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The Screwtape Letters
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 248.4
EAN: 9780060652937
ISBN: 0060652934
Label: HarperOne
Manufacturer: HarperOne
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 224
Publication Date: 2001-02
Publisher: HarperOne
Release Date: February 06, 2001
Studio: HarperOne
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Editorial Review:
Who among us has never wondered if there might not really be a tempter sitting on our shoulders or dogging our steps? C.S. Lewis dispels all doubts. In The Screwtape Letters, one of his bestselling works, we are made privy to the instructional correspondence between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his wannabe diabolical nephew Wormwood. As mentor, Screwtape coaches Wormwood in the finer points, tempting his "patient" away from God.
Each letter is a masterpiece of reverse theology, giving the reader an inside look at the thinking and means of temptation. Tempters, according to Lewis, have two motives: the first is fear of punishment, the second a hunger to consume or dominate other beings. On the other hand, the goal of the Creator is to woo us unto himself or to transform us through his love from "tools into servants and servants into sons." It is the dichotomy between being consumed and subsumed completely into another's identity or being liberated to be utterly ourselves that Lewis explores with his razor-sharp insight and wit.
The most brilliant feature of The Screwtape Letters may be likening hell to a bureaucracy in which "everyone is perpetually concerned about his own dignity and advancement, where everyone has a grievance, and where everyone lives the deadly serious passions of envy, self-importance, and resentment." We all understand bureaucracies, be it the Department of Motor Vehicles, the IRS, or one of our own making. So we each understand the temptations that slowly lure us into hell. If you've never read Lewis, The Screwtape Letters is a great place to start. And if you know Lewis, but haven't read this, you've missed one of his core writings. --Patricia Klein
This adaptation of C.S. Lewis's biting satire received a 1999 Grammy nomination for best spoken-word performance, and it's easy to see why--the story fits the format perfectly. It's relatively brief (the unabridged reading takes a mere four hours), and contains only one character--the demon Screwtape, who writes letters to his novice nephew Wormwood, instructing him on how to best tempt his "patient" (a wayward soul on earth) into the bosom of "our Lord below."
Obviously, the book wasn't written with former Monty Python John Cleese in mind, but it's hard to imagine a better Screwtape. Cleese's voice provides the perfect vehicle for Lewis's dry, razor-edged wit. His uncanny comic timing and ability to milk each phrase for maximum effect betray an infectious enthusiasm for the story. It's clear that he's having a great time reading, and it's impossible not to laugh along with him. This inspired pairing of two of the 20th century's greatest wits makes for a meditation on the dark side of spiritual guidance that's as relevant and funny today as it was in Lewis's war-torn England. (Running time: 4 hours, 3 cassettes) --Andrew Neiland
In this humorous and perceptive exchange between two devils, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Very Good Premise
In "The Screwtape Letters", author C.S. Lewis sets out to tale the story of two demons attempting to keep a man from finding and keeping faith in Christ. Such a premise could easily have turned into a silly and not particullary interesting book. However, Lewis actually does a fantastic execution of his preimse. It held my interest. Lewis tales the story through letters written between the villians and weaves in some interesting commentaries on friendship, spiritual growth, and even the Second ... Read More
Rating: - The Screwtape Letters
This book describes how demons attack people spiritually by using various kinds of interesting stories. You will find the stories very interesting and easy to read.
Rating: - Great audio book
This audio book really brought the story alive. This and the book itself really makes you think on your own life. I would recommend this to anyone, saved or unsaved, because anyway you look at it its pretty cool.
Rating: - The Screwtape Letters
For those interested in exploring the ways in which the world trys to seperate us from God there is of course no one better to read than C.S. Lewis. Lewis uses subtle humor with his little devils in this short book and one can see the self in every chapter. I particularly like the chapter on the misuse of humility.
Rating: - The Screwtape Letters audio book
Pretty good version. The vocal quality of the performer was good, but somewhat nasal.
Overall, great audio book for the students.
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