C.S. Lewis: The Signature Classics Audio Collection: The Problem of Pain, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, Mere Christianity

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Contents:
The problem of pain / read by James Simmons --
The screwtape letters / read by Joss Ackland --
The great divorce / read by Robert Whitfield --
Mere Christianity / read by Geoffrey Howard.

17 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1,2001

About the author

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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]


Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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37(37%)
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99 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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My order of preference for Lewis' theological works is as follows:

First and foremost, "The Abolition of Man" holds a special place in my heart. It presents profound insights into the nature of man and the importance of objective values.

Next comes "Miracles", which explores the concept of the supernatural and its relationship to Christianity. It challenges our modern understanding and invites us to consider the possibility of the miraculous.

"Mere Christianity" is also a remarkable work. It simplifies the complex teachings of Christianity and makes them accessible to a wide audience. It presents the core beliefs and values of the faith in a clear and engaging manner.

However, "The Screwtape Letters" remains the best work I have read on the reality and the work of demonic activity. It offers a unique perspective on the spiritual warfare that takes place in our lives. The letters from the senior devil Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood provide a humorous yet sobering look at the tactics and strategies of the enemy.

Finally, "The Great Divorce" is an excellent apologetic. It presents a vivid and imaginative portrayal of the afterlife and the choices that we make in this life. It challenges us to consider the consequences of our actions and to make the right choices while we still have the opportunity.
July 14,2025
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Adam presented me with the boxed set.

Well, to be honest, I cheated a bit as it was actually on CD.

I had perused all of these works many years ago.

This time around, listening instead of reading enabled a fresh perspective to be cast upon CS Lewis's masterpieces.

The Problem of Pain is extremely potent and holds as much weight in terms of evidence as Mere Christianity.

I have a deep affection for this author and am frequently overheard quoting him.

His words have a profound impact on me, and each time I engage with his works, I discover something new and enlightening.

The act of listening rather than reading has opened up a whole new world of understanding and appreciation for his literary genius.

It's truly remarkable how a different medium can breathe new life into familiar words and ideas.

I look forward to many more opportunities to explore CS Lewis's works and continue to be inspired by his profound insights.

July 14,2025
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Almost finished listening to "The Problem of Pain." I feel so stupid as I can't follow his train of thought. I'm aware he's building a case, but I just can't keep up with him. How I wish I had an outline of the book, with the key points clearly laid out. Surely there must be someone teaching a class on this who could provide me with an outline?


On 3/30/08, I found a lecture series on CD about the works of Lewis. However, as I listened to the reading of "The Great Divorce," I was brought to tears of conviction. It's strange how I can't understand his philosophical writings, but when he uses his "fiction" to paint a picture, I get it immediately. Nevertheless, I'm glad I do get it.


On 4/11/08, I finally finished listening to "Screwtape Letters" and "The Great Divorce," both of which I loved. I'm able to understand the deeper messages in these books so well, yet I struggle to follow the thought process in the apologetical books. Isn't it wonderful that CSL could speak to both sides of the brain and to both types of people, the thinkers and the feelers?

July 14,2025
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Lewis anthologies are always a treat for readers, and this one is no exception. I would rate it 5 stars. While I would have liked to give separate ratings to each individual book, it is still a great collection.

However, it is inaccurate to call it a "complete" anthology as the title suggests. Til We Have Faces, The Cosmic Trilogy, and Letters to Malcolm are all worthy of inclusion and should not have been left out.

This anthology does contain some of Lewis's most well-known works, such as Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, Miracles, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, A Grief Observed, and The Abolition of Man. These books cover a wide range of topics, from theology and philosophy to psychology and literature.

Overall, this is a great anthology for anyone who is interested in C.S. Lewis's work. It provides a good introduction to his ideas and writing style, and is sure to leave readers wanting more.
July 14,2025
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Reading this book, which is both a pleasure and a challenge, has truly made me reflect on the dumbed-down nature of the modern education system in our country.

Most of the young adults I know nowadays are simply not ready for reading books like this collection. It would seem as if they are reading a foreign language. Their education has failed to prepare them for such a task and has not cultivated in them a desire for the kind of thinking that stems from the mind of a remarkable individual like C. S. Lewis.

Unfortunately, young people today are not so much educated as they are trained to take proficiency tests. Consequently, a great deal of potential is being lost. Books like those in this collection are extremely beneficial for the mind. I殷切希望my grandchildren will receive an education that equips them to read and appreciate material of this caliber.

July 14,2025
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C.S. Lewis is truly one of my favorite authors.

He was a former atheist who later became a prominent Christian apologist. In addition, he was an extremely intelligent academic.

While many people know Lewis for his beloved Narnia series, few are aware that Narnia is actually a fantastical retelling of the gospel. Moreover, all of Lewis' stories are rich with biblical themes and allegories.

This ebook encompasses all of his works, spanning from science fiction to fantasy, philosophical essays, biblical commentaries, and Christian apologetics. There is truly something within this text for every seeker.

If you want to hear the basics of Christian doctrine, look no further than Mere Christianity.

To rekindle your childhood loves, the Narnia series is the perfect choice.

To see how demons and the powers of darkness might operate, The Screwtape Letters offers a fascinating perspective.

If you want to hear the story of loss and overcoming the death of a loved one, A Grief Observed (about the death of Lewis' wife from cancer) is a deeply moving read.

For those interested in the theology of suffering, The Problem With Pain provides valuable insights.

And if you're looking for some more obscure works that are slightly controversial in their depictions of the afterlife, The Great Divorce is worth exploring.

For a more academic work, A Preface to Paradise Lost is a great option.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, as there are about a dozen more works. This collection is definitely not something to be read in one sitting, but rather something that should be placed on the shelf of every Christian and searching agnostic.
July 14,2025
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Lewis's notable apologetics are presented in a single set, and each one is truly worth reading in its own right.

His works offer profound insights and thought-provoking arguments that have had a significant impact on the field of apologetics.

Whether it is his exploration of the existence of God, the nature of good and evil, or the meaning and purpose of life, Lewis approaches these topics with clarity, intelligence, and a deep sense of faith.

His writing style is engaging and accessible, making his ideas understandable to a wide range of readers.

By reading Lewis's apologetics, one can gain a better understanding of the Christian faith and be challenged to think more deeply about one's own beliefs.

Overall, his works are a valuable contribution to the field of apologetics and are well worth the time and effort to study.
July 14,2025
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I have decided to read two books that I have never read before, namely The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce.

The Screwtape Letters is a classic work of Christian apologetics written by C.S. Lewis. It is presented in the form of a series of letters from a senior devil, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood, giving advice on how to tempt and corrupt a young man's soul.

The Great Divorce is also a novel by C.S. Lewis. It tells the story of a group of people who take a bus ride from hell to heaven and have the opportunity to make a choice about their eternal destiny.

I am looking forward to reading these two books and exploring the profound ideas and themes that they contain. I believe that they will not only enrich my spiritual life but also provide me with valuable insights into human nature and the meaning of life.

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