C.S. Lewis died 60 years ago. Here are 10 of his best works
Sixty years have passed since the world bid farewell to C.S. Lewis, a titan of English literature whose imaginative works continue to captivate readers of all ages. In commemoration of his enduring legacy, we explore ten of his most influential works that have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
1.The Chronicles of Narnia – This seven-book series is perhaps Lewis’s most beloved creation, whisking young readers away to a fantastical world where animals speak, magic abounds, and epic battles between good and evil are fought. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, the series’ most famous installment, remains a children’s literary classic.
2.Mere Christianity – A theological masterpiece, “Mere Christianity” arose from a series of radio talks Lewis gave during World War II. In it, he lays out the case for Christian belief with logical precision and lucid prose that have appealed to believers and seekers alike.
3.The Screwtape Letters – In this satirical novel, Lewis takes a creative approach to Christian apologetics by penning letters from Screwtape, a senior demon, to his nephew Wormwood on how best to tempt humans away from God.
4.The Great Divorce – A meditation on heaven and hell, “The Great Divorce” allegorizes a fantastical bus ride taken by the deceased from hell to heaven. Its exploration of moral themes showcases Lewis’s keen insight into human nature and spirituality.
5.Surprised by Joy – This autobiography highlights Lewis’s early life and his journey from staunch atheism to becoming one of the most significant Christian apologists of the 20th century, providing an intimate look at the experiences that shaped his faith and writings.
6.Till We Have Faces – Often considered Lewis’s most mature work, this novel retells the myth of Cupid and Psyche from the perspective of Psyche’s sister and delves deep into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
7.The Space Trilogy – Comprising “Out of the Silent Planet,” “Perelandra,” and “That Hideous Strength,” this science fiction series combines adventure with deep philosophical and religious themes as it explores humanity’s place in the cosmos.
8.A Grief Observed – A raw reflection on loss penned after his wife Joy Davidman’s death, “A Grief Observed” is an intensely personal account of mourning and doubt but ultimately emerges with hope and faith reaffirmed.
9.The Four Loves – In this work, Lewis discusses the nature of love from a Christian perspective by examining four categories: affection (storge), friendship (philia), romantic love (eros), and divine love (agape).
10.The Problem of Pain – Here Lewis tackles one of Christianity’s most challenging conundrums: if God is omnipotent and good, why is there pain and suffering in the world? With intellectual rigor, he navigates through this complex question with thought-provoking arguments.
C.S. Lewis’s profound legacy persists through these works which continue to inspire thought, imagination, faith, and critical engagement across generations worldwide. His death may have occurred 60 years ago, but his words remain very much alive today.