Letters to an American Lady (Paperback)

by C. S. Lewis (Author) "Thank you for your most kind and encouraging letter..." (more)
Key Phrases: Headington Quarry, Yours Jack Magdalene College, Lewis Magdalen College (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A collection of over 100 letters that Lewis wrote to an American woman henever met. Ranging broadly in subject matter, the letters discuss topics as profound as the love of God and as frivolous as preferences in cats, offering a rare and private view of Lewis.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (May 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080281428X
• ISBN-13: 978-0802814289
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #883,104 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Unique Personal Glimpse at C. S. Lewis, April 16, 2003

By	Paul M. Dubuc (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a collection of letters written by C. S. Lewis to an American woman during the last 13 years of his life. I found it pretty dull reading at first. The book only contains Lewis' half of the conversation and most of the letters are pretty short or deal with trivial matters. But, for those who are interested in a more of a personal glimpse of Lewis there are some interesting insights offered: Like what he thought about what journalists have written about him in papers and magazines, his correspondence during the years of his marriage to Joy Davidman (and after her death), the heaviness of the load of correspondence he carried on with many people. Lewis appears to have seen letter writing as more of a duty than a pleasure. He often complained that the load of personal mail made his life miserable, especially at Christmastime. Yet he seems to have faithfully read and answered all those letters.

Toward the end of the book the letters get more lengthy and and interesting. I was particularly struck by Lewis' attitude toward dying. He was able to look forward to his eventual death with a genuine hope and longing for the better world beyond these "shadowlands" and he was able to encourage this lady along those lines through the problems they both had with aging and poor health. I hope such a mature attitude of faith will be mine also when my time comes. It is the hallmark of a life lived for the glory and love of God.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting look at the real Lewis, October 18, 2000

By	E. Johnson (El Cajon, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Of course CS Lewis has proven to be the most popular Christian author of the 20th century. And for good reason. He's articulate, well-reasoned, and he certainly has a way with words. This book gives an inside look at Lewis as he corresponds with an American woman whom he apparently never met. The letters were written between 1950 until he died in 1963. If you like reading other peoples' mail (what is it, esp. we Americans have, with such things?), then this can make for interesting reading. Much of what he says here, though, is pretty trivial and doesn't get very deep. But if you want a personal glimpse of Lewis, its probably worth the read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet And Encouraging, December 19, 2005

By	R. E. Whitlock - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a lovely short book. Lewis' correspondent has her share of health problems, money worries, and family and work troubles. He shows himself a kind and generous man, spiritually encouraging this woman whom he was never to meet, as well as helping her financially. He has a kind and tactful way of expressing himself when they disagree. This book shows a very human side of Lewis. I found his advice very pertinent.