The third and final volume in Harry Lee Poe’s monumental study of C S Lewis and his work. This volume covers the years from 1945 and the end of WWII to Lewis’s death in 1963. It’s not necessary, but undoubtedly helpful, to have some knowledge of Lewis’s earlier life, but in fact, thanks to the author’s expert narration, the book successfully stands alone and is both informative and consistently fascinating. I haven’t read the earlier volumes but this didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. Clearly and accessibly written, meticulously researched, insightful and non-judgmental, this book is all that a good biography should be and I very much enjoyed it.

'The Completion of C.S. Lewis: From War to Joy (1945-1963)' ends the biographical trilogy of C.S. Lewis by Harry Lee Poe. The evolution of Lewis's worldview is the main focus of the work, and the third volume shows how gradually Lewis changed his perspective on Christian literature, Americans (even marrying one), grief, prayers, etc. While most modern readers remember him as the author of the books on Narnia, in his time, he was known as a lay theologian who saw his mission in explaining the problematic Christian concepts in simple language for believers. He also wrote poems, participated in several literary circles, and taught at Cambridge and Oxford universities.

Harry Lee Poe presents C.S. Lewis as a breathing, complicated individual with constantly evolving ideas. While paying tribute to C.S. Lewis's talent, the author doesn't stoop to the meaningless adoration. There are pages in the book devoted to the ham shortages in the UK or the problem of treating an enlarged prostate. This forensic detail to attention brings to life not just Lewis but the whole first half of the 20th century, with its two world wars and rich literary traditions. The book can also guide further reading since it contains many names of other poets and writers connected with C.S. Lewis.

I received a free copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a brilliant book. It is the third in a series of biographies about c.s Lewis. I haven't read the other two, but this was the perfect book for me to read and was so close to getting 5 stars. It covered the narnia chronicles all the way up to his death and beyond. I actually read this book straight after reading all the narnia novels. It was the perfect complement as it really makes you appreciate his work even more. This book was very through and included his days working as a lecturer. Which was fascinating reading. You could tell that this book was very well researched and it flowed so well. There was never a dull moment. I loved reading about his friendship with Tolken as it was definitely a roller coaster ride. I really couldn't put this book down and finished it in one day, which definitely had me up very late trying to finish it. I definitely recommend reading it if you want to learn more about C.S. Lewis.

So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this very fascinating book. I just loved looking at the pictures included in this book. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this brilliant author.
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I'm still working my way through the book, but am very, very impressed with it--as I have been with the previous two in the "series." Poe is an engaging author, and frankly, this read is (so far) my favorite of the three books--in large part, I think, to the overall time period it takes place in (1945-63). WWII and the post-war years are some of the most intriguing to me, so my interest is vested above and beyond "just" Lewis anyway--and including him is an added bonus!

If you're looking for a comprehensive read on C.S. Lewis and his life--look no further than this book and series. Poe masterfully examines the man, his life, and the places he inhabited, placing him in history and examining the effect world (and life) events had on him and his work. Lewis leaps off the page and becomes a living and breathing person in this read.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Lewis was a complicated figure, and extremely difficult to understand in some ways. For example, his agreeing to look after his friend's mother, Mrs Moore, seems fairly masochistic. This book helped me understand the seemingly jolly, unhealthy and complex man much more, but it is extremely detailed. Poe discusses Lewis's personal and professional lives comprehensively, and includes brilliant analyses of his books. I am a big fan of C.S. Lewis, but I haven't read all of his books, and I thought that this biography would be especially interesting for those interested in researching Lewis thoroughly, although it is written in an engaging, friendly way, and not in an academic manner.

I especially enjoyed reading about the rivalry between C.S. Lewis and F.R. Leavis - F.R. Leavis was the 'in thing' in my day. Now he is practically forgotten, and C.S. Lewis, the Christian, is still studied! I was pleased to read this, although quite surprised. I haven't gone into it, but I wonder if Poe was exaggerating here.

Any fan of C.S. Lewis will enjoy this book, and I will be looking for the first two volumes.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

An excellent biography of Lewis, covering the years after World War II. Although this is the third volume of the biography, it can easily be read on its own merits.

Poe does everything a good biographer should do. He covers Lewis's personal and professional lives. He covers the books written in this period, talking both about their content and their writing; Poe does not shirk from correcting the mistakes of other biographers or from giving praise where it is deserved.

A well-rounded biography.

A great look at the last years of Lewis. If you're a C.S. Lewis fan, this book will be very interesting to you. Harry Lee Poe does a wonderful job writing. Easy to read and comprehend. This would be a great gift for the person in your life who loves Lewis.

*I received this digital book from Crossway through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I found this quite interesting and informative! There was some repetition of facts. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone interested in the life of C. S. Lewis.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and Crossway for an e-ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly, this was a highly engaging look at the later years of C.S. Lewis. While I did find the structure odd at times, the way it followed themes in his life and looked at how various strands wove together was, at the end of it all, incredibly fascinating to follow. While I also understand that this was not meant as a rigorous academic book, it did lapse in some places (but that might just be my academia-poisoned brain), around the author wanting to present a certain argument and dismissing other readings.

However, despite all of that, this was a really delightful and in-depth look at his life and the forces that shaped his writing and world view, and I'm really glad that I read it!

I received a free copy of, The Completion of C. S. Lewis, by Harry Lee Poe. from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed reading book by C. S. Lewis, his books are so deep and leave you thinking and wanting more. I enjoyed this book, I learned plenty of new things about C. S. Lewis.

Of all the books about CS Lewis I have read, this one is by far the best. Anyone who wants a complete picture of the man should read this book.

A beautiful collection of stories about the theologian C.S. Lewis! This was a very interesting look into one of my favorite Inklings and I enjoyed it thoroughly.