C. S. Lewis: A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet

“There have been plenty of biographies of LewisI once wrote one myselfbut I do not think there has been a better one than Alister McGraths. He is a punctilious and enthusiastic reader of all Lewiss workthe childrens stories, the science fiction, the Christian apologetics and the excellent literary criticism and literary history. He is from Northern Ireland, as Lewis was himself, and he is especially astute about drawing out the essentially Northern Irish qualities of this very odd man. And he is sympathetic to the real oddness of his story.”

“A welcome addition to the biographical literature on C. S. Lewis, which includes several valuable new perspectives. McGraths book will gain a permanent position in Lewis scholarship for his brilliant and, to my mind, undeniable re-dating of Lewiss conversion to Theism. How we all missed this for so long is astonishing!”

“For people who might wonder if we need another biography of C. S. Lewis, McGraths crisp, insightful, and at times quite original portrait of the celebrated Oxford Christian will change their minds.”

“Alister McGrath has written a meticulously researched, insightful, fair-minded, and honest account of a fascinating mans life. His book is especially distinctive in its placing of Lewis in his vocational and social contexts, but it also provides a compelling account of the development of Lewiss Christian mind. This will be an indispensable resource for fans and scholars of Lewis.”

“Many of us thought we knew most of what there was to know about C. S. Lewis. Alister McGraths new biography makes use of archives and other material that clarify, deepen, and further explain the many sides of one of Christianitys most remarkable apologists. This is a penetrating and illuminating study.”

“Alister McGraths new biography of C. S. Lewis is excellent. Its filled with information based on extensive scholarship but is nonetheless extremely readable. It not only devotes great attention to the formation and character of Lewis the man, it offers incisive and balanced analyses of all his main literary works. I was one of those newly converted American evangelicals who hungrily devoured Lewiss works in the late 1960s and early 70s. His impact on me was profound and lasting, and Dr. McGrath clearly explains why so many believers and Christian leaders today can say the same thing.”

“Alister McGrath sheds new light on the life of the incomparable C. S. Lewis. This is an important book.”