C.s. lewis biography

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the most influential writers of the 20th Century. A brilliant and imaginative thinker, Lewis was a scholar and professor of English literature with positions at Oxford and Cambridge. Yet he became best known for his popular works of children’s fantasy and his writings and talks on the Christian faith. His BBC radio broadcasts during World War Two gained widespread acclaim in England as Lewis explored “Right and Wrong, a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe.”

Once an avowed atheist, Lewis’s own intellectual and spiritual journey led him to the God of the Bible and ultimately to Christ. While he seldom spoke of his beliefs during university lectures, His Christian faith profoundly influenced his writing. C.S. Lewis wrote over thirty books, including the Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy, Mere Christianity, Miracles, Surprised by Joy, The Screwtape Letters, and The Problem of Pain.

Lewis was the President of the Socratic Club at Oxford University and a member of the Inklings, a literary group that included friends such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Charles Williams. While he rarely traveled outside of his homeland, his influence continues to be felt around the world today.

On this site you’ll learn more about the life, works, and faith of C.S. Lewis. Explore his journey from Belfast to Narnia or follow his spiritual pilgrimage from atheist to Christian apologist. You’ll discover Lewis’s key ideas and lasting legacy and learn about the relationships that shaped his life and thoughts. You can also browse free study courses on C.S. Lewis’s books such as The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, or The Weight of Glory.

Featuring photos, articles and audio/video lectures from leading C.S. Lewis scholars, we hope these resources on C.S. Lewis’s life can encourage your further study. We also invite you to go on your own journey. Consider the invitation C.S. Lewis accepted, or join a C.S.

British writer, lay theologian, and scholar (1898–1963)

For the Anglo-Irish poet, see Cecil Day-Lewis.

Clive Staples LewisFBA (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963) was a British writer, literary scholar, and Anglicanlay theologian. He held academic positions in English literature at both Magdalen College, Oxford (1925–1954), and Magdalene College, Cambridge (1954–1963). He is best known as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, but he is also noted for his other works of fiction, such as The Screwtape Letters and The Space Trilogy, and for his non-fiction Christian apologetics, including Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain.

Lewis was a close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings. Both men served on the English faculty at Oxford University and were active in the informal Oxford literary group known as the Inklings. According to Lewis's 1955 memoir Surprised by Joy, he was baptized in the Church of Ireland but fell away from his faith during adolescence. Lewis returned to Anglicanism at the age of 32, owing to the influence of

Written by: Paul Cozby | Published on: August 9, 2024

Clive Staples Lewis, better known as C.S. Lewis, was a U.K.-based writer and scholar best known for his works of fiction, including The Chronicles of Narnia series, as well as Christian apologetics. Born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898, Lewis showed an early interest in literature and matters of faith. He went on to study at Oxford University, where he would later become a professor of English literature.

An ardent atheist in his younger years, Lewis’ inspiring journey to faith can be found in the Journal blog on this site.

What Is C.S. Lewis Most Famous for?

Lewis’ most famous works, the Narnia series, were written between 1949 and 1954 and have since become beloved classics of children’s literature. The series consists of seven books, each taking place in the magical and fantastical world of Narnia, which is inhabited by talking animals and mythical creatures.

The stories are known for their rich symbolism, moral lessons and Christian allegory, as well as their captivating storytelling.

In addition to his fiction writing, Lewis also was a prominent Christian apologist. Among his best-known works is Mere Christianity, a collection of radio talks that were later published as a book. Lewis’ World War II BBC broadcasts made his voice so recognizable, it is said only Winston Churchill’s was more widely known.

In Mere Christianity, Lewis presents a rational defense of Christian beliefs that follows his own conversion journey and offers insights into the nature of faith and morality. The book has been widely praised for its clarity and wisdom and has been a major influence on modern Christian thought.

C.S. Lewis as an Academic

Despite his success as a writer, Lewis remained a humble and unassuming figure. He lived a simple life, avoiding the trappings of fame and wealth. He was known for his kindness and generosity and was a popular figure among his students and coll