| The works of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Charles Williams and Owen Barfield have had a profound impact on the contemporary world. Together they were The Inklings, a small literary group of friends who set out to explore the 'mythopoeic' or myth-making element in imaginative fiction. The Magical World of the Inklings by Gareth Knight reveals how each of these writers created a 'magical world' which initiates the reader into hidden and powerful realms of the creative imagination. Originally published in 1990, this new edition has been substantially revised and expanded. It gives a thorough overview of the works of all four writers, including some of their lesser known work and posthumous publications, and explores the very practical way in which the creative imagination is invoked within the reader through the 'magical world' each writer constructed. In this respect, Gareth Knight's background as a leading expert on both magic and myth gives him a unique perspective which takes this book some way beyond the sphere of straightforward literary criticism. |
The only review I found was one by Owen Barfield: "Because of the combination of information, understanding and insight on which it is founded, The Magical World of the Inklings is more than outstanding. It is not in the same league with anything else I have come across." Next to that it received two 5 star reviews at Amazon and so I guess I'm going to order myself a copy.
Since I read Looking for The King my interest into the other Inklings has grown a lot and I believe that during the Christmas holidays I'm going to get me some Lewis and Barfield books to read. Where to start is now my question... maybe I have to start by reading this book by Gareth Knight and learn some more about the works by The Inkings to make up my mind. Suggestions are welcome of course.
| Title: The Magical World of the Inklings - J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams & Owen BarfieldAuthor: Gareth KnightPublisher: Skylight PressPublication Date:20 Oct 2010, 2nd revised editionType: paperback, 304 pagesISBN-10: 1908011017ISBN-13: 978-1908011015 |
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