Publisher Description

A unique account of one of history's most intriguing literary groups. The Inklings were an influential group of writers, along the lines of the Lake Poets or the Bloomsbury Group, centred on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who met regularly in the pubs of St Giles, Oxford, to read and discuss their latest writings. Acclaimed author Colin Duriez explores their lives, their writings, their ideas and crucially the influence they had on each other.

Notes

An account of the literary group The Inklings, whose members included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They met regularly in the pubs of St Giles, Oxford, to read and discuss their latest writings. Also looks at the influence of the Christian faith on the group.

Author Biography

Colin Duriez is an expert on C.S. Lewis, his writings and also his wider circle. He is also the author of the popular biography C.S. Lewis: A biography of friendship and J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend (both published by Lion Hudson). He has also written widely on other aspects of Lewis, Tolkien and the other members of the Inklings, and has contributed to conferences, lectures, DVDs and documentaries on these subjects.

Table of Contents

Contents
Preface 11
Introduction C.S. Lewis and the dinosaurs 15
Chapter 1 Through love and beyond: Charles Williams, the enigmatic Inkling 28
Chapter 2 Roots and shoots: Friends who will become Inklings 46
Chapter 3 The 1920s: Oxford, wistful dreams, and a war with Owen Barfield 65
Chapter 4 J.R.R. Tolkien returns to Oxford and C .S. Lewis meets God 91
Chapter 5 The birth of the Inklings 109
Chapter 6 The 1930s: Writing books they liked to read 132
Chapter 7 The war years and the Golden Age of the Inklings 154
Chapter 8 The close of the Golden Age 172
Chapter 9 The Final Years 192
Chapter 10 A fter the Inklings 210
Chapter 11 Just a Group of Friends? 217
Appendix 1 A n Inklings gallery 230
Appendix 2 A select Inklings chronology 238
Bibliography 252
Notes 260
Index 275
Acknowledgments 288

Review

"Excellent! This is one of the best books on the Inklings I've ever read." -- Walter Hooper, Literary Advisor to the C.S. Lewis Estate
"Few people know the Inklings as intimately as Duriez who makes us feel as though he has just come from a morning with them at the Eagle and Child." -- Harry Lee Poe, author of The Inklings of Oxford and C.S. Lewis Remembered
"Just when I thought nothing new could be said about Lewis, Tolkien, Barfield, Williams, and the others, gifted author Colin Duriez presents fresh and fascinating insights." -- Carolyn Curtis, author

Promotional

A unique account of one of history's most intriguing literary groups.

Long Description

The Inklings were an influential group of writers, along the lines of the Lake Poets or the Bloomsbury Group, centred on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who met regularly in the pubs of St Giles, Oxford, to read and discuss their latest writings. Acclaimed author Colin Duriez explores their lives, their writings, their ideas and crucially the influence they had on each other. Examining the clear purpose behind the group while celebrating its diversity and lack of formality, Duriez explains how this eclectic group of friends, without formal membership, agenda or minutes, could have a programme that shaped the publications and ideas of the leading participants. Who else was involved with the Inklings, and why do Owen Barfield and Charles Williams matter so much? What difference did World War 2 make to the group, and why did they eventually stop meeting? The Oxford Inklings explores the group's complex and fascinating interactions, and includes the women on the fringes such as Dorothy L. Sayers and Lewis's wife, Joy Davidman, Duriez also considers the Christian faith of the defining members, which influenced them greatly.This unique account of one of history's most intriguing literary groups will find itself on the reading list of every serious Inklings, Lewis or Tolkien fan.

Review Quote

"This is a valuable addition to Inklings studies, suitable both for beginners and for more seasoned readers. For those who don't know too much about the Inklings, Duriez provides a readable and well-rounded overview of the lives and works of Lewis, Tolkien, and their friends who comprised this famous literary band of brothers. Duriez is well-known for his thorough and diligent research, so this book also offers surprising and delightful insights even for readers who are familiar with earlier studies of the Inklings. "The Oxford Inklings" is enjoyable and enlightening for readers of all levels!"

Promotional "Headline"

A unique account of one of history's most intriguing literary groups.

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