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Loading... Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life (original 1955; edition 1966)by C.S. Lewis
Work InformationSurprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C. S. Lewis (1955)
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. C.S. Lewis's Surprised by Joy is interesting from two perspectives: first, that it is the closest Lewis came to writing a conventional autobiography; second, that it recounts the process that led to Lewis becoming a Christian, and so is an invaluable aid to his philosophical and theological writings. Sometimes these two perspectives seem to be jostling for position: the earlier portion of the book deals with Lewis's childhood in great detail (including a painful account of his schooldays), while the more formal autobiography peters out in the book's second half. The spiritual theme is always present, but less so in the book's first part (for example, we learn less than might be expected about Lewis's teenage shift to atheism). Perhaps the reason for this is the connecting thread: Lewis's concept of 'joy'. 'Joy' is an Augustinian longing that manifests itself first in creative fantasy, then in the Nordic myths before finally finding its true aim. Perhaps for this reason, the book comes to an abrupt halt once the pursuit of 'joy' brings Lewis back to the Christian faith. While Surprised by Joy may be somewhat unusual in form, it is no less valuable for anyone interested in C.S. Lewis. no reviews | add a review
Is contained inThe Four Loves / Surprised by Joy / A Grief Observed / The Screwtape Letters / The Great Divorce / Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis Biographical Works: Surprised by Joy; A Grief Observed; All My Road Before Me; Letters to an American Lady; Letters (4 Volumes) by C. S. Lewis Is abridged inHas as a student's study guideDistinctions
Biography & Autobiography.
Religion & Spirituality.
Nonfiction.
HTML: A repackaged edition of the revered author's spiritual memoir, in which he recounts the story of his divine journey and eventual conversion to Christianity. C. S. Lewisâ??the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classicsâ??takes readers on a spiritual journey through his early life and eventual embrace of the Christian faith. Lewis begins with his childhood in Belfast, surveys his boarding school years and his youthful atheism in England, reflects on his experience in World War I, and ends at Oxford, where he became "the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England." As he recounts his lifelong search for joy, Lewis demonstrates its role in guiding him to find God No library descriptions found.
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)248Religions Christian Devotional Literature and Practical Theology Christian Life; experience and practiceLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. Ediciones Encuentro3 editions of this book were published by Ediciones Encuentro. Editions: 8474906628, 8474909007, 8474902371 |
Trigger warnings: physical abuse/punishment of children, starvation of children, neglect, bullying, passive suicidal ideation, loss of parent, war mentions, underage sexual relationships mentions, bugs/insects phobia mentions ( )