Jack

Written by Lewis' student and later in life friend, Sayer gives the reader a thorough review of his mentor's life. More than a biography, Sayer includes material about the context of Lewis' life, including the Belfast culture he was born into, the academic culture in which Lewis lived and sometimes struggled, and interpersonal relationships that some have wondered about. What is missing in detail is Lewis' time sent in the military in World War I though the author states Lewis wrote and spoke little about it. He reveals a different perspective on Lewis' childhood which is less negative than Lewis wrote. While the reader does not need to have read all of Lewis' writings prior to reading this book, it is helpful to have some general knowledge about them. Sayer covers them, including his poetry, in some detail, their development and influences. The impact of his outspoken faith on the progress or lack of progress from a professional perspective is sometimes overlooked due to his increasing fame following the publication of the Narnia series. It was interesting to learn of his struggles and disappointments in this area of his life. I would recommend this book for any reader interested in more detail of Lewis' life. It does not read as a 'popular' book and therefore it is not a quick read. Lewis made a great contribution to an appreciation of Christianity and beauty/literature which is developed by this author. My favorite quotes of Lewis that I read in this book are these: "In reading great literature I become a thousand men (and I would add women) and yet remain my self. Like the night sky in a Greek poem, I see with a thousand eyes, but it is still I who see. Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself: and am never more myself than when I do." from "An Experiment in Criticism" "...The miracle is done And for one little moment we are one With the eternal stream of loveliness ... Only a moment. O! but we shall keep Our vision still. One moment was enough, ... For we have seen the Glory--we have seen." from the poem "Dungeon Grates"

At one time I had read most of the biographies out there on C. S. Lewis. This one is by far the best. Sayer had a long friendship with Lewis and tells what he knows about Lewis and does not theorize about what he does not know. The reader feels the warmth and respect Sayer has for Lewis and also the puzzlement one has with close friends whose strange behaviors in the past are not fully explained. Sayer addresses the C. S. Lewis's friendship with Tolkien, Dyson and other Inklings. Sayer does a good job of relating Lewis's conversion to Christianity. Sayer explains the arguments and personal struggles that surrounded the conversion. Sayer writes about Joy and Mrs. Moore, which gives a more fuller and more generous picture of both women than some other biographies. Sayer has the background for literary criticism and writes about Lewis's poetry, the Chronicles of Narnia and most of his other writings. The style of the writing is easy to read and accessible. It is a very enjoyable read.

I first read this work in the early nineties and thought it was good. I recently re-read it and realize, it is not merely good, it is great. Sayer has, without a doubt, written the definitive biography on the 20th century's greatest thinker.The book brings the reader on an intimate journey through the life of Lewis, often times with stunning detail. From Lewis' parents and his childhood, his education, teaching career, and friendships, to his life at the Kilns, the meetings (as well as the people) in and with the Inklings (a particular favorite section of mine), and his life work, marriage to Joy and how he carried on without Joy. Sayer also details how Lewis actually created certain works such as his Narnia series. Also, his radio broadcasts are detailed as well as his lectures given to the public. Moreover, he details several of Lewis' close friends (mainly from the Inklings) who read his manuscripts and offered certain advice. Sayer describes those who inspired Lewis when he read (e.g. George MacDonald, William Morris, etc.) and those who helped Lewis throughout his writing career.Who else could possibly tell the story of Lewis' life than one of his colleagues. Sayer knew Lewis and had developed a strong friendship with Lewis through education and through participating in several meetings with the Inklings. If you want to know more about Lewis not only on an intellectual level but a deeper personal level as well (i.e. really get the know the man Lewis), then you will need no other biography besides this one. I highly recommend this work.

. . .to one of the top Christian writers of the 20th century.George Sayer knew CS Lewis from 1934 until Lewis' death in 1963, first as a tutor, later as a friend, and finally as an extremely close friend.While other biographies have been written by persons with axes to grind or by persons whose own connection to Lewis was minimal, Sayer writes from the perspective of a true insider.While he minces no words -- the "difficult" aspects of Lewis' life are certainly explored in-depth, he treats the subject with respect and true affection.Mr. Sayer is, himself, a career academic in the field of English, and thus is able to enlighten the casual reader about aspects about the "literary Lewis" which would otherwise not be recognized. I've been a Lewis fan for 25 years and yet was unaware of his significant contributions in the field of literary criticism. Also enjoyable was the discussion of Lewis' own tastes in reading as well as his major influences.While the influence Charles Williams had on Lewis (especially in "That Hideous Strength") was addressed, I was disappointed that Tolkien's influence on Lewis was minimized. This was, I believe, an oversight.All in all, though, I highly recommend this extremely readable volume.