Mere Christianity

5b C. S. Lewis. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1952. Rebound First Edition

Notes

Mere Christianity, published in 1952, is one of C.S. Lewis’s most influential theological works, adapted from a series of BBC radio talks he gave during World War II. In this book, Lewis sets out to explain and defend the core beliefs of Christianity in a clear, rational, and accessible way, aiming to unite Christians across denominational lines around the "mere" or essential truths of the faith. Covering topics like morality, human nature, the reality of God, Christian behavior, and the nature of Christ, Lewis blends philosophical reasoning with vivid analogies and personal insight. The result is a compelling case for the Christian worldview, written not for theologians but for everyday readers seeking clarity and meaning.

C.S. Lewis’s own journey to Christianity deeply enriches Mere Christianity. Once a committed atheist, Lewis converted to theism in 1929 and to Christianity in 1931, influenced by conversations with friends like J.R.R. Tolkien and his own philosophical reflections on morality and meaning. His conversion was not sudden but came through intense intellectual and emotional wrestling, making him uniquely equipped to speak to skeptics and seekers. This background lends Mere Christianity its authenticity and persuasiveness: Lewis writes not from inherited faith, but from the perspective of someone who reasoned his way into belief. His personal transformation gives the book emotional weight and makes its arguments all the more powerful for readers on their own spiritual journeys.

Description

Rebound in three quarter navy leather with marbled boards. Gilt lettering to spine with five raised bands. Marbled endpapers. Blue ink mark in the margin on page 117. Otherwise clean copy. Fine condition.