The Narnian - by Alan Jacobs (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A journey into the imagination of C.S. Lewis explores the themes and life events that contributed to The Chronicles of Narnia, the most enduring classics of children's literature

C.S. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. Yet among his poetry, literary history and criticism, novels and Christian apologetics stands a unique, delightfully imaginative children's series called The Chronicles of Narnia, which have become enduring classics. Alan Jacobs takes this imaginary world of Narnia and uses the themes and stories found within to explore the imaginative life of C.S. Lewis. Not just a conventional, straightforward biography of Lewis, Jacobs instead seeks a more elusive quarry: an understanding of the way Lewis's experiences, both direct and literary, formed themselves into patterns--themes that then shaped his thought and writings, especially the stories of Narnia.

From the Back Cover

The White Witch, Aslan, fauns and talking beasts, centaurs and epic battles between good and evil -- all these have become a part of our collective imagination through the classic volumes of The Chronicles of Narnia. Over the past half century, children everywhere have escaped into this world and delighted in its wonders and enchantments. Yet what we do know of the man who created Narnia? This biography sheds new light on the making of the original Narnian, C. S. Lewis himself.

Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably the most influential religious writer of his day. An Oxford don and scholar of medieval literature, he loved to debate philosophy at his local pub, and his wartime broadcasts on the basics of Christian belief made him a celebrity in his native Britain. Yet one of the most intriguing aspects of Clive Staples Lewis remains a mystery. How did this middle-aged Irish bachelor turn to the writing of stories for children -- stories that would become among the most popular and beloved ever written?

Alan Jacobs masterfully tells the story of the original Narnian. From Lewis's childhood days in Ireland playing with his brother, Warnie, to his horrific experiences in the trenches during World War I, to his friendship with J. R. R. Tolkien (and other members of the "Inklings"), and his remarkable late-life marriage to Joy Davidman, Jacobs traces the events and people that shaped Lewis's philosophy, theology, and fiction. The result is much more than a conventional biography of Lewis: Jacobs tells the story of a profound and extraordinary imagination. For those who grew up with Narnia, or for those just discovering it, The Narnian tells a remarkable tale of a man who knew great loss and great delight, but who knew above all that the world holds far more richness and meaning than the average eye can see.

Review Quotes

"It is hard to imagine a more insightful and even-handed treatment of the life and work of Lewis." -- Frederick Buechner, author of Beyond Words

"A book about Lewis that will fascinate even those readers who think they aren't interested in reading about him." -- Edward Mendelson, author of Early Auden and Later Auden

"An erudite and welcome addition to the C. S. Lewis canon." -- Mary S. Lovell, acclaimed biographer and national bestselling author of The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family

"The most influential Christian apologist of the last hundred years has found a worthy biographer." -- Richard John Neuhaus, editor in chief of First Things

"This is the book on Lewis we've all been waiting for: probing, generous, lyrical and entertaining." -- Charles Marsh, author of The Beloved Community: How Faith Shapes Social Justice, from the Civil Rights Movement to Today

"An amiable, uncluttered biography..." -- Kirkus Reviews

"...[B]est appreciated by the Narnia enthusiasts seeking to learn more about the man behind the stories." -- Presbyterians Today

"[Jacobs] provides excellent context by explaining authors and literature that influenced Lewis...his matter-of-fact approach is welcome." -- The Christian Science Monitor

"The Narnian is thoughtful, intriguing and inspiring--a treasure for Narnia fans, as well as aficionados of fine biography." -- Booklist

"Jacobs has written[...]not only a portrait of a dazzling writer but also a defense of Lewis as a seeker and thinker..." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Jacobs provides a fluent and sensible re-telling of the main outlines of Lewis's life..." -- Richard Jenkyns, The New Republic

"Combines fine scholarship with winsome writing . . . it is an important contribution." -- Books & Culture

"A deeply insightful yet broadly accessible intellectual biography, written in an engaging voice." -- Christianity Today, (a CT Book Award winner)