Kindle
$11.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Paperback
$20.82
Buy new:
$20.82
List Price: $24.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $4.13 (17%)
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, April 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, April 25. Order within 23 hrs 38 mins
In Stock
$$20.82 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.82
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Diana Glyer
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings Paperback – December 8, 2015

by Diana Pavlac Glyer (Author), James A. Owen (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 283 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$20.82","priceAmount":20.82,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"20","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"82","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SXqnDj3sCCdd02y9EpRGyP%2FYOdhu3ap8r2%2BCkNCBwcrjxDSymLyPvwB20JYcQB8MaQQlxmOWI%2FarQgbBxoOG%2F5HdSzU9b0h6fToDrQAOT7Ihax6CTeX6AtYR%2BHVtoAAKOsQAak4P73oQRwubonSmgg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

An inspiring look at the creative process
C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings met each week to read and discuss each other's work-in-progress, offering both encouragement and blistering critique. How did these conversations shape the books they were writing? How does creative collaboration enhance individual talent? And what can we learn from their example?
Featuring full-page illustrations by James A. Owen, Bandersnatch offers an inside look at the Inklings of Oxford, and a seat at their table at the Eagle and Child pub. It shows how encouragement and criticism made all the difference in The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and dozens of other books written by the members of their circle. You'll learn what made these writers tick, and more: inspired by their example, you'll discover how collaboration can help your own creative process and lead to genius breakthroughs in whatever work you do.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    The Kent State University Press / Black Squirrel Books
  4. Publication date
    December 8, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.65 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1606352768
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1606352762
  8. See all details
Next page
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings
$20.82
Get it as soon as Saturday, Apr 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Convivial Homeschool: Gospel Encouragement for Keeping Your Sanity While Living and Learning Alongside Your Kids
$13.99
Get it as soon as Saturday, Apr 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Tales From The Perilous Realm
$12.69
Get it as soon as Saturday, Apr 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

No one knows more than Diana Pavlac Glyer about the internal workings of the Inklings. In Bandersnatch, she shows us how they inspired, encouraged, refined and opposed one another in the course of producing some of the greatest literature of the last one hundred years. A brilliant and beautifully clear case study of iron sharpening iron. --Michael Ward, coeditor of C.S. Lewis at Poets Corner

The Inklings are about as important a group as ever existed in the literary world. This tremendous new book about them is much anticipated and hugely welcome! --Eric Metaxas, New York Times Bestselling author of Bonhoeffer and Miracles

What a gift! Bandersnatch is a joy to read and helps dispel that dangerous myth that our greatest writers created in solitude. We all need community in order to do our best work, and this book will show you how some of the greatest minds of the twentieth century did just that. You won't be able to read this book just once. --Jeff Goins, founder of Tribe Writers and author of The Art of Work

About the Author

Diana Pavlac Glyer is an award-winning writer who has spent more than 40 years combing through archives and studying old manuscripts. She is a leading expert on C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien; her book The Company They Keep (The Kent State University Press, 2007) changed the way we talk about these writers. Her scholarship, teaching, and work as an artist all circle back to one common theme: creativity thrives in community.
 James A. Owen has written and illustrated the Starchild graphic novel, the Mythworld series of novels, the bestselling The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, and the forthcoming series Fool's Hollow. He is also the author of the inspirational nonfiction trilogy The Meditations and the illustrator/designer of The Hundred Books Project, a series that showcases some of the greatest books ever published. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages, and more than a million copies are in print. He works in the Coppervale Studio, a century-old restored church in Northeastern Arizona.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Kent State University Press / Black Squirrel Books (December 8, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1606352768
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1606352762
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.65 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 283 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Diana Glyer

Diana Glyer

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Diana Pavlac Glyer is an award-winning writer who has spent more than 40 years combing through archives and studying old manuscripts. She is a leading expert on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings. Her book "The Company They Keep" changed the way we talk about these writers. "BANDERSNATCH" offers insights about the Inklings and their creative process, telling their story in a way that is accessible and very practical. Her scholarship, her teaching, and her work as an artist all circle back to one common theme: creativity thrives in community.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
283 global ratings
"Creativity thrives in community."
5 Stars
"Creativity thrives in community."
I have had this book on my list for years after virtually touring the Kilns with Glyer and hearing of her focus on collaboration and the Inklings. I take an interest in Lewis and his life through letters and relationships and have not laughed out loud from sentences within a book in so long. It was so good for my soul! I am a young mother of 3, aunt to many, a substitute public school teacher, a homeschool enrichment teacher, and a porch mama to the rest, and I am eager to help raise a generation cultivated by healthy anticipation, not anxiety. Glyer's narrative is so well-rounded and cuts no corners. I can hear the time she spent pouring over the actions and reactions of these fellows. I loved the notice she took on Charles Williams, her nod to Christopher Tolkien, and her walk through what occurred after Lewis told Tolkien that hobbits were only amusing when in unhobbitlike situations.How different would life be if we were to be, ourselves, 'amusing' instead of 'interrupted' or 'unhappy' when we, too, are found in unfavorable situations?
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Anthony Smitha
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
If you are a creative type, this book is for you. If you love the writings of the Inklings, then even more so. This book talks about the creative process that went into writing some of the best loved books that we know (Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Silmarillion, The Problem of Pain, etc.) and talks about the group of writers that was behind the authors, encouraging them, critiquing them, and assisting them in ways beyond just the editorial process.

It’s a very useful book even in simply gaining inspiration on how to form and run a small group dedicated to a purpose.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Nichols
5.0 out of 5 stars Like reading a biography from a super fan
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
It reads like a fan taking you on a tour of his collectable museum in his basement. His love for the authors and the inklings spills out all over the pages. This is much more a passion project that an academic exercise. The takeaways are simple and could be applied broadly.
I’m sure more helpful books on creative collaborations exist. But that is not why this was written or why you read it. You read it for the same reason it was written. You want a glimpse into the behind the seems and closed doors of the inklings. How did these men get along? What was it like as they created their masterpieces? What were their friendship like? What did they really think of each others writing? And for that the book does not disappoint.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mark A. Sommer
5.0 out of 5 stars Creative collaboration demonstrated in the Oxford writers group the Inklings
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2016
Verified Purchase
The Inklings was an Oxford writers group which met during the 1930s and 40s, and included JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. It is unusual for a writers group to garner the attention the Inklings have over the years. A few select scholars have devoted much of their lives to not only studying the lives of the men who were part of this group, but the group as a whole. As early as 1979, scholars such as Humphrey Carpenter realized the importance of the interaction of the Inklings to their lives and writings. Colin Duriez' recent book has helped amend and clarify much of what we thought we knew. In 2007, Diana Pavlac Glyer went a step further in her book, The Company They Keep: C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien as Writers in Community, examining the extent of influence the Inklings had on each other's writings. Glyer may not be as well known to Inklings fans as Carpenter and Duriez, but she is considered one the foremost Inklings scholars in the academic world.

Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings is the newly published adaptation of her 2007 book, re-written for a wider audience. The Company they Keep was meant for academic use. However, although the earlier book has been described as "easy and enjoyable to read" with "plenty to enjoy" for new fans and scholars alike, Glyer realized the "fundamentally academic" work should be updated. Besides being of interest to fans of Tolkien, Lewis, and the other Inklings, Bandersnatch also is also helpful to aspiring writers, artists, and inventors, providing suggestions on how to interact with others in the same kind of creative collaboration the Inklings did.

The title of the book comes from an often quoted line from a letter Lewis wrote to Charles Mooreman in 1959. Mooreman was researching a book about "the Oxford Christians," which came out in 1966. After admitting the influence Charles Williams and he had over each other, Lewis writes, "No one ever influenced Tolkien—you might as well try to influence a bandersnatch." (A "bandersnatch" is a creature created by Lewis Carol. Lewis was undoubtedly borrowing from a quote from "Through the Looking-Glass" where the White King describes his Queen: "She runs so fearfully quick. You might as well try to catch a Bandersnatch!")

Lewis' "bandersnatch" quote has been often used to affirm the idea the Inklings really did not have much influence on each other's writings. However, the context of the quote demonstrates the group did have a significant influence over Tolkien. The next two sentences read: "We listened to his work, but could affect it only by encouragement. He has only two reactions to criticism; either he begins the whole work over again from the beginning or else takes no notice at all."

As Glyer points out, "listening and encouraging are neither passive activities nor insignificant ones." And "starting over" when criticized "represents major influence, indeed." [p. 152] And there is evidence that Tolkien rarely took "no notice at all." Tolkien's papers indicate he often jotted down notes to himself based on suggestions he was given by others.

Dr. Glyer presents this and other evidence to show quite convincingly how the Inklings not only influenced each other's work, but often quite literally helped edit one another, "officially" collaborated on projects, and wrote each other into their works. She gives some help along the way for writers and others to work "in community" with others, doing what the Inklings did. Well worth the time for any Inklings fan, or those who just want some ideas on how to collaboratively work with other in the creative community.
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Rachael Corrales
4.0 out of 5 stars I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
Prior to reading this book, I was one of the many who admired authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. In particular, the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and the Lord of the RIngs series. I sincerely admired both literary works and was even more thrilled by their captivating plots when they were made into movies. Author Diana Glyer does an exceptional job at highlighting the various processes which Lewis and Tolkien partake in the making of their multiple renowned novels.

The majority of Glyer's, Bandersnatch, she describes Lewis and Tolkien's work with an academic writing group, the Inklings. This literary group was comprised of their scholarly and college friends. The Inklings are described as being a highly selective troop, and it amazes me how well the members work together. They efficiently work together to further develop and revise their currently published works. Their mission, to cultivate a space of collective opinions, is one that has inspired my work habits as well as that which I share with my own friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I would attribute my praise to the fact that I am familiar with Lewis and Tolkien’s work. There were even some literary works which I had not been introduced to prior to reading Bandersnatch, however I am glad to acknowledge their existence. At times, Glyer seemed redundant when she frequently commented upon the Inklings collective engagement from chapter to chapter. However, apart from her multiple comments about the importance of collective engagement, I believe she effectively conveyed her admiration for Lewis, Tolkien and the Inklings’ work. The highlighted aspects of their work ethic is certainly applicable to my own work and I am glad to have been enlightened.
Helpful
 Report
Libbytw
5.0 out of 5 stars Reads like a novel
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is so well written, with the great 'character descriptions' of the real people, it reads like a novel. I'm in a critique group myself, which is why I wanted to read it. I thought I'd get some ideas on ways to get more out of my group. But instead I'm getting so much more. Bandersnatch has taken me back to the time The Inklings met and their impressive impacts were left on their readers. Like a novel, I wanted a sequel. But like real life, I sense the responsibility to encourage the others in my group as well as give them the valuable feedback to help them realize their best work.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Stanley James Hanna
5.0 out of 5 stars Important and Relevant
Reviewed in Canada on February 2, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a must read for anyyone in the arts and literature world. It explores and emphasizes the absolute necessity of collaboration. We all like to think we can go it alone. Glyer points out the folly and detriment of that notion. If some of the greatest authors of all time needed the benefit of working together what makes any of us as writers and poets think we do not? I am grateful for Ms. Glyer's research and dogged efforts to bring this to our attention. It is a labour of love and much needed.
Report
Colin Duriez
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for anyone serious about writing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
Any writer, no matter how talented, can benefit from the creative collaboration of a writing group, in giving honest advice and encouragement. Demonstrating this, Diana Glyer provides a unique, inspiring and captivating resource for the writer-in-group (even a small group). She draws richly upon the experience of the Inklings, one of literature's most well-known groups: their art of collaboration that can still mentor and sustain writers today.
Colin Duriez, author of THE OXFORD INKLINGS, LEWIS, TOLKIEN AND THEIR CIRCLE; J.R.R. TOLKIEN: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND; C.S. LEWIS: A BIOGRAPHY OF FRIENDSHIP; etc.
3 people found this helpful
 Report