I have read many of Lewis's works repeatedly over the years and have read much of the secondary literature on him. The Intellectual World of C. S. Lewisdoes a good job in placing him in the intellectual context of his time. (Modern-day Pilgrim, 8 April 2014)
McGrath's volume is useful to both Lewis scholars and lay readers interested in Lewis or the themes with which he engaged. (The Way, 1 April 2014)
There are acute and stimulating observations on Surprised by Joy as autobiography cast in a Christian mould, and its reliability as a source for historians. There are two particularly fine chapters showing the long-range influence on Lewis of the tradition of classical, medieval and early modern literature. (Peter Webster's Blog, 22 January 2014)
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty. (Choice, 1 December 2013)
Many will also be grateful for these two books by Alister McGrath. Both reflect his thorough research, careful weighing of evidence, wide reading, and clarity of expression. . . The book contains useful studies on different aspects of Lewis as a Christian thinker; and I particularly enjoyed the slightly mischievous chapter in which McGrath argues that Lewis should be seen as a real theologian, not just the amateur one that he himself claimed to be. (Church Times, 22 November 2013)
There is more to be said about Lewis as apologist and theologian but McGrath has written what will long be regarded as the essential guide. (The Church of England Newspaper, 23 June 2013)
McGrath is ingenious and persuasive in searching Lewis's writings for clues to his private life ... [A] devoted and meticulous biography. (The Times Literary Supplement, 21 June 2013)
Alister McGrath's biography of C.S. Lewis was an incredible exploration of one of the greatest minds in the history of Christian thought. I've always enjoyed reading Lewis because of the way he explains concepts in a way that is refreshing and inspiring. I found McGrath to have that kind of way with words in his exploration of Lewis' life. He takes the exploration a step further in a new companion book to the Lewis biography, THE INTELLECTUAL WORLD OF C.S. LEWIS. (Tom Farr Reviews, 1 June 2013)
