C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis
Born	Clive Staples Lewis (1898-11-29)November 29, 1898 Belfast, Ireland
Died	November 22, 1963(1963-11-22) (aged 64) Oxford, England
Occupation	Writer, scholar
Nationality	British
Alma mater	University of Oxford
Notable works	The Chronicles of Narnia Mere Christianity The Screwtape Letters The Space Trilogy

Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), commonly referred to as C.S. Lewis and known to his friends and family as "Jack," was a British writer and lay theologian. He held academic positions in English literature at both Oxford University and Cambridge University. He is best known for his works of fiction, especially The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, and The Space Trilogy, and for his non-fiction Christian apologetics, such as Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain.

Biography

Early life

C.S. Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland, on 29 November 1898. His father was Albert James Lewis, a solicitor, and his mother was Florence Augusta Lewis, née Hamilton. Lewis had one older brother, Warren Hamilton Lewis. Tragically, his mother died of cancer when Lewis was just nine years old, a pivotal event in his early life.

Education

Lewis was educated at a number of schools across Ireland and England. He won a scholarship to University College, Oxford in 1916. His studies were interrupted by his service in the British Army during World War I, but he returned to Oxford after the war to complete his degree.

Academic career

Lewis taught as a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford from 1925 to 1954, and later at Magdalene College, Cambridge from 1954 until his retirement. His academic work focused primarily on medieval and Renaissance literature.

Literary career

Lewis wrote more than 30 books, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold millions of copies. The books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia have been particularly popular and have been adapted into various films, television series, and stage performances.

Themes and influences

Lewis's Christian faith profoundly influenced his work. He converted to Christianity in 1931, after a long discussion and late-night walk with his close friends J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson. His faith is explicitly reflected in his writings, including his arguments for Christian apologetics and his depiction of various Christian themes through allegory in The Chronicles of Narnia.

Death and legacy

C.S. Lewis died on 22 November 1963, the same day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He is buried in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church, Headington, Oxford. His legacy continues through his numerous works, which continue to be read and appreciated by audiences around the world.

Selected works

• The Chronicles of Narnia (series)
• Mere Christianity
• The Screwtape Letters
• The Space Trilogy
• The Great Divorce
• Surprised by Joy