
Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life book by C.S. Lewis
By C. S. LewisSurprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life book by C.S. Lewis
Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life is a partial autobiography describing Lewis' conversion to Christianity. The book overall contains less detail concerning specific events than typical autobiographies. This is because his purpose in writing wasn't primarily historical. His aim was to identify & describe the events surrounding his accidental discovery of & consequent search for the phenomenon he labelled "Joy". This word was the best translation he could make of the German idea of Sehnsucht, longing. That isn't to say the book is devoid of information about his life. He recounts his early years with a measure of amusement sometimes mixed with pain.
However, while he does describe his life, the principal theme of the book is Joy as he defined it. This Joy was a longing so intense for something so good & so high up it couldn't be explained with words. He's struck with "stabs of joy" throughout life. He finally finds what it's for at the end. He writes about his experiences at Malvern College in 1913, aged 15. Though he described the school as "a very furnace of impure loves" he defended the practice as being "the only chink left thru which something spontaneous & uncalculating could creep in." The book's last two chapters cover the end of his search as he moves from atheism to theism & then from theism to Christianity. He ultimately discovers the true nature & purpose of Joy & its place in his own life.
The book isn't connected with his unexpected marriage in later life to Joy Gresham. The marriage occurred long after the period described, though not long after the book was published. His friends were quick to notice the coincidence, remarking he'd really been "Surprised by Joy". "Surprised by Joy" is also an allusion to Wordsworth's poem, "Surprised by Joy-Impatient As The Wind", relating an incident when Wordsworth forgot the death of his beloved daughter.
Book details
- Paperback
- 238 pages
- English
- 0156870118
- 9780156870115
About C. S. Lewis
clive staples lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. he was a fello Read More about C. S. Lewis
More Books By C. S. Lewis
The Reading Life: The Joy of Seeing New Worlds Through Others' Eyes book by C.S. Lewis
New Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #2: Prince Caspian book by C.S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #7: The Last Battle book by C.S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #5: The horse and his boy book by C. S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #3: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader book by C. S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #6: The Magician's Nephew book by C. S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia Publication Order #4: The Silver Chair book by C. S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #1: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe book by C. S. Lewis
Used Book
Beyond the Wardrobe: The Official Guide to Narnia book by E. J. Kirk C. S. Lewis
Used Book
The Chronicles of Narnia (All Seven Books in One Volume) book by C. S. Lewis
Used Book
People who bought this also bought
Creating the Beloved Community : A Handbook for Spiritual Leadership
Used Book
Games people play: The psychology of human relationships book by Eric Berne
New Book
From the Holy Mountain: A Journey Among the Christians of the Middle East book by William Dalrymple
New Book
A Profound Mind: Cultivating Wisdom in Everyday Life book by Dalai Lama
New Book
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ book By Daniel Goleman
New Book
Everyday Greatness: Inspiration for a Meaningful Life book by Stephen R. Covey
New Book
The Way We're Working Isn't Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance book by Tony Schwartz
New Book
Stuarts' Field Guide to Game and Nature Reserves of East Africa (Struik Nature Field Guides) book by Chris Stuart
New Book
Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth book by Abraham Loeb
New Book
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes book by Tamim Ansary
New Book
Paleo/Primal in 5 Ingredients or Less: More Than 200 Sugar-Free, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free Recipe book by Dana Carpender
Used Book
The Priestly Prayer of the Blessing: The Ancient Secret of the Only Prayer in the Bible Written by God Himself book by Warren Marcus
Used Book
Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement: The Secret to Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Independence book by Rachel Richard
New Book
Kagame: Conversations with the President of Rwanda book by Francois Soudan
New Book
Soups, Stews and Casseroles - Food Writers' Favorites (Quick & Easy Recipes)
Used Book
How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out book by Cal Newport
New Book
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream book by Barack Obama
Used Book
The How: Notes on the Great Work of Meeting Yourself book by Yrsa Daley-Ward
New Book
Gut Feelings: Short Cuts to Better Decision Making book by Gerd Gigerenzer
New Book
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayers: 101 Stories of Hope, Miracles, Faith, Divine Intervention, and the Power of Prayer book by Jack Canfield
New Book
Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier book by Arthur C. Brooks, Oprah Winfrey
New Book
Heart and Hustle: Use your passion. Build your brand. Achieve your dreams
New Book