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Title: The Pilgrim's Regress: An Allegorical Apology for Christianity Reason and Romanticism by C. S. Lewis, Michael Hague ISBN: 0-8028-0641-4 Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Pub. Date: January, 1992 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.47 (19 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: An allegorical journey to faith
Comment: This was the first book written by CS Lewis after his conversion to Christianity, and was also his first book of fiction. This allegorical look at "the narrow road" of Christianity set the stage in many ways for much of Lewis's later fiction: the Space Trilogy, Till We Have Faces, and the Chronicles of Narnia, for example. In much of Lewis's later fiction the allegory was less prominent and more attention was paid to the story. This book also varies from Lewi''s other fiction in that it is more autobiographical. The main character, John, encounters many different schools of thought and endures much of the intellectual uncertainty that Lewis himself experienced in the time leading up to his conversion.
Lewis's allegory is absolutely spectacular, though it is necessary to have a pretty thorough knowledge of Lewis's way of thinking in order to follow the allegory. The headers at the top of the page do a great deal to clarify, and help the reader avoid getting lost in all the symbolism. This is especially useful when John is encountering some movement which, though prevalent in Lewis's time, is not very well-known today. Despite the excellent headers, however, the best preparation for this book would be to read Lewis's autobiographical Surprised by Joy. Exposure to this book, along with some of Lewis's other apology, will definitely enrich the experience of reading from this excellent book.
Lewis had a talent for explaining things in such a way that nearly anyone could understand them. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his fiction. The lessons he teaches, through his fiction and non-fiction alike, are important insights into the worlds of Christianity and morality.
Rating: 5
Summary: Apology as an art form: C. S. Lewis at his zenith.
Comment: C. S. Lewis is best known for his story telling and his apologeticism of Christianity. He is truly in his element when he combines the two in the form of allegory. The Pilgim's Regress is a fine example of this and is notably cleaner in its approach than later allegories such as The Chronicles of Narnia and his science fiction trilogy. Where his science fiction gets weighted down by details and lofty text, The Pilgrim's Regress allows one's imagination to supply the details and uses simple substitution instance as language, thus more direct. The Pilgrim's Regress is also written in such a manner as to hold the interest of young and old readers alike. While some of the language and terminology may be foreign to young children, of junior high school age through adulthood will find it an absorbing and provocative read. Lewis does not take the model's (the Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan) overly optomistic or Pollyannish approach, but details in the form of myth the doubts and searching of a soul toward enlightenment. Although similar to Bunyan's work as an allegory, Lewis layers the meanings of the symbology in the book to a truly artistic form. Why, even the names of the chapters invite reflection. For example, two of the chapters are identically titled as Leah For Rachel, and yet no explanation is given for these names (which are not characters in the book) or the meaning. The meaning only becomes clear after reflecting on the premise of the biblical charachters of Leah and Rachel. Not knowing the bible story, however, would not spoil the reading of this tale. This type of layering on top of the basic allegorical plot line allows the book to be read and re-read with new insights each time. That can truly grow old with this book is, in my opinion, the hallmark of any classic. Enjoy it for the story, enjoy it for the insights and enjoy it for its timelessness. One would truly be better for the experience.
Rating: 5
Summary: Well Reasoned, Thoughtful, and Entertaining
Comment: Most of the other reviews have already given you a basic description. Though some say that you need extensive education to understand some of the topics Lewis discusses, I have to disagree. While Mr. Sensible tosses around a bit of Greek and Latin, it's almost enough simply to know that he is taking excerpts from famous sources out of context and twisting them to fit his sensual and pragmatic dogma.
It's true that on my second reading, after a course in Buddhism, I was better able to follow Mr. Wisdom (who, while not being Buddhist, is clearly of a more Monist philosophy). But on the whole, he tackles great issues with clarity. For example, by beginning in "Puritania" he is able to distinguish his own views regarding reality from Puritanical ones. That said, as with all of the steps along the way, he does not become embittered and blindly reject anything which has to do with Puritanism. It is where he begins, and there are bits which help him to grow as he searches. By thus constructing his framework from experience, he is able to explore the concepts discussed with full knowledge of the emotional content associated with them, and yet not be encumbered by it.
While I disagree with Lewis on certain subjects, I cannot help but love reading his work. Pilgrim's Regress, in particular, is among my favorite books. It really is light reading, but it is thought provoking in every way. His philosophy is comprehensive and intensive, his style is gentle to the reader, and every subject is approached with refreshing candidness.
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Title: Finding the Landlord: A Guidebook to C.S. Lewis's Pilgrim's Regress by Kathryn Lindskoog, C. S. Lewis, Pat Peterson ISBN: 0940895358 Publisher: Cornerstone Press Chicago Pub. Date: December, 1997 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
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Title: Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis ISBN: 0156870118 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 23 March, 1966 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis ISBN: 0060653205 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 20 March, 2001 List Price(USD): $10.95 |
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Title: The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis ISBN: 0060652942 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 20 March, 2001 List Price(USD): $8.95 |
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Title: Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold by C.S. Lewis ISBN: 0156904365 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 09 July, 1980 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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