C.S. Lewis: The Life and Legacy of the Legendary British Author

C.S. Lewis had an interesting and turbulent life, during which he maintained a prominent academic career and wrote fictional books that, to this day, captivate readers all over the world, regardless of their age and nationality. To understand his life, it must be kept in mind that he was a communicator at heart. He lectured at Oxford, wrote essays for wartime radio, and crafted fairy tales imbued with moral and theological symbolism. No matter which of these tasks he had at hand, his goal was always the same: convey complex ideas in an accessible manner, defend the rationality of his faith, and, most importantly, tell stories. As a result, the stories Lewis told would attempt to reveal many of the deeper truths about the human condition and experience, some of them referencing his own.

Though Lewis wrote his fantasy stories and theological books nearly a century ago, he is still lauded as one of the most celebrated British authors of the 20th century, and it would be an understatement merely to say that he has left a lasting impact on generations of readers. The Chronicles of Narnia have sold over 100 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages, while his apologetic books are still widely read by believers and skeptics alike. Many popular writers in the 21st century, such as Philip Pullman (despite strong disagreements), Neil Gaiman, and J.K. Rowling have all acknowledged Lewis’ role in shaping modern fantasy. At the same time, pastors, professors, and public thinkers still quote him as being one of the clearest voices bridging intellect and faith, referring to his theological works in a variety of ways.