In his life, C.S. Lewis received thousands of letters from young fans who were eager for more knowledge of his bestselling Narnia books and their author. Here are collected many of his responses to those letters, in which he shares his feelings about writing, school, animals, and of course, Narnia. Lewis writes to the children - as he wrote for them - with understanding and respect, proving why he remains one of the best-loved children's authors of all time.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up A collection of letters to children from C. S. Lewis that will enthrall Narnia lovers. Most children will skip the foreword by Lewis' stepson and the brief sketch of Lewis' childhood (although both are accessible to young readers) and go straight to the letters themselvesa selection arranged chronologically, with some deletions to promote clarity and eliminate repetition. Most of the letters concern Narnia, but there are also touching letters to Lewis' godchild. Some letters offer encouragement and advice to young writers. Often correspondence was carried on with the same children over a number of years, and the letters answer questions that children might still have. Some letters are preceded by explanations in brackets, and there are plenty of explanatory footnotes. Lewis' few theological discussions are not overwhelming and, except for a few instances, are quite clear. The bibliography includes books and other media and is divided into two sections, one of interest to children, the other for advanced readers, parents and teachers. Annette Curtis Klause, Montgomery County Libraries, Md.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) 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, when 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.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By Cipriano
Format:Paperback
It is said that as regularly as the mail arrived, professor Lewis sat down at his desk and personally responded... even if the correspondents were little children who had come to know of him through his Narnia books. In fact, he felt it was his God-given duty to do so! "C.S. Lewis: Letters to Children" is a collection of these heartfelt responses, spanning nearly 20 years (1944-1963).
Lewis's own direct contact with children was limited. He once said, "I theoretically hold that one ought to like children, but am shy with them in practice." (Letter to Arthur Greeves, Dec.'35). And in his "The Abolition of Man" he says (chap.1, para.11) "I myself do not enjoy the society of small children... I recognize this as a defect in myself." What he may have lacked in direct contact with children he certainly seems to have displaced with these personal letters, in which we see a lofty Oxford academic who is able to freely converse with children about such diverse topics as (of all things) Zoroastrianism, cats, the Gauls, Virgilian hexameter, the Renaissance, and his opinion that human faces are much easier to draw than animal faces. Never does he talk DOWN to his younger "friends". He usually signs off with an affectionate "yours ever"! And often he sprinkles a question or two of his own in a letter, which, rather than dismissing the sender, invites a response, showing he values these children. For example, an American girl (Joan) received 28 letters from Lewis over a 20 year period!
Why do I give this book a rating of 5 stars? Is the writing as deep, weighty, and significant as War & Peace? Not even remotely. But, to me, it is remarkable that an academician/author of the caliber of C.S. Lewis found the time to write such beautiful simple letters to inquiring kids all over the world. There's something very refreshing (for Lewis fans like me at least) about picking this book up and just turning at random to any letter. One ends with "It is still cold here but the snowdrops, crocuses, primroses and daffodils are up and the thrushes are building nests." Or another "Well, I can't say I have had a happy Easter, for I have lately got married and my wife is very, very ill." Such disclosure is an example of the respect Lewis felt children worthy of. One word of caution though: Does a proper appreciation of this book require a familiarity with Lewis's works? Quite frankly: Yes! The Narnia books! Because so many of the letters are alluding to Narnia, readers unfamiliar with that cycle of books may find most of this book quite boring.
Lewis never tired of corresponding with his child fans. His final letter, to a boy named Philip was written on November 21, 1963. The following day Lewis passed away peacefully at his Oxford home. Earlier, he had written the following to a group of fifth graders:
"I'm tall, fat, rather bald, red-faced, double-chinned, black-haired, have a deep voice, and wear glasses for reading.
The only way for us to get to Aslan's country is through death, as far as I know: perhaps some very good people get just a tiny glimpse before then.
Best love to you all. When you say your prayers sometimes ask God to bless me,
Yours ever, C.S. Lewis"
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By D. Collier
Format:Paperback
This little book is short and very, very sweet. It reads almost like a literary fountain of youth. Each letter to each child is personal, enthusiastic, and never ever dull. Often, I'd read these letters, feeling sometimes that they were written just for me; not me, personally, but for all Lewis enthusiasts, especially the young and young at heart. The letters are full of useful, interesting information and express Lewis's greatest joys and deepest sorrows (i.e. the passing of his beloved wife, Joy).
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By David Graham
Format:Paperback
These eminently readable letters to children over the last 19 years of Lewis's life cover a surprisingly wide variety of topics (many being responses to thoughtful questions from the children who wrote to him). Most of the children began corresponding with Lewis after reading books from his CHRONICLES OF NARNIA series, and Lewis's responses are neither patronizing nor somber, but rather sincere and often humorous. Readers from gradeschool to adulthood levels will enjoy wandering through this lively correspondence.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Magnificent Collection
I felt as though I was inside Lewis' study, reading over his shoulder. This man has such a way about him and I love that he took the time to write back to even his youngest fans. Read more
Published 1 month ago by A. E. Parker
4.0 out of 5 stars
C.S. Lewis usually delivers...this book is no exception!
This book is an enjoyable read. Light, easy and is a good accompaniment to a cup of hot tea. Classic Lewis.
Published 1 month ago by elaine magliocca
5.0 out of 5 stars
Authentic Lewis
This is a delightful title. Lewis at his most authentic and unassuming as he addresses some of the vast mail he received from children around the globe. I could not put it down. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Theodore Zachariades
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lewis reveals his heart for children
I am trying to read through nearly everything C. S. Lewis wrote. I love the way he thinks, and the way he writes. Plus, I'm searching for something in his writings... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Jeremy Myers
4.0 out of 5 stars
taking time for his fans
In "The Kilns" where C.S. Lewis lived with his brother Warren, the postman would deliver stacks of cards and letters daily. Read more
Published on January 14, 2010 by an apt word
4.0 out of 5 stars
Exquisite, But You Can Get More for Your Money
This is an exquisite little collection of C. S. Lewis' letters to children. The emphasis lies on "little," though. Read more
Published on October 13, 2008 by Jacob Schriftman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Charming insights on the man
Lewis is largely known for his "Screwtape Letters," "Chronicles of Narnia," and "Mere Christianity." He ranges from the steeply theological to captivating children's fiction. Read more
Published on January 7, 2006 by J. Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Letters from a Gracious Man
Every time I read another book by C.S. Lewis I become more grateful for his life and his writings. This book is a gem, and a wonderful window into Lewis' soul. Read more
Published on May 15, 2002 by "snarflemike"
3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit lacking
This is one book I had wanted to read for along time. It just seemed like an excellent idea to be able to experience an author in this extraordinary way, communicating with his... Read more
Published on May 2, 2002 by E. Villarreal
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Lovely Collection from a Gentle Scholar
This is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in C.S. Lewis. The letters are only a representative selection, but if you have read collections of epistles by... Read more
Published on December 25, 2000 by J. P. Johnson
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
|
|
So You'd Like to...
|
|
