Lived 1898 - 1963
Clive Staples Lewis was a British academic, writer, theologian and friend of J. R. R. Tolkien. He converted from atheism and wrote influential Christian books, such as Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia. He married American writer Joy Davidman and died on the same day as John F. Kennedy. He is commemorated in Westminster Abbey.
Lewis studied classics, philosophy, and English literature at Oxford University, where he became friends with Tolkien and other members of the literary group known as the Inklings. He described his journey from atheism to theism to Christianity in his autobiographical book Surprised by Joy.
Lewis wrote various books that defended and explored the Christian faith, such as The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, and Till We Have Faces. His most famous works are the Chronicles of Narnia, a series of seven fantasy novels for children that feature the adventures of various human children who enter a magical world called Narnia.
Lewis married Joy Davidman in 1956, after a long correspondence and friendship. Their relationship was dramatized in the play and film Shadowlands. Davidman died of cancer in 1960, leaving Lewis heartbroken. He expressed his grief and struggle with faith in A Grief Observed.
Lewis died on November 22, 1963, the same day as the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Oxford. In 2013, he was commemorated with a memorial plaque in Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey.
Also see: C. S. Lewis's books on Goodreads.
The Great Divorce
(52 pages)A short novel by C.S. Lewis, based on a dream vision of his, in which he reflects on the Christian conceptions of hell, heaven and human self-deceit. The narrator joins a bus trip from a gloomy town to a glorious country, where he witnesses the choices and consequences of different souls. The Great Divorce is a vivid and thought-provoking allegory that challenges the reader to examine their own spiritual condition.
Mere Christianity
(251 pages)A classic work of Christian apologetics by C.S. Lewis, based on his radio talks during World War II. He explains and defends the core beliefs of Christianity to a general audience, using reason and imagination. He avoids sectarian disputes and focuses on the common ground of all Christians. Mere Christianity is a timeless and accessible introduction to the Christian faith.