I was recently provided a review copy of The Making of C.S. Lewis by Crossway by Harry Lee Pope. Lewis is my favorite author for many reasons, some of which I’ve written about on this website (Thoughts on the Anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ Death; A Conversation with C.S. Lewis). I always will capitalize on an opportunity to read more about this man whose words have made such an impact on my life, so I was excited to read Pope’s biographical sketch, focused on the years between 1918 and 1945.
However, because I have read many books about C.S. Lewis, and of course many of his own books and letters, I wasn’t confident that The Making of C.S. Lewis would bring anything new to the table. I was pleasantly surprised that wasn’t the case; in fact, this may be my new favorite Lewis biography.
Pope’s attention to detail is extroidinary – it is obvious that he has done his homework thoroughly. His research of multiple credible sources is evident throughout the chapters. Pope also relied heavily on Lewis’ letters, which has made me now want to go back and reread the three volume set that I have of Lewis’ correspondance, that are presently gathering dust on my bookshelves.
But I think what I appreciated the most in The Making of C.S. Lewis is the woven tapestry Pope has created of drawing his readers to God in a very siimlar style as Lewis did through his apologetic, autobiographical writings and his stories. Pope’s reseach and the way he presents it helps the reader to discover a natural flow as Pope leads us through the years that took Lewis from his Atheist state, to that of a Christ-follower. Thought-provoking and insightful work, indeed.
I also thoroughly enjoyed this book’s examination of Lewis’ friendships, particularly those of the Inklings. Intricate research was obviously required to truly trace not only those friendship connections, but the impact they had on Lewis and his journey to Christianity.
There are many books in the world, about C.S. Lewis – does the world need one more? I admit I did wonder that as I started to read the first chapter; but by the second or third, I was convinced that yes, there is room for one more – and Pope has filled that space beautifully.
