The Screwtape Letters: Annotated Edition

I debated buying this more expensive edition than many much less costly alternatives, but I'm a book lover, and it seemed to be a deluxe hardcover ... and so it is, deluxe that is. Well bound and large enough font to make for easy reading. I am surprised at how much I valued the annotations. Aside from explaining obscure people, places, and things that Lewis refers to, there are many quotes from his other works that are helpful in understanding his mindset. Through some of those I'm convinced that C.S. Lewis believed in demons influencing people, and the book is similar to Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress in being an allegory of a new Christian's inevitable experiences as he traverses the way.

THIS BOOK IS SIMPLY FABULOUS. I utterly loved reading this book. It is truly profound in its wisdom of the human psyche. You could almost use this as a reference book in a psychology class. Lewis was undoubtedly gifted with a deep wisdom not granted to the rest of us. Frankly, moments of it are a bit difficult to read because you have to constantly invert what the demon is saying to pull away the positive lesson; that said, this book is VERY worth reading for ANY Christian. Lewis was an Anglican but he exposes universal Christian / Human truths here. One might argue that his theology (at least in this work) is nearly Catholic; but the simple fact of the matter is all Christians recognize that Angels and Demons are real and they are waging a spiritual battle around us and we are caught in the crossfire. Lewis exposes the many traps that we, as sinners, fall into and how our minds are often pigeonholed which merely compounds our problems. Lewis also exposes more than once how EVEN GOOD THINGS can be twisted and used for evil purposes if we aren't careful. As I said, every Christian (and frankly, non-Christians as well) should read this book. I cannot recommend this specific version of the letters highly enough. This annotated edition is very well made. The annotations are SUPERB. The author clearly knew Lewis's works in and out and was erudite in his own right. Frequent quotes in the margins from Lewis's other writings bring a wonderful richness not experienced if one only reads the text by itself. There are also helpful notes dealing with colloquialisms of mid-century British English which might be lost on American readers. I took quite a lot away from this book; the margins have sparked a strong desire in me to read his other works. I have half a mind to gift copies to people I know---but this specific version because of the notes. This is a book I will cherish the rest of my life and, in all likelihood, re-read once a year or so. In terms of the physical book itself, it is very well made with fine paper, nice margins, and a beautiful dust jacket. You get your money's worth. (PS- this copy DOES include Screwtape's Toast (epilogue to the letters) at the end, published after the initial letters themselves.)

I have read Screwtape Letters at least twice previously, so I purchased this primarily for the annotations. I was expecting the annotations to focus on language differences, cultural differences, time and place differences, etc., providing deeper context for the readings. I find that they focus more on relating various passages to other writings by C. S. Lewis, with quotes that cross-reference similar concepts in other writings. This is interesting, but there is less of the enhanced context of Lewis's time period than I expected. I will be attending the play version in 2 weeks, and regardless the book will definitely get me ready for the theatre experience!

This is a great book. The original material while written in the 1940's is perfectly relevant today. It is very much a work of apologia, meaning that it is very concerned with indoctrinating the reader into Christianity. That said it is humorous and thought provoking and not really pushy but clearly focused on the ideas of good and evil and the role that God plays in defining those concepts. The annotations are very nice, they are mainly about explaining language no longer in common usage or referring the reader to other materials. Sometimes this is simply a reference to another work that lewis is referencing, sometimes this is to another place in the body of writing Lewis himself did that covers the same topic in more depth. I'm an agnostic myself and this book is one of the best read s for someone who wants a primer to Christian thinking. The ideas here are not aggressive, there is abundant wit and humor and the content while clear in it's theology is geared toward addressing questions rather than forcing answers on the reader. It is thought provoking and show s a clearly defined worldview and a way of arguing that shows the thought put into the topic by Lewis.

This is a book of satire, with annotations clearly written in side notes on every page that clears up the authors use of data. The hard cover is very durable, and the printing is dark and easy to read. The content is for the reader to decide in purchasing as it is satirical letters between the devil and an accomplice working to entrap a new possible client. It is a good read, large enough to be held easily, and very entertaining. It is for adults and would be appropriate in high school libraries.

Every word is mine.

delivered on time and contents better than expected... Satirical, insightful and thought provoking! But if they really think and act like this then why do they have so much success once we're aware of their strategies? perhaps they are not real, or are they!

One of my favorites. I have my own copy from college but I bought this one as a gift and it is gorgeous. The cover is beautiful and th annotations are a great addition to an already amazing book!

Great book! Upgraded to the hardback.

Un clásico para los fans de este autor. Imprescindible —más esta edición anotada y con el extra de "Screwtape Proposes a Toast"— en cualquier librero o estante de quién se diga admirador de Lewis. Una joyita de libro.