C.S. Lewis' Top Ten

What made bestselling author C. S. Lewis such a great writer with so many admirers? One answer to that question is Lewis' vast reading across the entire canon of Western literature, from Homer and the Bible to some lesser-known works of the early twentieth century. Before one can become a great writer, one must be a great reader.

In 1962, an interviewer asked Lewis: "What books did most to shape your vocational attitude and your philosophy of life?" In response, Lewis offered the following top ten list:

1. Phantastes by George MacDonald

2. The Everlasting Man by G. K. Chesterton

3. The Aeneid by Virgil

4. The Temple by George Herbert

5. The Prelude by William Wordsworth

6. The Idea of the Holy by Rudolf Otto

7. The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius

8. Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell

9. Descent into Hell by Charles Williams

10. Theism and Humanism by A.J. Balfour

    Based on his books, marginal notes, and personal letters, Lewis' reading of these books is thoroughly documented. Volume One of this series covers the first three books on his list. Will Vaus offers a brief biography of each author with a helpful summary of their book. Lewis' Top Ten goes to the sources of the ideas and ideals reflected in Lewis' own books. With this handy three-volume series, readers can discover new authors and learn what Lewis believed was most important in his own life and writings.

    "A great help in understanding C.S. Lewis is to understand the books that were most influential in shaping his thought. Will Vaus has undertaken the task of examining those books which Lewis himself said were the top ten. His work is thorough, comprehensive, and illuminating."

    Rolland Hein, Emeritus Professor of English, Wheaton College

    Author of George MacDonald: Victorian Mythmaker

    "Many studies of C.S. Lewis are being published and this book will certainly be among those of real importance to readers of Lewis."

    Aidan Mackey

    Senior fellow of the G.K. Chesterton Institute and Library in Oxford

    Will Vaus is a popular speaker on C.S. Lewis and the author of many books, including Speaking of Jack: A C.S. Lewis Discussion Guide and The Hidden Story of Narnia: A Book-by-Book Guide to C.S. Lewis' Spiritual Themes.