Customer Reviews

Inklings of Reality

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Wiiliams' book is an exercise in sanity, clarity, insight and wisdom. Written by a theologian/poet/professor/pastor/literary critic, Inklings of Reality escorts the reader knowingly and affectionately through the history of Christian literature and criticism, better enabling us to understand (and therefore to enjoy) Augustine, Dante, Herbert, Sidney, Spenser, Lewis and others with the same passion and appreciation with which Williams himself understands and enjoys them.

I have assigned this volume multiple times as a textbook in my college literature courses, and students are unfailingly impressed with its humanity. They especially value not only its readable and accessible scholarship, but also its autobiographical flavor and the generous portion of Williams' own excellent poetry interspersed throughout the volume.

Though the chapters are arranged chronologically, they are complete in themselves and can stand alone. Because Williams is himself a Spenserian scholar, his chapters on English Renaissance literature and thought are excellent. As well, his work on Tolkien and Lewis is both readable and reliable.

Unlike too many modern literary critics, Williams concerns himself with the texts and writers at hand, not with the passing fads that too often mar and misdirect contemporary theory. He knows that the great books, and the great ideas that make them great, are the real stuff of literature, and not every idiosyncratic theory that comes down the pike. Turn here for a widely-informed interdisciplinary introduction to the great Christian books and the great Christian authors, not for a survey of quirky interpreters or interpretations.

As an introduction to Christian literature, its meaning, its presuppostions and its content, this modest and self-effacing volume is by far the best thing of its sort, bar none.

To ask a question, Kuhn and others have told us, requires a paradigm or mental model from which to ask it. Without the model, the honest question will not be generated. Without the question, the answers will seem trite or irrelevant. Inklings of Reality is an apology and plea for reading of a certain type, a purposeful availing oneself of great works of literature. Such reading can build the imaginative framework within which questions and answers of what it means to be fully human are generated and hold fruitful conversation. Implicit (and sometimes explicit) throughout this book is the argument that the authors of literature and poetry intended specific meanings when they wrote through the specific words they chose and that these meanings are reliably accessible to readers today through those same words. We are asked to go beyond the cynical dismissing of the author from his or her writing and to listen with care and respect to what is being said by words which can be trusted.

Christians and Culture, Jerusalem and Anthens, the pursuit of God and the life of this world; do they relate? And how? These questions are answered in a profound view of Christian discipleship in the world of literate creativity. The writer feels inklings of a greater reality can be glimpsed then enjoyed by those who possess a wholeness of vision. Donald Williams points the serious minded Christian reader towards such an encompasing vision. By reviewing the accomplishments of the greatest creators of Christian edification and cultural excellence Williams shows us a "wholeness of vision".

I was required to read this book in Dr. Williams Class, yes the Dr. Williams. He is a very intelligent and creative man, and his writtings reflect that. If you are unable to take a class with him, his books reveal his character.

He has a passion for books, especially classics and that is revealed in this book. The long lost conversation of reading. How older books, more learned authors of yester-year has to say to us today. In a society of seven steps to this and ten steps to that, Dr. Williams stops and smells the roses, if you will. If you are willing to read this books to, he may instil that same love of reading the classics.

Take the time to read something different. Partake in the conversation of reading.

Dr Williams provided me an opportunity to understand what reading literature should mean to me. He helps the reader to understand that our past in writing truly relates to our future of Christian philsophy and teaching. He points out many poetic readings that literally reach out to the reader and causes one to reflect on our Chrisitian past and the Christian philosophy of reading. It is wonderfully written and an exceptionally philsophical book that guides the reader to a better understanding of literature. Definitely a Five Star book!

Dr Williams provided me an opportunity to understand what reading literature should mean to me. He helps the reader to understand that our past in writing truly relates to our future of Christian philsophy and teaching. He points out many poetic readings that literally reach out to the reader and causes one to reflect on our Chrisitian past and the Christian philosophy of reading. It is wonderfully written and an exceptionally philsophical book that guides the reader to a better understanding of literature. Definitely a Five Star book!