George Sayer (1914–2005)

Just finished this bio of C. S. Lewis. Succinctly put this is simply superb. I could not put it down. It races along like a steed in a steeplechase. Thoroughly intimate with much that is not disclosed by Lewis himself in say, Surprised by Joy, this book fills in the gaps and more. Delicious details abound and some remarkable elements are forthrightly expressed.

If one wants to know the authentic Lewis, or Jack as known to Sayer, and all his close friends, this is the book. Do not miss this show more one! A true gem! show less

This is right in my venn diagram including the following elements: English schools and universities, 1898 to post-war, Narnia. The Christian stuff doesn't bother me either, avoid if it gets up your nose. I read a lot of C.S. Lewis in late high school when I was trying on Christianity. I really enjoyed reading the biography over the past week. The first half of the book especially is presented in lots of location detail and more objectivity than I expected from the author who was Lewis's show more student, personal friend and fellow believer. There was too much for me on individual poems and their critical reception (English literature was a *very* small place early in the 20th c.) I am less interested in Lewis's moral arguments than earlier in life. Also, sadly, the author gets drawn into a no-win argument about when Lewis's late marriage was consummated. Still it was a good visit with an old friend. He was a strong flavor and I'm glad to spend a little more time with him. show less

Probably the most balanced biography of Lewis that I've ever read. Most articles and books about him are a rave from beginning to end, but this takes his flaws and mistakes into account, whilst still portraying a very loving picture of one of the most influential men of our times.

C.S.Lewis’ works have become increasingly popular since his death. With the increased interest in his work, there has been increased interest in the man. I had never read a biography on Lewis. With the plethora of choices out there, I decided to start with one by someone who knew him intimately. George Sayer is a former student of Mr.Lewis. He also had the privilege of calling him friend.

Sayer moves through the life of Lewis from birth to death in a way that kept my attention. It was not a show more mere narrative of his life. Sayer stops along the way to give you snapshots of things that are relevant to the development of Jack’s writings. As someone who has read most of Lewis’ works, this helped me discern what brought Lewis to his often puzzling conclusions.

This was an extremely helpful book in understanding the man behind Narnia. Mr. Sayer writes from a perspective that both clarifies some misconceptions about Lewis and shows him in his raw humanity. I highly recommend this book to any who are fascinated by the writings of C.S.Lewis. show less