Customer Reviews

They Stand Together: The Letters of C.S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves (1914-1963)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I looked for this book for quite a while before I finally got a library copy. I read it all, but was glad I hadn't actually bought it. (Note that I own more than 20 books by Lewis, including Letters and Letters to Children, and have read about 30 of his books; so one could safely say I am a fan.)

The book's idea is very interesting--letters from a man who wrote good letters, written to his lifelong best friend. Since Lewis greatly valued friendship (as I do), I wanted to see what he said. But the introduction was disappointing: Hooper spends pages telling Lewis's brother's faults in detail to the world, and only God knows whether he has done so honestly. It was also disappointing that Hooper chose to "scientifically restore" passages in the letters that talk about the correspondents' youthful indiscretions, passages that Greeves had carefully crossed out. In other words, the book fails to appropriately respect either Lewis's friendship or his loyalty to his brother--tabloid editing even if the restorations are accurate.

But the letters themselves are interesting and tell Lewis's story from a different angle than his other books. I'd say it's worth 3 1/2 stars.

This book is a finely edited collection of letters from C.S. Lewis to one of his closest friends, Arthur Greeves. Besides the usual day to day chat, Lewis lets Arthur in on the three things he thinks should go into a letter: a person's readings, thinkings, and doings. Not only was this correspondence fun to read, but several specimens are as good as anything I've read in the way of sage advice to aspiring writers. Lewis's letters are candid, often whimsical and full of good humor, and entertaining in giving insightful commentary on the books he read. Walter Hooper has done a fine job of editing the correspondence and I strongly recommend obtaining a copy of the book if you can get hold of one.

Why this collection of letters is not in print is a mystery. The writer whose letters this contains (C.S. Lewis)has sold books by now in excess of (estimated) two hundred million copies. And this is a collection of his writings,in this case to a boyhood friend, Arthur Greeves, from the time he was 17 until a couple of months before his death. Like reading C.S. Lewis? Like to know more about his life? This is the ultimate first hand account. Granted, most of the letters are before 1945 and most recount his own own academic and literary interests, and so will be of special interest to those of similar mind; still it is his letters to his lifelong friend that contain autobiographical details one can find in print nowhere else. Read lots of Lewis and want to read more? His letters -- the total number exceeding by one estimate "War and Peace" -- are the place to turn. If you love reading the man, this volume is indispensible. He never shared so much with anyone else in print.

I received a copy of the 1976 edition in the mail a few weeks ago, and have spent most of my free time reading this book. For those unfamiliar with what this is, "They Stand Together" is a compilation of letters written by C.S. Lewis to his greatest lifelong friend, Arthur Greeves. (Albeit, however, there are five letters of Arthur's strewn in as well.)

I'll have to admit that I have a certain bias, as I'm very much a fan of C.S. Lewis and his writings. His philosophical and theological views have always kept me intrigued and pushed me into continuous vigil on anything that may give insight to the man behind the works. So, after finding this, I thought it would provide a wonderful revelation. For the most part, I wasn't let down. I will warn you, though, that if you're not one devoted to C.S. Lewis the man, you may not find this book very interesting.

Concerning the content, this is, to date, the most extensive compilation between Lewis and his friend, ranging from 1914, the year that they met, to 1963, the year Lewis died. As you read, you can see the development of Lewis as both a friend and as a man progressing through his own beliefs. From atheism to spiritualism, deism and finally Christianity, these letters cover the transition through them all. There are also other things to be found, such as rough drafts of writings Lewis wanted Arthur to read, including much poetry. Plenty of book criticisms can be found as well.

(I thought it interesting to note that there are even letters written from the battlefront when Lewis became part of the British infantry in World War One. Even in the midst of war, he remained devoted to his friend!)

It must be noted that there is some controversy concerning the editing of this compilation. Certain things that Arthur Greeves crossed out in some letters, which some have argued to be too personal to be put in print, has been restored by editor Walter Hooper. Arthur's confusion regarding his own sexuality, instances concerning Lewis and his questioned relation with his caretaker and self-adopted mother, Mrs. Moore, and conversations concerning Warnie, Lewis's brother, and his drinking binges; all of these are found restored here and, while certainly insightful to the life of Lewis, may be questioned by some as indecent of Mr. Hooper.

All in all, this five-hundred page volume is certainly a read, and I found it to be a very interesting insight into the maturing of C.S. Lewis. I personally have no qualms concerning the editing, which may have marked down the rating for some reviewers, so I will give my honest opinion and rate it a five out of five.

Overall: A hearty and good-proportioned volume for those interested in the life and history behind C.S. Lewis, but those who aren't entirely devoted or find exposing into personal matters 'iffy', you might want to refrain from purchasing this.