Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life - Softcover

In this book Lewis tells of his search for joy, a spiritual journey that led him from the Christianity of his early youth into atheism and then back to Christianity.

"Fascinating."--The NationThe intensely intimate and sincere autobiography of a man who thought his way to God.   An unfailingly honest and acutely perceptive observer of humanity, C.S. Lewis recounts his search for joy, a spiritual journey that led him from a traditional Christian childhood in Belfast to a youthful atheism and, finally, back to a confident Christianity. Lewis candidly and sensitively describes his early schooldays, his experiences in the trenches during World War I, and his undergraduate life at Oxford--where he reasoned his way back to God. It is perhaps the commonsensical aspect of his conversion to Christianity that makes Lewis's story so compelling and meaningful, especially to contemporary readers who are believers and nonbelievers alike. Since its first publication in 1955, Lewis's journey--his "surprise"--continues to be deeply important to his admirers and to those concerned with the compatibility of the rational and the spiritual.   "I read C.S. Lewis for comfort and pleasure many years ago, and a glance at the books revives my old admiration."--John Updike   "Anyone approaching this book as a study in the psychology of conversion will find the greatest interest in the dual paths--intellectual and intuitive--which converged at last. But the casual reader looking merely for an enjoyable book will equally value many other parts."--Saturday Review   C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) gained international renown for an impressive array of beloved works both popular and scholarly: literary criticism, children's literature, fantasy literature, and numerous books on theology. Surprised by Joy is among his most celebrated achievements, as is Out of the Silent Planet, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, and The Four Loves.