Customer Reviews

Invitation to the Classics (Masterworks)

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This is a wonderful overview of classic Western literature from a Christian perspective. With a wide scope and a clarity of expression, there is likely something that any reader can enjoy and understand within these pages.

More significant than any of this, however, is that the book has something that far too many "contemporary Christian" books do not have: fundamental fairness. When dealing with unorthodox or non-religious opinions (take Nietzsche for example), the editors neither preach nor abdicate their religious duties. Instead, they urge the reader to consider the author's viewpoint, relate it to their beliefs and experiences, and take away from it what they may.

Any book which shares the good news of God's love and encourages critical thinking is a welcome addition to any bookshelf... whether a Bible shares the shelf is completely irrelevant.

I received this book after a long anticipation of its arrival from Amazon.com and the wait and cost were by far worth it. As a student at Bob Jones University who loves to study and read classic literature on my spare time, the book soon became indispensable(probably with in a few minutes of cracking the cover). This volume does more in a few strokes of the pen than some do in a whole set of books. I suggest it strongly, it affirms Os Guiness' prowess as an editor as well as writer, as well as providing a concise literary base for practically every famed author of our world's favorite classic. Ranging from the Greeks to the existentalists and beyond...it is wonderful. I end this review in saying that it would be wise for anyone interested in the classics, from novice to advanced, no matter what the desire--you won't be disappointed.

I buy copies of this for every college-bound teen at our church. It features articles by a very eclectic mix of Christian literary critics (though evangelical Reformed/Presbyterians and Roman Catholics predominate). It is fair and balanced in its treatment of works that are often very hostile to the faith. Beautifully illustrated.

After recently perusing "The New Lifetime Reading Plan", I dug this book back out to do a comparison. "Invitation to the Classics" has more of a particularly Christian approach, including works by Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Weil, and Lewis that other such surveys might omit. It also focuses on western literature, leaving out some of the great Japanese and Chinese classics that would give one more of a well-rounded education. Most authors included here are represented by only one work, and some choices are curious indeed (for Faulkner, "Go Down, Moses" was selected over "The Sound and the Fury", for Joyce, "Dubliners" got the nod over "Ulysses"). That does not diminish the value of this book, however. This is more than just a reading list. It is a beautiful book in its own right, with color photographs and illustrations to enhance the experience. All in all, I highly recommend this volume.

This is an outstanding series of essays for busy but serious secular leaders seeking to enrich and expand their perspective of life and our great heritage in Western civilization. Although not in any way a work of advocacy, this volume discusses briefly some 75 different profound works which have evolved over time as the Christian perspective. All those considering strengthening the spiritual dimension of their lives of heavy daily responsibility would do well to have this volume at bedside or on the coffee table for those few precious moments of reflection and meditation so essential to all thinking individuals.

I found this book to be a training manual for the renewal of Western Civilization. Our Culture, heritage, and way of life must not become extinct. Cowan and Guinness have done the church a remarkable service for the Church by compiling these essays.

Each essay is about 4 to 6 pages in length, supplemented by photos/pics, quotes, and questions for application at the end of the chapter. Like many works associated woth OS Guinness and the Trinity Forum, this book can challenge deeply held notions and force one to rethink them. The breadth of authors covered is immense: the Greeks to the Latins to the Reformers to Modern Day. Also interspersed are esssays about classics by non Christians.

The Book stresses that the classics are not canonicle but complementary. The need for reading--studying--old books can not be overstated. C S Lewis said that for every new book one reads, one should next read to books from another century for obvious reasons: those books have been tested over time.
Tolle Legge

I found this book at Seattle Public Library and decided I needed a copy to keep. It is a great resource for anyone interested in reading this kind of literature. From basic descriptions of the lives of the authors, to questions for further study as well as suggestions for more research, this book can be referred to again and again.

Wonderful resource! The analyses of the different classics are very insightful and thought provoking. A "must have" book for any literature major, or simply anyone who wants to read in more depth about the classics included in this book.

This is an excellent book. I am teaching history using real books and this particular book is a great reference tool. It is an excellent guide to reading the classics and their relationship to Christianity. After each summary the author offers thought provoking questions that lend themselves well for discussion before during and after you have read the classic in question. A great addition to any library