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Marvelous study.
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Christian Mythmakers: C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, G.K. Che
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Literature of such great writers as C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, Charles Williams, G. K. Chesterton, John Buyan, Dante and others is examined in this introductory volume to Christian mythopoeia.
303 pages, Paperback
First published January 1,1998
This edition
- Format
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303 pages, Paperback
- Published
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January 1, 2002 by Cornerstone Pr Chicago
- ISBN
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9780940895485
- ASIN
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094089548X
- Language
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English
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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 34 votes)
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Sometimes essays on well-known authors feel tired and tiresome and don't tell you anything you don't already know about the authors and their books.
Sometimes essays are so highly readable you have a hard time putting the book down, and while you may have read at least something about the authors being spoken of, the new insights make you want to rediscover the authors and read everything ever written by them.
Thankfully, this book included the second kind of essays.
I so appreciate Rolland Hein's rich understanding of myth as stories that bring "the transcendent and eternal to bear upon life," and his recognition of the ability of these "Christian Mythmakers" to create a new yet timeless form of myth, invoking awe and revealing hidden truths woven within their enchanting stories.
Sometimes, while reading, I felt like the author was a friend coming alongside and saying, "Hey, did you notice this about the book?" or "Oh, I know you've read ____ by this author, but have you read ____?" or, "If you love the works of so-and-so, you have to read this guy!"
Note: When I saw the misspelling of Madeleine L'Engle's name on the cover in this book's second edition, I admit I was worried that my purchase was a mistake. Fortunately, her name is NOT misspelled in the book itself and must have been a simple error in the cover printing. The research Hein has done for the book itself -- the facts and quotes and insight -- is terrific and it's the kind of book I would readily reread and recommend.
Also, the "select" bibliography is a library of wealth within itself for anyone who loves the works of Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, L'Engle, and the rest.
Sometimes essays are so highly readable you have a hard time putting the book down, and while you may have read at least something about the authors being spoken of, the new insights make you want to rediscover the authors and read everything ever written by them.
Thankfully, this book included the second kind of essays.
I so appreciate Rolland Hein's rich understanding of myth as stories that bring "the transcendent and eternal to bear upon life," and his recognition of the ability of these "Christian Mythmakers" to create a new yet timeless form of myth, invoking awe and revealing hidden truths woven within their enchanting stories.
Sometimes, while reading, I felt like the author was a friend coming alongside and saying, "Hey, did you notice this about the book?" or "Oh, I know you've read ____ by this author, but have you read ____?" or, "If you love the works of so-and-so, you have to read this guy!"
Note: When I saw the misspelling of Madeleine L'Engle's name on the cover in this book's second edition, I admit I was worried that my purchase was a mistake. Fortunately, her name is NOT misspelled in the book itself and must have been a simple error in the cover printing. The research Hein has done for the book itself -- the facts and quotes and insight -- is terrific and it's the kind of book I would readily reread and recommend.
Also, the "select" bibliography is a library of wealth within itself for anyone who loves the works of Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, L'Engle, and the rest.
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This functions as a decent armchair introduction to the Christian mythopoeia of selected authors. It wasn't what I was looking for, however, particularly since I'm looking for more in-depth discussion of myth and Christianity. It might not be very fair of me to knock a star off for that - people do need basic introductions, after all - but I'm still frustrated by the surface-level handling of these authors, and how much the book depends on rehashing concepts already handled by the Zaleskis, for example.
Tl;dr: great sample of Christian authors that sticks with the surface level.
Tl;dr: great sample of Christian authors that sticks with the surface level.
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A good introduction to each of these writers as myth makers. I personally wish it were more in-depth and academic. Instead, it summarizes some key thoughts of each author and their mythical works. I was also curious with Hein’s approach to kairos - I’ve always encountered it as “the opportune time” and not as a concept that is sort of “superseding time”. Overall, I think it serves as a solid introduction to these authors and their works of Christian myth.
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This was an interesting read, especially in te Tolkien chapter.
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An excellent introduction to the topic of "Myth" which is much different than our modern, watered down, tasteless usage of the word. It was well written, though I came across many words I did not know, (that has never bothered me in reading, as I am always eager to expand my English vocabulary!) so be prepared to have a dictionary with you.
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I am an avowed atheist, but to discover why I was reading a book about Christian myth makers, you need look no further than the subtitle of the book. Tolkien, L'Engle, MacDonald, and Lewis are all authors I have enjoyed. Although this book looks at them primarily as Christian writers, the discussion of each of those authors writings was enjoyable.
Also enjoyable was Clyde Kilby's forward on the nature of myth. Myth in the writings of these authors is not the low definition of discredited stories. Rather, this book discusses the higher meaning of myth. In the words of Kilby, "Myth is the name of a way of seeing, a way of knowing in depth, a way of experiencing -- a way that in being disinterested contains the freedom of unending and vital interest." Myth is necessary because "Systematizing flattens, but myth rounds out. Systematizing drains away color and life, but myth restores." Any translation of idea into language, reality into system loses some depth. Myth is what recaptures that depth by providing sidelong glimpses of some sensed truth.
Hein makes the assumption that the truth that myth points to is embodied in Christianity -- the Bible presents myth that is also factual truth. This is not a bad assumption in so far as it is what the authors under discussion believed. However, it is an assumption and one that fails to carry its own weight upon further examination.
In the end, this book was a worthwhile read, but the large number of authors surveyed and lack of willingness to examine the basic assumptions Christianity's relationship to myth made it somewhat shallow.
Also enjoyable was Clyde Kilby's forward on the nature of myth. Myth in the writings of these authors is not the low definition of discredited stories. Rather, this book discusses the higher meaning of myth. In the words of Kilby, "Myth is the name of a way of seeing, a way of knowing in depth, a way of experiencing -- a way that in being disinterested contains the freedom of unending and vital interest." Myth is necessary because "Systematizing flattens, but myth rounds out. Systematizing drains away color and life, but myth restores." Any translation of idea into language, reality into system loses some depth. Myth is what recaptures that depth by providing sidelong glimpses of some sensed truth.
Hein makes the assumption that the truth that myth points to is embodied in Christianity -- the Bible presents myth that is also factual truth. This is not a bad assumption in so far as it is what the authors under discussion believed. However, it is an assumption and one that fails to carry its own weight upon further examination.
In the end, this book was a worthwhile read, but the large number of authors surveyed and lack of willingness to examine the basic assumptions Christianity's relationship to myth made it somewhat shallow.
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I enjoyed this book. Some parts better than others. Specifically because of either the author or work reviewed. At times it was difficult to return because the style of writing felt like I was in a constant classroom. I kept expecting some familiarity between reviewer and author/work to break up the monotony. Nevertheless still a worth while read especially if anyone of these writers or their works are unfamiliar and fantasy/myth is a passion. A passing interest will likely make this book feel weighty. Enjoy!
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