C.S. Lewis (29, November 1898 – 22, November 1963) was an Irish writer and academic, mostly known for his book The Screwtape Letters and The Chronicles of Narnia.
- Born as Clive Staples Lewis in Belfast, Ireland but his association with Oxford and Cambridge Universities allows people to assume he is British.
- When he was four years old, Mr. Lewis’ beloved dog, Jacksie, was run over by a car. The young boy announced that he wants to be named Jacksie, which turned into his lifelong nickname, Jack.
- When Mr. Lewis was on the faculty at Oxford, he was active in an informal literary group called Inklings, and made a lifelong friendship with another author, J.R.R. Tolkien. In fact, he helped Tolkien through a dry spell when writing the “new Hobbit” (later to be known as Lord of the Rings). He even nominated Tolkien for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
- The protagonist of Out of the Silent Planet is based on J.R.R. Tolkien.
- The author wrote more than 30 books which have been translated into more than 30 languages.
- During World War I he was a commissioned officer to the Third Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry of the British Army as a Second Lieutenant. He fought in the Somme Valley in France where he was injured from friendly fire.
- During army training, Mr. Lewis and his roommate, Edward Courtnay Francis “Paddy” Moore, promised to take care of each other’s families in case one of them died. When Patty got killed, Mr. Lewis lived up to his promise and cared for Paddy’s mother, Jane Moore, who helped him recover from his wounds. They relationship was important to Mr. Lewis and his biographer George Sayer, believes they were lovers despite the 26 year deference.
- Joy Davidman Gresham, an American Jewish, turned atheist, turned Christian, was an intellectual equal and a friend. The couple entered into a civil marriage in 1956.
- During World War II, the author volunteered to re-enter military service, offering to instruct cadets. His request was not accepted but he contributed by broadcasting religious programs on the BBC during the London air raids, which were very much appreciated. The family also took in children evacuated from London.
- Donating all the proceeds from his books to Christian charities, left Mr. Lewis struggling to pay the large tax bills.
Zohar – Man of la Book
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Fun Facts Friday: C.S. Lewis
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C.S. Lewis (29, November 1898 – 22, November 1963) was an Irish writer and academic, mostly known for his book The Screwtape Letters and The Chronicles of Narnia.
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Man of la Book
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