Becoming C.S. Lewis by Harry Lee Poe

This is a very good biography. It fills in the early years of the life of a figure highly revered. At least I see him as a person who has had an influence on the world.
Many have read Mere Christianity. It is still read today and may be for many years to come. But what was he like before he became a Christian? That part of his life, until now, was hidden from the public knowledge.
The period covered is 1898 to 1918, just when he entered the war. The author tells what Jacks' life was like as a child and young man. Jack was the name he went by His full name was Clive Staples Lewis.
The author explores how circumstances molded Lewis' early years and helped him to become what he became. Also how his reading formed his view of life.
For a person like me who enjoys true stories of great authors, this book is welcome.
it covers areas as the romances he had and the pressures of life. No one is without warts in his life. Poe , who lectures on  C.S. Lewis tends to be fair .
The writing is good and easy to read.
I recommend this book for everyone. Try to find it in your library.
It is published by Crossway. You can read about it on crossway.org. Retail price for this book is $22.99.

C. S. Lewis: A life by Alister McGrath

         He is still popular even though he thought he would fade from importance. C. S. Lewis (1898 to 1963) an Irish man whom people now consider a British gentleman, was a scholar who aso was able to connect with the common man. He probably never wanted the fame he got.
       McGrath writes a more complete biography of C. S. Lewis. The other biographers of  Lewis had known him. McGrath had only the diaries and writings to depend upon. He does a good job.
      Lewis  was not a theologian in the sense of an ordained clergy. He was just an ordinary man living life. He was a prolific writer and seemed to enjoy scholarship.
     He soon sensed that good literary techniques could better express the deeper truth he was discovering. From 1898 to 1930 he was a atheist. He became a Christian in 1930, McGrath explores that fact well, not a Christian of any denomination or affiliation.
     During the sixties Lewis was almost forgotten but Americans became interested in his works, especially Mere Christianity, that his writings became read again.
     His Narnia Tales have been made into movies, at least the first three..
.   A time line is included at the end of the book.
    This is a welcome addition to the other biographies of Lewis.