Duriez is a leading scholar in both Lewis and Tolkien studies, so it is no surprise he has packed so much useful information about Lewis between two covers. The A-Z of C.S. Lewis serves well as a thorough and concise reference source. But it is more than that, as Duriez also offers insightful and substantive interpretive remarks about Lewis's recurring ideas, and the core concepts of his most enduring books. A valuable addition to the bookshelf for both casual readers of Lewis and more serious students of his life and legacy. -- David C. Downing, author of The Most Reluctant Convert and other key books on C.S. Lewis.
With The A- Z of C.S. Lewis, Colin Duriez provides both novice readers and experienced scholars with a rich and ready resource for expanding their knowledge of the formidable Professor Lewis. There is an art to creating a compelling encyclopedia that demands both relevant and accurate information; we are indeed indebted to Duriez for his keen mastery of the Lewis canon that guides his judicious choices for inclusion and annotation. With this volume, he adds once more to his estimable catalogue of works that illuminate the life, works, and relationships of Lewis. -- Bruce L. Edwards, The C.S. Lewis Review: www.cslewisreview.org
It's good to see Colin Duriez's ever-useful A-Z of C.S. Lewis back in print in a new expanded and updated version. It's a very helpful reference work for scholars and fans alike but it's also a great pleasure simply to dip into and read. It's full of helpful, pithy summaries that combine scholarship, clarity, and brevity. I like the attention Duriez pays to Lewis as a critic and scholar as well as to the more famous Narnia books. Many of the entries show clearly how Lewis was engaged with the intellectual life of his own day and especially how relevant he is to issues being discussed today. -- Malcolm Guite, Girton College, Cambridge
Among the many books that claim to introduce readers to the life, thought, and works of C.S. Lewis, this one stands out. It is a lively encyclopedia of everything and everybody related to Lewis. In an engaging style, Duriez presents valuable entries on people, places, characters, books, and ideas in Lewis's life and writings. The A-Z of C.S. Lewis is remarkably comprehensive and thoroughly cross-referenced, with the added advantage of enough suggested reading to satiate voracious readers of many kinds. Because of its scope and clarity, it should be in the collection of every Lewis fan and scholar. -- Sorina Higgins, Review Editor of Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal
This is one of the most useful books I know. I look for excuses to read it. -- Walter Hooper, Literary advisor to the C.S. Lewis Estate
The A-Z of C.S. Lewis delivers what the title promises. In this rich, encyclopedic overview, Lewis scholar Colin Duriez serves as an expert and engaging guide to the essentials of Lewis's life, thought, and writings. I highly recommend this volume to all who enjoy Lewis's books and would like to better understand the `Christian world of C.S. Lewis.' -- Marjorie Lamp Mead, Associate Director, The Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College, Illinois, USA
An invaluable work of reference and a fascinating volume in which to dip and browse, this is the perfect companion for every Lewis reader by an acknowledged expert on the life, thoughts, works, and worlds of one of the great imaginative writers of the twentieth century. -- Brian Sibley, author of Shadowlands, BBC radio adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia
Covering the whole range of Lewis's life and work, this encyclopedia is thorough, accurate, and well balanced. I highly recommend it. -- Michael Ward, author of Planet Narnia
For those, inspired by Duriez's survey, who might want to follow Lewis's intellectual trail; this book and its theme of the numinous in religion and life, would be the ideal place to begin. -- Peter Costello * The Irish Catholic *
C S Lewis: A Biography of Friendship is an outstanding biography by author Colin Duriez on an amazing man, writer and superb thinker. Lewis was a genius and a great ambassador for Christianity. I liked the way Duriez focused a lot of attention on Lewis's background which is Northern Ireland. Sometimes good things do come out of Northern Ireland, Lewis was one of the excellent things to come out of Northern Ireland. This is a great read and splendid introduction to the life of Lewis. -- Darian Burns * Netgalley *
This book is highly recommended by me for anyone who reads C S Lewis and is looking for more understanding or just a quick refresh on his writings. -- Nathania Goforth * Netgalley *
