The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics
by C. S. Lewis
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Book Reviews of The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics
Book Review: I love this book.
Summary: 5 Stars
C.S. Lewis is probably the best Christian writer for both believers and unbelievers to read. He dispels rumors that the orthodox Christian camp is one dominated by anti-intellectualism, thus being assertive with his Christianity; yet acknowledges the doubts of his past and the cleverness of his ideological opponents.
I strongly believe that Christianity is under attack from two places. One place is from without; there will always be those who despise Christianity. The other, however, is not so obvious: an attack from within where Christians have become compromising and complacent with what is supposed to be the crucial areas of life and faith.
I think Lewis is the ultimate and perfect blend of conviction and civility; and that is why his writing is so comforting as a supplement to Biblical texts. What he does is show that Christianity is a particular, identifiable thing. While this may fly in the face of postmodern anti-foundationalism and critique of "metanarratives," mere Christianity sustains itself as not only a tenable, but the true, philosophy/religion.
Lewis is also an artistic man who is highly creative, and "The Great Divorce" and "Screwtape Letters" are proof enough of that. He engages the Christian rationality, imagination, and spirit all at once, fulfilling the greatest commandment to love God with all that we are. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Book Review: Great Writings, Minor Publishing Problem
Summary: 5 Stars
The Signature Classics appeal to the rational mind the way the Narnia Series appeals to the imagination. For many Christians who grew up in the faith, trying to converse with non-believers is like trying to describe colors to a blind person. C.S. Lewis helps both believers and non-believers understand the Rationality of Faith. Having these works collected in a single volume is quite a treasure and belongs on the bookself (or in the hands) of every Christian.So far the only two complaints I have with this edition are quite minor. The first is the size of the volume. I would have preferred the publishers had added more pages and decreased the highth and depth to make it more easily fit with other books when resting on the shelf between readings. The second is that they (very nicely) provided a ribbon book mark but THREE would have been even nicer. Many of these writings are very dense and need to be consumed (or re-consumed) in small increments. Switching from one to another allows the mind to digest the material before continuing, and having several bookmarks is almost a necessity.
These problems are minor, however. I can not overstate how much I enjoy having this book in my home. Over and over again as I read through this book I find myself astounded with Lewis' insight and clarity. This is definitely a book to buy, to keep, and to read.
Book Review: Among my most cherished possessions....
Summary: 5 Stars
The Complete C.S. Lewis transcends books, which I happen to value highly. It transcends wealth, a comfortable home, a comfortable life. It is, as such, accrued wisdom: valuable over the long-term, perhaps less so for some in the here and now. I purchased this volume when I read that Mere Christianity [included] was at least partially responsible for removing the "a" from an atheist of note. I am not one (of note nor otherwise), but was struggling somewhat. I was fortunate, for this is where C.S. Lewis shines.
From apologia such as Mere Christianity to the personal, and deeply moving A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis provides his crystal clear view of the "why's" and "how's" that many a reflective person ponders. But, he provides more than salve. His is an exploration that presents challenges as well: responsibility, inevitability, cause and effect. It is not all celestial repose.
The Complete C.S. Lewis has dislodged that which rested in my favored book spot upon the library coffee table. I feel as though a life-long education has been accelerated by a quantum leap. There are those who will think it inconvenient, impractical, or worse. But, C.S. Lewis presents God to those wishing to learn of Him. The opinions of those who wish otherwise are, at least in this arena, of little account. 5 huge, life-affirming stars.
Book Review: Lewis fans are sure to appreciate this handsome collection
Summary: 4 Stars
In addition to his classic CHRONICLES OF NARNIA for children, C.S. Lewis wrote a number of highly respected theological works (both fiction and nonfiction) for adults. Seven of those works --- MERE CHRISTIANITY, THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS, THE GREAT DIVORCE, THE PROBLEM OF PAIN, MIRACLES, A GRIEF OBSERVED and THE ABOLITION OF MAN --- have been collected in THE COMPLETE C.S. LEWIS SIGNATURE CLASSICS (though it is unclear what makes a given book a "signature" classic and hence worthy of inclusion in this collection).Lewis' work is as readable and thought provoking as ever, but this particular collection is better suited for a Lewis fan already familiar with these books than for someone new to his work. This is true for a couple of reasons. First, the book is coffee table-sized and rather unwieldy for reading purposes. Second, there is no new material in the book --- no scholarly essays or notes beyond those that appeared in previous additions --- which makes for a book more appropriate for display than for reading or studying. That being said, THE COMPLETE C.S. LEWIS SIGNATURE CLASSICS is a handsome book sure to be appreciated by any Lewis reader who would like to give Lewis' work a prominent place in his or her library.
--- Reviewed by Rob Cline
Book Review: An Indispensable Companion to The Bible
Summary: 5 Stars
Thank God for C.S. Lewis. An atheist until age 28, he worked out his Christianity from a totally intellectual standpoint and then passed it on to us. This guy is clearly an intellectual giant with a gift for making very simple and clear answers to huge questions. He also, in his genius, is chock full of ideas and will address many other aspects of religion that you may not have ever considered, but will find most interesting to ponder. There are many times where I have found myself reading this book in preference to The Bible, which should attest to the value of it.
One of the most intriguing ideas he elaborates on is his notion that most people have the opportunity to go to heaven but actually choose hell instead because they are unwilling to give up their worldly attachments. Just think about how that would be 'The Great Divorce'.
His chapter on why pride is the worst sin was also especially thought-provoking.
This book is one that I'll keep the rest of my life as a spiritual guide unlike any other and the best other than the Bible that I have ever read. It has expanded my thoughts and elevated my Christianity to a higher plane. I only wish I had known about it much, much sooner.