times a week.

[Austin Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I've loved Lewis' writing from childhood, I'd not read much about him beyond what I could glean from others. This book was a good place to start. Swift did a fine job of helping me understand the life of Lewis, but in such a short volume it was not possible to give more than a taste.
Yet a taste was exactly what I needed. I plan to read more from Lewis and more of Lewis this next year and Swift's biography fell in a fitting place for me.

[Roseamber Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple clear overview of Lewis' life, written with humor and sympathy. Especially recommended for young readers of Narnia who want to know more about the author before or after they read those stories.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book back in the 90's and I loved it. Good introduction to the life of C.S. Lewis for a younger audience.

[William Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've finished reading C. S. Lewis (Men of Faith) by Catherine Swift; published by Bethany House Publishing. It's a part of the Men of Faith series, a young adult series of biographies of important Men of Faith from the 19th and early 20th century. There is also a Women of Faith Series, and a Women and Men of Faith series as well, although these two combined have less than half of the entries as does Men of Faith; so there's an implicit bias of gender roles in this series, but at least they tried(?).

This one briefly covers the life and times of C. S. Lewis. His young life was mostly upper-middle-class perfunctory and joyless, until he discovered Beatrix Potter's writing. He and his brother began to write stories of their own.

The death of his mother coinciding almost completely with being sent off to bad boarding schools; a joyless time. Later he was sent to live with an older couple, with the man becoming his tutor. Here, he was taught to think.

Then there was The War, and the wounding, and Jack (as he was called) came...found himself...home.

He was a confirmed atheist for most of his life, and this book does a very poor job of explaining why it happened. Swift simply describes a time (after settling his father's estate) where Lewis experienced a feeling of "goodness, love, light, warmth, and hope all around him." This apparently, was enough to convince him of the existence of God and the truth of Christianity.

It's an interesting quick read that is brief enough to be mostly forgettable.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a brief but moving glimpse into the childhood, life, and spiritual journey of C.S. Lewis — known to his family as “Jacksie” and eventually just “Jack.” It paints a touching portrait of how the early death of Lewis’s mother left a deep wound that shaped his life in profound ways. That early grief became one of the many paths that ultimately led him to Christ — to real Joy.

The book also explores the influence of Lewis’s friends — once devout atheists — whose own conversions to Christianity deeply challenged him. Their faith helped lead Lewis to step “through the door” and discover what lay beyond.

Lewis famously described his conversion as being “surprised by Joy” — not just as a moment later in life, but as a recurring theme: unexpected, piercing glimpses of something beyond, something real and true. The author, Swift, captures this beautifully, showing how Joy became both a signpost and a gift — and eventually, the name of Lewis’s wife.

This book left me with a deeper appreciation not only for Lewis’s faith, but for the long, difficult road that led him there — and the quiet wonder that awaited him at the end.

[Lazy tea writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.S.Lewis or Jack as he liked to be called, grew up in one of the most beautiful eras, if you love dark academia. He got the house full of books and the creaking staircases and the guttering noisy pipes. He found a friendship in paper and pen, then later on in his life also friends of paper and pen. They were called the inklings. But by far the best part was his struggle with his faith and finally accepting the Lord as his Savior. From it came his most beloved stories and books. Some that I wouldn’t want to live without. I think Jack was a very beautiful person and his struggles and pain and fear and despair, make him all the more human and that is what’s beautiful about him. I hope we can all find what Jack called Joy with a capital J.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was ok. It wasn't the best memoir i have read about c.s. lewis. but it wasn't the worst. i enjoy learning about c.s. lewis. His Chronicles of Narnia are some of my favorite books. I read this book for the prompt read a memior by or about a person you admire. (booklist queen 2024)

[Ernest Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific little snapshot. It whet my desire to know more. So, off to read his autobiography.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

At only 127 pages in length this short biography is a comprehensive overview of the life of C.S. Lewis. We all know who he is...but seldom have I talked with someone who knows about his life. I was surprised to discover as I read that he did not have the upbringing that I expected he had. His life experiences were broad and diverse. This short, yet fascinating, look at his life is a testimony to the grace of God that can span any gap. God redeemed the life of a man who had turned on Him and had dabbled in a variety of false doctrines to become a man who's life would point many to Christ. The life of C.S. Lewis is yet another example of our sovereign God and is a story that will be sure to encourage and challenge you.

[Mathias Seiwert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast but enjoyable read. A great intro to C.S. Lewis' life. For a little more in depth reading on Lewis' journey to faith in Jesus I also recommend David C. Downing's book "The Most Reluctant Convert." So thankful for God's loving and relentless pursuit of Lewis and His loving and relentless pursuit of all humans!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging, fast read. A cursory bio, or a good "first intro" to C.S. Lewis that left me with many questions. My dad has other bio's about Lewis that are much more comprehensive and longer that I plan to read as well.