The Essential C.S. Lewis

by C.S. Lewis, Lyle W. Dorsett (Editor)

In this wide-ranging and authoritative collection of C.S. Lewis's writings, Lyle W. Dorsett brings together the many and varied facets of the beloved author's corpus. Selecting works of fiction, science fiction, autobiography, theology, poetry, and literary criticism, as well as Lewis's letters to adults and children, Dorsett shows the erudite author at his most innovative, challeneging, witty, and sympathetic.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Classics, Christianity

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]

Reviews

[JCJBergman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am yet to be even mildly impressed by C.S. Lewis. I constantly hear his praise from theologians but now that I have read 'Mere Christianity' and his other essays such as 'Miracles', I'm wondering why? 'Mere Christianity' has some interesting ideas but ultimately they are not particularly convincing nor terribly thought-provoking.

In some regard, he's a poor-man's Augustine or Pascal. From what I can tell, his popularity must stem from his layman-like ability to discuss complex subjects very simplistically. There is some merit to be found in that attribute but ultimately I was left very unimpressed by his essays and ideas revolving around Christian Theology - there are just better written, more engaging, and outright convincing theologians out there.

I don't care much for his fiction so I predominantly read his philosophical/theological entries within the piece. I just don't see the appeal in strict terms of his philosophical prowess in his work. Whenever he was beginning to discuss something interesting he passes over it within a few sentences - I want an in-depth argument, not a hypothesis response. As mentioned, he comes across as a writer for the layperson, it seems.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the parting gift of a friend and coworker. We had sparred constantly: he the devout Catholic, me the "stone cold atheist." I shook my head when I saw the title. "You don't give up, do you?" He replied in a Darth Vader voice, "Ah, but if you could be turned!" I took it as a compliment and didn't have the heart to tell him I had already encountered C.S. Lewis, the famous Christian apologist, and found his arguments unconvincing and his philosophy uncongenial.

A lot of the selections in this anthology I'd read before. I had read the Narnia books, the Space Trilogy, The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity and as much of Abolition of Man as I could stomach. I was reminded again of why I keep reading Lewis though when I turned to the first selection included, an excerpt from his spiritual biography Surprised by Joy. I soon found myself smiling. At his best there's something very beguiling about C.S. Lewis: you feel as if he's directly addressing you. A trusted friend, one who respects your intelligence, even your good intentions. And if I do consider a lot of his arguments straw men, better straw men than smoke. His arguments are logical and lucid. He has the gift for making very sophisticated ideas plain and comprehensible. His worst? Well, I had found the Space Trilogy unbearably sexist, anti-republican and it, and Abolition of Man, exasperated me with its anti-science, anti-reason, anti-exploration and anti-technology rhetoric. I encountered this line in this book from Reflections on the Psalms: "Later we learn (which God forbid) to travel in space and distribute upon new worlds the vomit of our own corruption." That line embodies a lot of what I find most repugnant in Lewis. The idea of man as this cringing, unworthy thing and the achievement, the wonder I love in space exploration is denigrated as vile, the entire idea of improving life, society on this earth as unworthy.

Beyond my objections to the material, I did find some choices of the editor dubious. Dorsett admits Lewis thought Till We Have Faces his best work. And I'd agree. I assumed it wasn't included for reasons of length, then I found this comment by Dorsett introducing the (complete!) text of Lewis' novel Perelandra. "Because this later novel [Till We Have Faces], a retelling of the myth of Psyche and Cupid is often difficult for the beginning reader to understand the unabridged Perelandra is reprinted here." Huh???? Till We Have Faces is my favorite Lewis work--it was also my first. I didn't find it difficult; I also didn't find it heavy handed in the way I'd later find some of Narnia and pretty much all of the Space Trilogy (of which Perelandra is the middle work. If you're going to include the complete text of one of them, why not Out of the Silent Planet, the first book of the three?) Due for a reread, but not only do I remember Till We Have Faces as lovely and moving, but it featured a female protagonist who is absolutely convincing (which is more than could be said for Perelandra.) Lewis' relationship late in life with his wife Joy Davidson might have helped a lot--Lewis himself gave her a lot of credit. And for that matter I regret the entire omission of A Grief Observed dealing with his reactions to her death, which is Lewis at his most moving and universal. I don't know that I'd recommend The Essential C. S. Lewis as an introduction to Lewis (one reason I'm not rating this highly)--although I was happy to sample works from him I hadn't encountered before, especially his literary criticism.

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good collection of C.S. Lewis' works. I got this as a gift. Personally, I probably wouldn't have bought it unless if you really like most of C.S. Lewis' writing. I only liked Chronicles of Narnia, Surprised by Joy, the selection from The Screwtape Letters, selection from Mere Christianity, and his letters. It only includes the complete texts of Perelandra, The Abolition of Man, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I would have wanted the complete text of Mere Christianity instead. I read the whole book because I wanted to gain some insights and knowledge about Christianity from him, since he is a strong Christian. However, I couldn't become interest in most of his other works and it kind of felt a little bit like drudgery reading through Perelandra and The Abolition of Man. Maybe it's because I'm not interested in science fiction or just don't understand his philosophical writings at much. However, it's still a good book to add to my bookcase!

[Monica Aho · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.S. Lewis has got to be one of the greatest minds of the 20th Century. This book gives a flavor of some of his greatest - from apologetics to philosophy, juvenile and adult fiction, as well as autobiographical essays. When he admits that he is "speaking to the vulgar masses" (read 'speaking in simple, layman's terms), I understand him completely. When he is in his scholarly mode, I admit that I have to think VERY HARD to understand what he's trying to say (e.g. "The Abolition of Man")... but when I DO discern it, I find myself saying "Oh, yeah. Of COURSE!" Definitely a book that makes you want to move beyond the excerpts and read the FULL C.S. Lewis collection more thoroughly.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this survey of Lewis' work...you get a taste of every genre he wrote in. It was especially enjoyable to re-read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Ah, Aslan!
The only 2 sections I haven't LOVED have been the Adult Fiction, which includes the sci-fi novel "Perelandra" and the Philosophy. A little TOO deep. I am so excited to read the whole books of which I've now read excerpts, thanks to this book!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so I didn't really finish it...I keep coming back to it and reading sections. I cannot make myself read the sci-fi "Perelandra" even though I keep meaning to do it. The letters, poetry, essays are thought-provoking and fill in some the spaces in understanding Lewis' personal life. I totally recommend it, especially if you haven't read much/any of his work.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not that you read this from front to back -- it's that it's a helpful compilation of some of Lewis' finest. Should sit on your shelf. But it's far better if you take it down occasionally to peruse its pages. And discover, again, Lewisian insight.

[Tracy Houk-ishitoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice sampler of Lewis's greatest hits.

[Suzannah]

Terrific collections of some of his best writing.

[Jen3n · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd previously read everything in this collection, but throughly enjoyed re-reading what was essentially a highlight-reel of an excellent author.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic collection of a variety of Lewis' forms of writing.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great delight. Years ago I tried “Surprised by Joy” and hated it so much that I didn’t finish it, but I throughly enjoyed the excerpts included herein and have been inspired to try it again.

“The Abolition of Man” bears repeated readings, and I intend to find a copy of my own so I can take my time chewing on the thoughts laid out within it; “The Weight of Glory” is full of beauty and sobering truth; in a book of delights I was particularly delighted by the essay “On Stories.”

Strangely, considering my fascination with words, the one section I least enjoyed was “Studies in Words,” but the glory of the rest made up for the tendency to drag in that one section.

“According to (Evelyn) Underhill everyone has three deep cravings: ‘The first is the craving which makes him a pilgrim and a wanderer. It is the longing to go out from his normal world in search of a lost home, a “better country,” an Eldorado, a Sarras, a Heavenly Syon. The next is the craving of heart for heart, or the Soul for its perfect mate, which makes him a lover. The third is the craving for inward purity and perfection, which makes him an ascetic, and in the last resort a saint.” (from the introduction)

“You cannot hope and also think about hoping at the same moment; for in hope we look to hope’s object and we interrupt this by (so to speak) turning round to look at the hope itself.” Surprised by Joy

“Really, a young Atheist cannot guard his faith too carefully. Dangers lie in wait for him on every side.” Surprised by Joy

“The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.” Surprised by Joy

“Have you read it (Hamlet) at all lately? If not, do: and just surrender yourself to the magic...” letter to Arthur Greeves

“I am His beast, and all His biddings are joys.”

“He had not succeeded. But he had done his best. No one could do more.” Perelandra

“God can make good use of all that happens. But the loss is real.” Perelandra

“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do it so encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable.” The Screwtape Letters

“...the Christian view that this is a good world that has gone wrong, but still retains the memory of what it ought to have been.” Mere Christianity

“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” Mere Christianity

“Enemy-occupied territory - that is what this world is.” Mere Christianity

“We must be thankful to all the people who have helped us, we must honor them and love them. But never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it.” Mere Christianity

“Thus the filth that our poor, muddled, sincere, resentful enemies fling at the Holy One, either does not stick, or, sticking, turns into glory.” Undeceptions

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” The Weight of Glory

“Perfect humility dispenses with modesty. If God is satisfied with the work, the work may be satisfied with itself; ‘it is not for her to bandy compliments with her Sovereign.’” The Weight of Glory

“In the end that Face which is the delight or the terror of the universe must be turned upon each of us either with one expression or with the other, either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised.” The Weight of Glory

“I read in a periodical the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God....it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important, but infinitely more important.” The Weight of Glory

“And to be at last summoned inside would be both glory and honor beyond all our merits and also the healing of that old ache.” The Weight of Glory

“Meanwhile the cross comes before the crown...” The Weight of Glory

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” The Weight of Glory

“And our charity must be a real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinner - no mere tolerance or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment.” The Weight of Glory

“The work of a Beethoven and the work of a charwoman become spiritual on precisely the sawn condition, that of being offered to God, of being done humbly ‘as to the Lord.’ This does not, of course, mean that it is for anyone a mere toss-up whether he should sweep rooms or compose symphonies. A mole must dig to the glory of God and a clock must crow.” The Weight of Glory

“An appetite for these things (knowledge and beauty) exists in the human mind, and God makes no appetite in vain. We can therefore pursue knowledge as such, akd beauty as such, in the sure confidence that by so doing we are either advancing to the vision of God ourselves or indirectly helping others to do so.” The Weight of Glory

“...if you don’t read good books you will read bad ones.” Learning in War-Time

“And every duty is a religious duty, and our obligation to perform every duty is therefore absolute.” Learning in War-Time

“There is no question of a compromise between the claims of God and the claims of culture, or politics, or anything else. God’s claim is infinite and inexorable....There is no middle way.” Learning in War-Time

“Women sometimes have the problem of trying to judge by artificial light how a dress will look by daylight. That is very like the problem of all of us: to dress our souls not for the electric lights of the present world but for the daylight of the next.” The World’s Last Night

“The right defense against false sentiments is to inculcate just sentiments.” The Abolition of Man

“But what is common to them all is something we cannot neglect. It is the doctrine of objective value, the belief that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false, to the kind of thing the universe is and the kind of thing we are.” The Abolition of Man

“The heart never takes the place of the head, but it can, and should, obey it.” The Abolition of Man

“In a sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and demand the function. We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst.” The Abolition of Man

“It is the magician’s bargain: give up our soul, get power in return. But once our souls, that is, our selves, have been given up, the power this conferred will not belong to us. We shall in fact be the slaves akd puppets of that to which we have given our souls.” The Abolition of Man

“A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.” The Abolition of Man

“Christians and pagans have much more in common with each other than either has with a post-Christian.” De Descriptione Temporum

“It is usual to speak in a playfully apologetic tone about one’s adult enjoyment of what are called ‘children’s books.’ I think this convention a silly one. No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty - except, of course, books or information. The only imaginative works we ought to grow out of are those which it would have been better not to have read at all.” On Stories

“But literary people are always looking for leisure and silence in which to read and do so with their whole attention. When they are denied such attentive and undisturbed reading even for a few days they feel impoverished.” An Experiment in Criticism

“But in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself. Like the night sky in the Greek poem, I see with a myriad eyes, but it is still I who see. Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself; and am never more myself than when I do.” An Experiment in Criticism

[Molly Blazor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am disappointed but not surprised at how many people review Lewis’ writings on Christianity so poorly. The beauty of his writing on this topic IS his bluntness. He grasps Christ in a way that most theologians do not; wholly and without doubt. He doesn’t debate the deity of Christ because it isn’t debatable. He just lays bare the fact that either this man (Christ) was insane, or he was God. There are really no more depths to explore. You take it or you leave it. Lewis accepts Christ as God and his thoughts are abrupt and refreshing and comical at times. It’s lovely, it’s pure and it’s raw and it’s unmatched from other theologians. If one doesn’t appreciate Lewis’ “Mere Christianity” then perhaps they are too accustomed to the sugar coated vague and vain ramblings of the modern “Christian” world?

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this five stars, not because everything CS Lewis wrote is superlative, but because this collection introduced me or reintroduced me to so many treasures that delighted me. His letters to children for instance are so very charming. I was inspired to read his space trilogy because of the introduction to Perelandra. His writings on philosophy and literary criticism made me imagine he was at a dinner table with me discussing things over. CS Lewis is a writer I could read more of because his insights, even when profound, are presented with such humility and sincerity that they help me to approach difficult things with a bit more humility myself. This book is a sampling that makes me want to delve even deeper into some of his writings.

[Charles Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of Lewis, not a complete collection, but enough of him to really whet your appetite. And, of course, even with just a few loose morsels of Lewis here and there, you really do have a proper banquet on your hands. Although I prefer the straightforward readings of complete works, this is a useful little collection.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book because I was interested in reading more of his work. It was interesting and at times a struggle because of his writing style and language, particularly in the more philosophical/scholarly works. I would probably have never read Perelandra, but I found it delightful, as well as The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe. Overall it was above average for me but it's probably not for everyone.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book overall. I had read parts of this book previously. Also a little dry in sections, specifically Literary History, Theories, and Criticism. As a result I skipped some sections...so technically I didn’t read every piece of this book. Notwithstanding, I would recommend this book to others.

[Randa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' from this compilation. LOVED it.

[MisterFweem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this collection -- going form re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia and Perelandra to getting into some of Lewis' other works.

I'd forgotten how talky Perelandra is. That Hideous Strength is definitely the best of his space trilogy.

And I'm again amazed at the economy of The Chronicles of Narnia. A delightful and powerful book of just under 40,000 words. That's something to aspire to.

Dorsett's selection of works for this collection is wide-ranging, and I think adequate. I would have liked to have seen Lewis' "Learning in War-Time" included, but other than that, I'm not sure there was anything missing from this well-rounded collection.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection and introduction of some of C.S. Lewis's most important works. It has been a blessing to learn from and enjoy Lewis's brilliance. Not only was he a great Christian essayist and novelist, but he also made significant contributions to literary criticism and gave many people counsel by answered every piece of fan mail he ever received. I think that his most important essays/sermons are "The Weight of Glory," "De Descriptione Temporum," and "God in the Dock.

What was surprising was how accessible and enjoyable Lewis's writings in literary criticism are. His essay on Edmund Spenser, author of "Faerie Queen," made me want to pick up a copy and start reading.

This book is a great place to start if one wants an introduction to Lewis. It should whet the reader's appetite for a certain genre of Lewis's writings, which one could then delve into further.

[Nohreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by a literary genius such as C.S. Lewis. Incuded in this book are his works from differing genres. The volume includes essays, novels, autbobiography, poetry, letters & writings on literature-- are truly enjoyable and rich book. I had to read it slower and at a leisurely pace so as to fully grasp the depth of some of what's included, especially the Perelandra. A must read and re-read book.

[Tiffany Kimbrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read many anthologies. I appreciated the blend of fiction and non fiction. I got to learn about the author and experience his work. In this day of reality TV, I appreciate the inside look. What a powerful testimony about how God uses people, who open themselves up and submit to His omnipotence.

[Terry Eaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable resource and helpful introduction to the breadth of Lewis' work. If you haven't read him, this title will help you get started. If you already love him, this is a worthwhile addition to your library.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have often wanted to know the author behind Narnia and this book gives an intimate view of his journey to Christianity and the influences that poured into his writings. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to peer a little further into the Wardrobe.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giant book of CS Lewis quotes organized by topic. I have used it and used it and used it.

Not only a must read - it is a must own reference book.

[Baldelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good edition. It gives a good comprehensive sampling of C.S. Lewis' work, including short stories, science fiction, non-fiction, and philosophical essays.

[Sar · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a good compilation, but i like having the individual books and find them easier to reference.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read an excerpt from Mere Christianity, and loved it. Makes me want to read the rest of the essay.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential C.S. Lewis by C.S. Lewis (1988)

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reflecting on the works and words of C.S. Lewis.