From his rare vantage point as Lewis' student, friend, and professional colleague, Professor John Lawlor recalls Lewis "in his habit as he lived." He offers an unforgettable account of studying under Lewis and an enchanting depiction of undergraduate life at Oxford between the wars. To round out his picture, Professor Lawlor draws on recollections of other associates of Lewis, including J.R.R. Tolkien.
These sketches are complimented by an exposition of Lewis' science fiction and his Chronicles of Narnia, as well as an assessment of Lewis' neglected notion of "happiness" and its links with nineteenth-century English romanticism. Professor Lawlor concludes with his own summarizing understanding of this complex man.
John Lawlor (1918–1999) was C. S. Lewis’ undergraduate pupil at Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating in 1939 with first-class honors, and pursued graduate studies under the supervision of J.R.R. Tolkien. He enjoyed a close friendship with Lewis that lasted until the latter’s death. Emeritus professor of English language and literature at the University of Keele in Great Britain, he wrote widely on medieval and Renaissance English literature and higher education. Professor Lawlor died shortly after Memories and Reflections was published.
Bernard Mayes is a teacher, administrator, corporate executive, broadcaster, actor, dramatist, and former international commentator on US culture. He is best known for his readings of historical classics.