Product Description
A fascinating collection of essays in which C.S. Lewis reflects on the work of contemporary authors and gives his views on different aspects of the art of writing fiction.
Lewis, famous for his ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ and other fantasy writings, discusses the theme of ‘story’ – particularly in regard to fairy tales and science fiction. Essays include:
‘On Three Ways of Writing for Children’
‘On Science Fiction’
‘The Hobbit’
‘Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings’
‘George Orwell’
He also comments on the novels of Charles Williams, Ryder Haggard and Dorothy L Sayers.
Many of the literary critics of Lewis’s day encouraged readers to look for literature in drudgery, cynicism, distaste and social justice. Anything else was branded ‘escapist’. Here C.S. Lewis argues his corner as the champion of romance and fantasy.
From the Back Cover
'Everything began with images; a faun carrying an umbrella, a queen on a sledge, a magnificent lion. At first there wasn't even anything Christian about them; that element pushed itself in of its own accord. It was part of the bubbling.'
C. S. Lewis, famous for his 'Chronicles of Narnia', reflects on fictional writing of his day in this fascinating collection of essays. He discusses the theme of 'story' in regard to fairy tales and science fiction; he considers the task of writing for children, and shares his insights on writers such as J. R. R> Tolkien, George Orwell, Ryder Haggard and Dorothy L. Sayers.
While literary critics of his time elevated drudgery, cynicism and distaste, C. S. Lewis stepped out of line to champion the value of romance and fantasy.
About the Author
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) is one of the greatest British writers of the 20th century. His works of fiction and popular theology are still celebrated today. The biographical film ‘Shadowlands’ has introduced his writings to a wider readership.
