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C. S. Lewis - A Life

Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet

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C. S. Lewis - A Life

By: Alister E. McGrath
Narrated by: Robin Sachs
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About this listen

In honor of the 50th anniversary of C. S. Lewis' death, celebrated Oxford don Dr. Alister McGrath presents us with a compelling and definitive portrait of the life of C. S. Lewis, the author of the well-known Narnia series. For more than half a century, C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series has captured the imaginations of millions. In C. S. Lewis - A Life, Dr. Alister McGrath recounts the unlikely path of this Oxford don, who spent his days teaching English literature to the brightest students in the world and his spare time writing a best-selling fantasy series for children.

Dr. McGrath uses his extensive research and thorough examination in chronological order of Lewis’ correspondence and archival materials to present a new picture of Lewis’s life. This definitive biography paints a portrait of an eccentric thinker who became a compelling, though reluctant, prophet for our times. You won’t want to miss this fascinating portrayal of a creative genius who inspired generations.

©2013 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (P)2013 Oasis Audio Art & Literature Authors Christian Living Christianity Middle ages

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All stars
Most relevant  

If you could sum up C. S. Lewis - A Life in three words, what would they be?

Unexpected, thorough and insightful

What other book might you compare C. S. Lewis - A Life to, and why?

I recently listened to a biography of Stalin and both the CS Lewis book and the Stalin book are good at weaving the story of these men into what was going on in the world at the time.

What does Robin Sachs bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He brings a calm, quiet but steady voice which adds to the character of Lewis.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

More to him than you thought

Any additional comments?

CS Lewis was a genius who led a complicated and often difficult life. His writings both Christian and other were often exceptional and his ability to communicate well with others who are much less intelligent than he was is what makes him stand out. A promise in his early years shaped a lot of his life unexpectedly. I would thoroughly recommend this book and many others that Lewis wrote himself.

Thorough and well written

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This is an important work, a thorough and detailed biography. The reading, though, is desperately flat and boring. It sounds as if the reader is trying to imitate one of those automatic text-to-voice computer programmes. It’s almost a punishment to listen to. Pity.

An important biography but a dreadfully boring reading.

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A great sweep of the life and influence of CS Lewis, providing important cultural and academic scenery to the story too. A must read for this interested in Lewis and I found myself inspired to read more of his books too!

Inspiring and informative

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Alister McGrath has written a wonderful, detailed account of C S Lewis's life and I commend him for that. I had to take a star off the overall rating because the narration was poor... robotic and lacking in variation of pitch, pace, power, pause and inflection. I would love to hear this book read by someone else. I did enjoy the interview with Mr McGrath at the beginning of the audible book, then the lectures by C S Lewis at the end - a joy!

Detailed Content, Disappointing Narrator

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An intellectual atheist turned Christian apologist and great author. This biography treats Lewis affectionately yet glosses over nothing. His humanity and failings are laid bare.

Superb

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Excellent detailed and enlightening biography arising from what is clearly thorough research and crafting by McGrath. A critical insight into both the life and works of C S Lewis which serves to illuminate and stimulate interest into the works of this iconic author. The voice performance is clear although a little mechanical.

Excellent detailed and enlightening biography

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So detailed and so engaging. McGrath opens up Lewis’s world and personality brilliantly. Thank you.

Outstanding.

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Wonderful book about the life of C. S. Lewis. It clearly tells of his conversion to Christianity. His relationship with Tolkien is also depicted.

Wonderful biography for a revered Christian author

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