The Cambridge Companion to C. S. Lewis (Cambridge Companions to Religion)
"In his superb introduction, MacSwain (Univ. of the South) explains that the goal of this collection is to offer a fair, in-depth examination of Lewis's body of work-perhaps fort he first time. (According to MacSwain US Evangelicals have a tendency to adore Lewis uncritically, whereas British literature professors and theologians tend to dismiss his work out of hand, in part because of its appeal) MacSwain and Ward (Univ of Oxford, UK) succeed in achieving this stated goal of critical evenhandedness. Readable both as individual essays and as part of a nuanced, book-length argument, the chapters offer an objective appraisal of Lewis's scholarship, this theological writings, and the literary merit of his novels and poetry. Among the best essays are Ann Loades's examination of Lewis's views of female clergy and his postmarriage reflections of romantic love in A Grief Observedl Jerry Walls's interepretation of The Great Divorce; and Judith Wolfe's exploration of why writer Philip Pullman believes that the Narnia novels promote violence and imperialism. A truly wonderful collection. Essential."                --Choice"In summary, The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis succeeds in its  purpose, scope, and coverage as a winsome, informative, and informed  volume to accompany novice and veteran readers of Lewis in their pursuit  of his insight and its source. Essays that both instruct and delight in Lewis  studies are few; we can be grateful that under one cover, MacSwain and  Ward have gathered so many." --VII: An Anglo-American Literary Review"Overall, the volume succeeds in bringing fresh insight. Lewis is engaged as a serious writer who sought thoughtful response, rather than applause from uncritical fans. One major strength is a thoroughgoing tendency to see Lewis's work as a whole, noting ways different books in different genre inform each other."-- William Frantz, Anglican Theological Review