The Completion of C. S. Lewis: From War to Joy (1945–1963)

C. S. Lewis Biographical Trilogy #3

by Harry Lee Poe

Loss and Love in the Final Years of C. S. Lewis's Life

The Completion of C. S. Lewis: From War to Joy is the final volume in a trilogy on C. S. Lewis's life. In this third book, scholar Harry Lee Poe examines the years during World War II until Lewis's death in 1963.

This period of his life was wrought with disappointments and tragedy, including the deaths of close friends and family, the decline of his health, and professional failings. Despite these disappointments, this time was also marked by deep and meaningful relationships with those around him, including his friendship with and marriage to Joy Davidman Gresham. Lewis used these trials and joys to write some of his bestselling books, such as The Chronicles of Narnia; Till We Have Faces; and Surprised by Joy.

Final Book in a Trilogy: Trilogy also includes Becoming C. S. Lewis: A Biography of Young Jack Lewis (1898-1918) and The Making of C. S. Lewis: From Atheist to Apologist (1918-1945) Examines Lewis's Adult Life from 1945 to 1963: This period of his life greatly influenced some of his most famous books Appeals to Fans and Scholars of Lewis: Filled with details about the ins and outs of Lewis's life

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Christianity

416 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Ronni Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the biographical trilogy this morning. This trio of books is significantly under appreciated. After finishing all three volumes, I am convinced this is a monumental accomplishment. The light Poe sheds on Lewis' life is astonishing. There are a few decisions Poe made throughout the three volumes that I was not a fan of but those are the vast, vast minority. Overall, this is such an impressive project and publication. Poe and Crossway deserve major congratulations.

[Darya Silman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Completion of C.S. Lewis: From War to Joy (1945-1963) ends the biographical trilogy of C.S. Lewis by Harry Lee Poe. The evolution of Lewis's worldview is the main focus of the work, and the third volume shows how gradually Lewis changed his perspective on Christian literature, Americans (even marrying one), grief, prayers, etc. While most modern readers remember him as the author of the books on Narnia, in his time, he was known as a lay theologian who saw his mission in explaining the problematic Christian concepts in simple language for believers. He also wrote poems, participated in several literary circles, and taught at Cambridge and Oxford universities.

Harry Lee Poe presents C.S. Lewis as a breathing, complicated individual with constantly evolving ideas. While paying tribute to C.S. Lewis's talent, the author doesn't stoop to the meaningless adoration. There are pages in the book devoted to the ham shortages in the UK or the problem of treating an enlarged prostate. This forensic detail to attention brings to life not just Lewis but the whole first half of the 20th century, with its two world wars and rich literary traditions. The book can also guide further reading since it contains many names of other poets and writers connected with C.S. Lewis.

I received a free copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Abby Litrenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this three-volume biography reluctantly, but I’m so glad I did! My appreciation for Lewis has certainly been reawakened. Looking this closely at his life has also created a genuine sense of awe at the power of God to transform his people. The young Lewis was honestly very distasteful to read about, but I do think that Poe’s completely honest portrayal of young Jack Lewis allowed me to think about his conversion and life as a believer continually undergoing sanctification in a completely new way. Lewis worked tirelessly, patiently loved difficult people (for many, many, many years), remained humble despite his accomplishments, stayed cheerful despite a life sprinkled with his share of difficulties, and he seemed to just unabashedly enjoy the good things of life (long walks, nature, friendships, food and drinks—to name a few). What a life well-lived!

Though I didn’t at first like Poe’s writing style, I think it grew on me. He can be a bit repetitive, and it felt at times that his criticisms of other biographers of Lewis were harsh. His biography, however, was incredibly well-researched and well-organized, and it’s reignited my desire to read and study Lewis. I’ve decided to make this summer my Lewis deep-dive. So thank you, Mr. Harry Lee Poe (I think I can forgive your Sandra Bullock analogy and constant references to Harry Potter in the first book).

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Fantastic biography.

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in this biography is an outstanding telling of how Lewis finished the race set before him. The way Lewis submitted to God’s providence, primarily his weakening body is telling of how much God had done in him. The last two lines of the book tell it all:

“Some will say that it was a tragedy for Lewis to have died so young. I think it remarkable that he became complete so young.”

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Completion of C. S. Lewis, by Harry Lee Poe. from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed reading book by C. S. Lewis, his books are so deep and leave you thinking and wanting more. I enjoyed this book, I learned plenty of new things about C. S. Lewis.

[Zachary Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there is any other way to put it...this 3 volume biography is a monumental achievement in C.S. Lewis scholarship. It would be hard to overstate the challenge that Lewis presents to a biographer given the intimate and also incredibly enigmatic nature of so many of his formative relationships, breadth and volume of his publications, engrossing personal history, and the fame (and fable) that has grown up around him. Through all of this the question "who was the man?" can be incredibly difficult to answer in a responsible way. Added to this challenge are the numerous biographies of Lewis that have been written whose characterizations and conclusions have been hotly disputed by those who knew Lewis best.

I have long loved the works of C.S. Lewis, but after reading Harry Lee Poe's excellent and provoking biography, I've realized that Lewis the man was largely unknown to me. To borrow one of his own phrases, Jack was "no tame" figure in the sense that many of the various groups would like to claim him as their own. You have to wrestle with the man in his various complexities and at times perplexing relationships, and marvel at the gift of his prodigious intellect and facility with writing. I remain incredibly grateful for the work of Jack Lewis, and therefore, for this masterful biography.

[Caroline McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 3 of C.S. Lewis’s three part biography. I loved this whole series. I was shocked how enjoyable and well written a bio this lengthy could be. Mostly, it made me marvel at God’s kindness in the life of Lewis and made me more deeply appreciate Lewis’s genius, remarkable story, and many magnificent writings.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This three-part biography concludes with a look at the last two decades of C. S. Lewis' life. We get his marriage, her illness, and then his, not to mention his move to Cambridge and the publication of many of his most famous works (Narnia, The Four Loves, Mere Christianity, etc.). At times the narrative seemed very rushed, such as in the discussion of Lewis' finances or some of the differences between Lewis' time at Oxford and at Cambridge. But Poe's pursuit of the truth at the bottom of the "Joy question" (was she a gold digger or the genuine article?) was excellent. All in all a worthwhile read, and I'm glad I tackled all three volumes.

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the biographical trilogy. It covers the years 1945 to his death in 1963. The other two books cover 1898 to 1918 and 1919 to 1945. The author, Harry Lee Poe, is an authority on the life and times of C. S. Lewis. Poe has spent years researching, writing and teaching/lecturing about him. There are stories included in this series that have not been published anywhere else. It is conversational in some respects and felt at times like I was reading a personal diary. The books are very detailed. It is rare to find a biography this intriguing and engaging. I loved the flow of the stories moving from one right into the next. I did not find that it dragged at all. Lewis life is utterly fascinating and his conversion to Christianity inspires me deeply. Lewis met and knew the most intriguing people and spent time with other amazing writers throughout his life. I love the idea of a thinkerly group like the Inklings. I might have to find Poe’s book on this group, too. I loved my time with this third book and hope to read the other two soon.

[curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the most riveting of the three volumes comprising this biography, and that’s quite an accomplishment. This was a period of frequent, significant losses for Lewis, and I honestly felt like I was experiencing them firsthand right alongside him…and the really wonderful thing about that is that I felt myself encouraged and inspired by Lewis’s faith in ways I’ve never appreciated before. The seriousness of his faith and conviction is something I’ve never questioned, but the sheer depth and solidity of abiding joy and cheerful, patient hope that he faithfully exhibited through some pretty gut-wrenching experiences stirs my soul. I’m sorely tempted to begin re-reading the whole thing beginning anew with Volume 1. This biography has truly been a delight!

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Lee Poes trilogy is one of the best narrated biographies...
I've enjoyed it so much!!!

Great job done!!!
Even the speaker from the audio-book was a real pleasure to listen!!!

Well researched, and beautifully elaborated. Loved it!!!
If you are looking for an excellent biography from Lewis, then here we are!!!
You don't need to continue searching...

Dean;)

[Averi Llanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve loved a biography more. Each book was so so great.

[Jackson Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly detailed. Dr. Poe has written an excellent and extensive biography (3 volumes) over C.S. Lewis.

[Lukas Merrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some will say that it was a tragedy for Lewis to have died so young. I think it remarkable that he became complete so young.”

Poe’s third volume was an incredible read.

[JR Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great final volume to the trilogy by Poe. This one suffers from being a bit too convoluted for it's own good–there are times where Poe's attempt to mix up the narrative by taking a theme, exploring it chronologically, then going back and exploring another theme chronologically–is strained when it is so sudden that you lose all sense of time. For example, he mentions his vacation to Greece with Joy, then backs up several years to talk about a book being published, then several pages later returns to the vacation–I end up losing my sense of direction.

Poe handles the controversies in "lewis Biography" nerddom well by evaluating prior works and seeking to either correct them or offer his own interpretation–one learns some good historiographical skills in the process. His chief whipping boy is A.N. Wilson, and if Poe is to be believed (I haven't read that one) it's justified.

Poe focuses on aspects of Lewis biography that hasn't been explored as much in earlier biographies. One such aspect is how Lewis's day-to-day life was, which was very interesting. A second was to weigh-in a summarizes the issues with some controversial aspects of his life that have often been exacerbated by speculative biographical forerunners (such as the Elizabeth Anscombe "debate" [it wasn't], relationship with Joy, views on theology, views on women, etc.)

Overall, though less important or groundbreaking than the first volume (which filled a sorely missing gap of his early life) still a good update to the state of Lewis-biography.

[Brenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wish that Hal Poe's detailed biographical trilogy had more of the energy and creative storytelling the author exudes when speaking, and the books are disappointing in terms of engaging with the key proposals in research of the last decade or so, the three-pack of C.S. Lewis biographies are a useful resource in providing details of Lewis' daily life in conversation with major biographers.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This in-depth look into C.S. Lewis's later years is the final volume in a biographical trilogy, and it covers many of the themes and topics that Lewis fans find the most interesting, such as his experiences writing the Narnia books and his controversial marriage to Joy. Harry Lee Poe writes about multiple different threads and themes of Lewis's life, giving a thorough sense of his home life, friendships, work in academia, popular-level writings, and other topics. The book is somewhat dry in places because of the author's focus on minutiae, but the writing also sparkles with wry and amusing wit at times, and there are many amusing anecdotes about Lewis in addition to more typical biographical information.

I particularly enjoyed Poe's treatment of Lewis's frustrations with Britain's political situation after the war, and how he overcame his longtime prejudice against Americans as he saw how incredibly generous they were to provide care packages and food parcels when he and his countrymen were subject to extreme rationing and a government that didn't seem to care about people's suffering. I laughed out loud at the letter that Lewis sent to one American benefactor, saying that he and the undersigned had thoroughly enjoyed the ham that he had sent. There are a variety of signatures beneath, including Tolkien's, and I appreciated this biography's attention to daily life and domestic challenges, not just Lewis's public persona and work. Poe includes many lesser-known and details such as this, and they greatly enrich the book.

The Completion of C. S. Lewis will appeal to both popular-level fans and and academics. The book includes many little-known details from Lewis's correspondence, and the details recorded in letters to and from Lewis and his associates answer common questions and provide rich details. The book will be dry in parts for popular-level fans, and may not be as exceedingly rigorous as some academics would like, but it strikes a solid balance to appeal to both groups. Poe gives a very balanced view overall of various controversies, presenting documentary evidence in favor of his conclusions and explaining why some previous assumptions fall short.

His take on Lewis's relationship with Joy is very nuanced, clearing her of unjust accusations in some cases while also showing that she did behave in some opportunistic ways. He deals with this in a fair and balanced way, but I wish that he had included a direct mention of Lewis's and Joy's marital sexual intimacy. It doesn't need to be a major focus, but since Poe never specifically mentions this, he could leave a less-informed reader still believing Lewis's original assessment to Dorothy L. Sayers, in which he believed that "certain problems" would not be relevant for a man of his age and a woman dying of cancer. Lewis and Joy consummated their marriage and enjoyed that part of their relationship once her medical problems improved for a time, and Poe should have included biographically relevant information about this instead of glossing over it.

The Completion of C. S. Lewis is a great book for fans of Lewis who are interested in a well-researched, carefully argued biography about him that relies on primary sources and doesn't delve into the types of speculation that plague many biographies. The book isn't perfect, but it is very thorough, nuanced, and filled with interesting anecdotes and little-known details that even I, as someone who has read a great deal about Lewis, did not know at all. I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to other people who are interested in the details of C.S. Lewis's life, work, and relationships.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis was a complicated figure, and extremely difficult to understand in some ways. For example, his agreeing to look after his friend's mother, Mrs Moore, seems fairly masochistic. This book helped me understand the seemingly jolly, unhealthy and complex man much more, but it is extremely detailed. Poe discusses Lewis's personal and professional lives comprehensively, and includes brilliant analyses of his books. I am a big fan of C.S. Lewis, but I haven't read all of his books, and I thought that this biography would be especially interesting for those interested in researching Lewis thoroughly, although it is written in an engaging, friendly way, and not in an academic manner.

I especially enjoyed reading about the rivalry between C.S. Lewis and F.R. Leavis - F.R. Leavis was the 'in thing' in my day. Now he is practically forgotten, and C.S. Lewis, the Christian, is still studied! I was pleased to read this, although quite surprised. I haven't gone into it, but I wonder if Poe was exaggerating here.

Any fan of C.S. Lewis will enjoy this book, and I will be looking for the first two volumes.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Luke Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a thorough and well researched series of biographies. I really enjoyed getting to know Lewis and the many individuals that were influential in his life. Warnie, Arthur Greeves, J. R. R. Tolkien, Joy and so many other people really stand out in these books through the countless letters and meetings between them and Lewis. Reading about their interactions was my favorite part of the 3 volumes. Poe does spend a decent amount of time going into detail about each of Lewis’s writings and his various beliefs on different topics. Given Lewis’s intelligence and the complexity of his work, I frequently felt lost in these areas but I appreciate the depth that Poe went through to give such a comprehensive review of Lewis’s life and work. I think if he left out such detail in a 3 volume biography, it would end up missing the mark. Overall, these books were excellent and I recommend all 3 volumes to anyone who has been influenced in any way by C.S. Lewis.

[Gene Cornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read more biographies of C.S. Lewis than any other figure. That’s not saying much, I don’t think I’ve read more than one of any other figure. My favorite is the Narnian by Alan Jacobs. I have the audible version of that book and I enjoy listening to it repeatedly the way someone might stream a favorite TV show. But this trilogy by Harry Lee Poe has fascinated me. I have only read parts 2 and 3 and I read from physical copies. They contain much more detail than anything else that I have read about Lewis. I don’t know what my reaction would have been if this had been my first look at Lewis’s life. But now that I’m more familiar with his story, hearing these extra details was like hearing a good friend tell stories you’ve never heard them share before.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final volume of Poe’s biography of Lewis is the best written and most reflective of the trilogy. The title is profoundly accurate as Lewis ends his earthly sojourn completely ready for the next. The often poorly reported relationship with Joy is carefully and respectfully constructed with a generosity born out of a deep knowledge of Lewis. This book is a satisfying conclusion of the life of a most interesting man of God, who in so many ways was simply a professor who loved tea, tobacco, beer, long walks, cold swims and stimulating conversation with dear friends and yet was uniquely gifted with an extraordinary talent to think and write so clearly about the most important matters of life and death.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final volume in Harry Lee Poe’s monumental study of C S Lewis and his work. This volume covers the years from 1945 and the end of WWII to Lewis’s death in 1963. It’s not necessary, but undoubtedly helpful, to have some knowledge of Lewis’s earlier life, but in fact, thanks to the author’s expert narration, the book successfully stands alone and is both informative and consistently fascinating. I haven’t read the earlier volumes but this didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. Clearly and accessibly written, meticulously researched, insightful and non-judgmental, this book is all that a good biography should be and I very much enjoyed it.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book. It is the third in a series of biographies about c.s Lewis. I haven't read the other two, but this was the perfect book for me to read and was so close to getting 5 stars. It covered the narnia chronicles all the way up to his death and beyond. I actually read this book straight after reading all the narnia novels. It was the perfect complement as it really makes you appreciate his work even more. This book was very through and included his days working as a lecturer. Which was fascinating reading. You could tell that this book was very well researched and it flowed so well. There was never a dull moment. I loved reading about his friendship with Tolken as it was definitely a roller coaster ride. I really couldn't put this book down and finished it in one day, which definitely had me up very late trying to finish it. I definitely recommend reading it if you want to learn more about C.S. Lewis.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this very fascinating book. I just loved looking at the pictures included in this book. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this brilliant author.

[Brandon Sickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.S. Lewis has been my favorite author for years, since I first read Mere Christianity and the Chronicles of Narnia. I've heard snippets of his life story and read many summary biographies, but never one so comprehensive as this three-volume work. Poe confronts the good and bad of C.S. Lewis and provides insight to his works by showing his development from early boyhood to the time of his death. My only criticism of the three books is that it has endnotes rather than footnotes. Some of those endnotes are interesting, and for ease of access I would prefer them as footnotes!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

All 3 volumes of Poe's biography are excellent, well-documented and thorough. He intersperses commentary on Lewis' writings as they are written. These books were a fun ride for this Lewis fan. Poe challenges some conclusions from other Lewis biographers and demonstrates his broad knowledge of works about Lewis. I enjoyed all three volumes immensely. In the interest of full disclosure, Poe was a professor of mine at Southern Baptist Seminary.

[Brett Vanderzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole trilogy was a delight—a rich account of Lewis’s life, faith, character, and genius. Despite a couple spots where the organization felt slightly odd, Poe has constructed a very careful and moving account that attends well to detail and captures the larger scope of a great man’s life. An excellent companion to read alongside Lewis’s own works. This was a joyous reading experience, highly recommended.

[George C. Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! if you love Lewis you must read all 3 volumes

This last volume finishes the epic story of C.S. Lewis. All three volumes are must reads for Lewis fans. If you’re not a Lewis fan you should be. Read the three volumes, it will change your life and give you years of reading enjoyment as you go back and read everything Lewis wrote. Love this set.

[Brent Pinkall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last part to a fine biography of Lewis. Poe's prose is clear and engaging, and I learned much. For example, I didn't realize that Lewis married a Scientologist. Speaking of which, Lewis biographies commonly cast his wife Joy as a gold-digger, but Poe pushes against that narrative in persuasive ways. On the whole, I've come away admiring Lewis even more. What a man.

[Jennie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this quite interesting and informative! There was some repetition of facts. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone interested in the life of C. S. Lewis.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.