“The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.” ~ C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

The late Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis is recognized as a prominent figure in 20th-century intellectual discourse and one of the most influential writers of his time. Lewis served as a fellow and tutor in English literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a role he maintained until his retirement.

As a writer, Lewis authored almost 70 published books and also made a remarkable impact on children’s literature and the fantasy and science fiction genres. His notable works include The Screwtape Letters (one of Catherine’s “all-time favorite books to help you learn how to deal with real-world risk”), Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, and Out of the Silent Planet (the first book in his three-volume Space Trilogy). The widely celebrated Narnia series (including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) has sold over 100 million copies and has been adapted into three major films.

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life is a semi-autobiographical work that details Lewis’s journey to Christianity. Lewis was raised in a churchgoing family in the Church of Ireland but became an atheist at the age of 15. His return to Christianity was profoundly influenced by conversations with, among others, his Oxford colleague and friend J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of The Lord of the Rings.

Explore his vast catalog of work, where you are likely to find something for every age and taste.

Related:

The Official Website of C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis Life & Works (C.S. Lewis Institute)

Movie of the Week: September 9, 2024: The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

C.S. Lewis Was a Modern Man Who Breathed Medieval Air

A Complete List of C. S. Lewis Books in Chronological Order