“One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts”

“One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts”

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C.S. Lewis, whose full name is Clive Staples Lewis, was a British writer and lay theologian, best known for his works of fiction, especially The Chronicles of Narnia series, and his non-fiction Christian apologetics. Here are some key points about him:

Biography

• Born: November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Died: November 22, 1963, in Oxford, England

Notable Works

1. The Chronicles of Narnia:
   • A series of seven fantasy novels for children, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. These books explore themes of good versus evil, redemption, and faith, set in the magical land of Narnia.
2. The Space Trilogy:
   • A science fiction series consisting of Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. These books deal with themes of morality, spirituality, and the nature of the universe.
3. The Screwtape Letters:
   • A satirical novel in the form of a series of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood, a junior tempter. The book explores themes of temptation and human nature.
4. Mere Christianity:
   • A theological book based on a series of radio talks Lewis gave during World War II. It presents a rational case for the Christian faith.
5. The Great Divorce:
   • An allegorical work that imagines a bus ride from hell to heaven, exploring themes of sin, salvation, and the human condition.

Academic Career

• Lewis was a fellow and tutor in English literature at Magdalen College, Oxford, from 1925 to 1954. He later held the chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University from 1954 until his death.

Personal Life

• Lewis converted to Christianity in 1931, influenced by his friend and fellow author, J.R.R. Tolkien.
• He married Joy Davidman Gresham, an American writer, in 1956. Their relationship and her subsequent death from cancer were later depicted in the film Shadowlands.

Legacy

• C.S. Lewis remains one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, particularly in the realms of fantasy literature and Christian apologetics. His works continue to be widely read and have been adapted into various films, television series, and stage productions.