So fascinating! I love C.S. Lewis. Your observations, and the deep understanding of history behind them, are inspiring. Coincidentally, I used a quote from “A Grief Observed” as an epigraph for the essay I have been writing for weeks now. Going back to the book was a breakthrough. I now want to reread the Narnia books, then go on to his other works. Thank you so much, Thalia.🙏
Another fascinating read, Thalia. Unfortunately I never read the Narnia books as a child, and in fact only got round to reading the works of his colleague Tolkien later in life! I should put that right at some point, although I also have to make more effort with his essays, as I have only managed a few at this point. He was a colossal intellect for sure. Those scholarly gatherings at the "Eagle and Child" public house in Oxford, with both himself and JRRT in attendance must have been an education to all those lucky enough to be there.
Yes, can you imagine what those gatherings must’ve been like, Jim? I’m convinced that such gatherings still exist here. Though one must look for it harder perhaps. I like the idea of a worthy adversary that is also a friend. I haven’t gone too deeply with the essays. Although his books are some of those that are always worth a reread. Since I’m constantly discovering something new. For Narnia, a lot of people like the second (most popular) book. Though for me, the first remains a favorite—on world creation. What books did you read when you were little, Jim?
Ahh…you got me thinking back now, Thalia. It was restricted to what I could get from the local libraries as a child. Buying books was out of my parents’ range (and most people’s range in my world - apart from the odd paperback thriller or suchlike). I remember the Just William books by Richmael Crompton being a favourite. Maybe you haven’t heard of her or the series, as they were very “English” in their nature and gentle schoolboy humour. I really had no strong preferences and was fairly indiscriminate back then. I just picked up what grabbed my attention, whether fiction or non-fiction. Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome is another I recall fondly. And definitely The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graeme, which appealed to my lifelong fascination with rivers and contains a paragraph which I can still recall by heart, describing the unalloyed joy of the Mole on discovering the river and exploring it. Thank you for the prompt!
Jim, you're right that I haven't yet heard of Richmael Crompton's series. You're onto something when you mentioned books that are very "English" in nature. Oddly, I somehow got hooked on the fantastic Enid Blyton series. And when I came to America, interestingly not one person have ever read those books! There must be something about regional popularity. I'll have to add these books you recommend to my must-consider list (which is alarmingly getting very long every day)!
So fascinating! I love C.S. Lewis. Your observations, and the deep understanding of history behind them, are inspiring. Coincidentally, I used a quote from “A Grief Observed” as an epigraph for the essay I have been writing for weeks now. Going back to the book was a breakthrough. I now want to reread the Narnia books, then go on to his other works. Thank you so much, Thalia.🙏
Grief Observed is one of his titular books. Looking forward to that essay, Mary!
Thank you, Thalia!
Very interesting. This has always been a favorite series for me. Had no idea about the connection to Italy.
Mine, too, Jan! If I recall you live in or may have lived in Italy? Might be a great weekend trip? 🇮🇹
Thanks Thalia, well done!
Another fascinating read, Thalia. Unfortunately I never read the Narnia books as a child, and in fact only got round to reading the works of his colleague Tolkien later in life! I should put that right at some point, although I also have to make more effort with his essays, as I have only managed a few at this point. He was a colossal intellect for sure. Those scholarly gatherings at the "Eagle and Child" public house in Oxford, with both himself and JRRT in attendance must have been an education to all those lucky enough to be there.
Yes, can you imagine what those gatherings must’ve been like, Jim? I’m convinced that such gatherings still exist here. Though one must look for it harder perhaps. I like the idea of a worthy adversary that is also a friend. I haven’t gone too deeply with the essays. Although his books are some of those that are always worth a reread. Since I’m constantly discovering something new. For Narnia, a lot of people like the second (most popular) book. Though for me, the first remains a favorite—on world creation. What books did you read when you were little, Jim?
Ahh…you got me thinking back now, Thalia. It was restricted to what I could get from the local libraries as a child. Buying books was out of my parents’ range (and most people’s range in my world - apart from the odd paperback thriller or suchlike). I remember the Just William books by Richmael Crompton being a favourite. Maybe you haven’t heard of her or the series, as they were very “English” in their nature and gentle schoolboy humour. I really had no strong preferences and was fairly indiscriminate back then. I just picked up what grabbed my attention, whether fiction or non-fiction. Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome is another I recall fondly. And definitely The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graeme, which appealed to my lifelong fascination with rivers and contains a paragraph which I can still recall by heart, describing the unalloyed joy of the Mole on discovering the river and exploring it. Thank you for the prompt!
Jim, you're right that I haven't yet heard of Richmael Crompton's series. You're onto something when you mentioned books that are very "English" in nature. Oddly, I somehow got hooked on the fantastic Enid Blyton series. And when I came to America, interestingly not one person have ever read those books! There must be something about regional popularity. I'll have to add these books you recommend to my must-consider list (which is alarmingly getting very long every day)!
Fascinating read! None of this was on my radar when I devoured those books.
Incredibly written Thalia! I’m reading through the Narnia series now so this is right on time ✨
I love the series, Asia! Which one is your favorite so far?