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Designed by Janet Evans-Scanlon

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Source ISBN: 9780008307110

Ebook Edition © October 2019 ISBN: 9780008307134

Version: 2020-10-08

About This Book

The revered teacher and best-selling author reflects on the power, importance, and joy of a life dedicated to reading books in this delightful collection drawn from his wide body of writings.

More than fifty years after his death, revered intellectual and teacher C. S. Lewis continues to speak to readers, thanks not only to his intellectual insights on Christianity but also his wondrous creative works and deep reflections on the literature that influenced his life. Beloved for his instructive novels including The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, and The Chronicles of Narnia as well as his philosophical books that explored theology and Christian life, Lewis was a life-long writer and book lover.

Cultivated from his many essays, articles, and letters, as well as his classic works, The Reading Life provides guidance and reflections on the love and enjoyment of books. Engaging and enlightening, this well-rounded collection includes Lewis’ reflections on science fiction, why children’s literature is for readers of all ages, and why we should read two old books for every new one.

A window into the thoughts of one of the greatest public intellectuals of our time, this collection reveals not only why Lewis loved the written word, but what it means to learn through literature from one of our wisest and most enduring teachers.

CONTENTS

Cover

Title Page

About This Book

Preface by David C. Downing and Michael G. Maudlin

PART ONE: ON THE ART AND JOY OF READING

Why We Read

How to Know If You Are a True Reader

Why Children’s Stories Are Not Just for Children

Literature as Time Travel

Why Fairy Tales Are Often Less Deceptive Than ‘Realistic’ Stories

The Case for Reading Old Books