C. S. Lewis Biography and Quotes

Famously Known For

Clive Staples Lewis (C.S. Lewis) or Jack Lewis, as nicknamed by friends is popularly known for The Chronicles of Narnia, a children’s classic series. 

Early Life

The famous author, Lewis, was born in 1898 and lived his life to the early ’60s. Lewis was a resident of Belfast, his place of birth. He was born into a Protestant Ulster family, and throughout his life, he retained his roots to Ireland. At a tender age, Lewis was always in the company of Irish and developed some interest in Celtic literature and myths.

Before emerging into the limelight, Lewis used to admire the works of William Butler Yeats, a renowned Irish poet. C.S. Lewis attended a couple of schools including Malvern in Worcestershire. According to his writings, his stay in public schools wasn’t ok as he talked about how boys were harassed. 

Around 1916, Lewis earned a scholarship to join Oxford University. He was an excellent student as he achieved a triple three or in simpler terms, the top classification in three different degrees. A year later, Lewis left the university to join the British army during World War I. The author participated in trench warfare until the moment he was injured and sent home to recover. 

Later, Lewis resumed his studies at Oxford and graduated with a focus on classic philosophy and literature. 

Personal Life

During his career as a literature professor, Lewis met up with Joy Gresham, an American English teacher. The two developed some mutual feeling before Lewis married her in 1956. Lewis enjoyed his marriage life until 1960 when Joy Gresham passed away. Lewis was affected by his wife’s passing and even expressed his feelings through a book (A Grief Observed, using a pen name).

Career

After graduating from Oxford, Lewis took up a fellowship teaching position at Magdalen College. The college was part of Oxford University. Lewis also joined a group of intellectuals and writers. The informal group was known as The Inklings and comprised of fellows such as J.R.R. Tolkien.

During his interactions with the members of the group, Lewis started re-igniting his Christianity life. His sudden change would later see him renowned for his rich apologist texts through which he explained spiritual beliefs. He began publishing his work in the 20s. His books have been acknowledged. For instance, The Allegory of Love won the Hawthornden Prize. During World War II, Lewis was famous on the radios with his Christianity sessions, which saw many people turn their lives to Christ. In 1963, Lewis developed heart troubles which saw him resign from his position at Cambridge. 

Death

On November 22^nd, 1963, Lewis passed away in Headington, Oxford. His cause of death was a renal failure. Lewis’s death was the same date as the assassination of J.F. Kennedy. 

Quotes by C. S. Lewis

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