Description:
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Demonstrating Lewis's wide range of interests, Present Concerns includes nineteen essays that reveal his thoughts about contemporary issues of his day, including democratic values, threats to educational and spiritual fulfillment, literary censorship, and other timely topics. With his characteristic insights, Lewis presents his thoughts on moral, spiritual, and practical issues that remain relevant today.
About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) 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, when 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 Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics in The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and have been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless
Must read. This book has so much to offer. A collection of essays written 100 years ago that somehow still provide wisdom for current affairs and issues. Easy to read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Prophetic
The essays apply as much today as they did when Lewis wrote them. Excellent reading. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Lewis.
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful reflections on various topics
These are short essays on various topics, mostly published in newspapers or magazines and collected here. I find them insightful, even in the cases where the specifics discussed are particular to the time written. I think it is certainly worth picking up at the sale price for those who enjoy C. S. Lewis' other writings. At normal prices, I would probably start with some of his other works. Since the description doesn't show the contents, here are the essays included:The Necessity of ChivalryEqualityThree Kinds of MenMy First SchoolIs English Doomed?Democratic EducationA DreamBlimpophobiaPrivate BatesHedonicsAfter Priggery - What?Modern Man and His Categories of ThoughtTalking about BicyclesOn Living in an Atomic AgeThe Empty UniversePrudery and PhilosophyInterim ReportIs History Bunk?Sex in Literature
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read, but a lot to digest
These essays are still applicable today. Lewis is obviously brilliant and writes to an educated audience. They were a good read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Lewis Classic!
In typical C.S. Lewis fashion, he knocks this one out of the park. This isn't a book for those seeking to better understand his Christianity (he rarely discusses it), but it's great if you want to understand his overall mindset into politics and every day life. A lot of what he says can be directly used today. It's amazing that this man can speak across generations like he is in the room with you. My favorite essay in the book is the one on the Atomic Age. Here's a beautiful quote:“If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.” – C.S. Lewis (Present Concerns)
5.0 out of 5 stars Chivalry, disenchantment, threats of mass destruction, the ...
Chivalry, disenchantment, threats of mass destruction, the myth of equality - Lewis's Present Concerns is just as current today as when he first penned them some 70 years ago. Never more needed than our present day.
2.0 out of 5 stars If you are a C. S. Lewis afficianado, buy it. Else...
Some arch Brit witticisms which, doubtless, will inspire insiders to a chuckle but for me rather a thin, self serving, self-referential, text.I judge Lewis rattled these articles off (as this is a compendium of essays) with a flip of the wrist-held pen for publication in the minor popular press. Thus neither deep nor particularly engaging and, indeed, rather obscure and arch in references. Surely, he did better than this. But elsewhere. Where? I'd like to know.
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Selection of Essays from the Oxford Don
Have you ever read those collections of articles or speeches from various pastors, politicians, columnists, or what not? If so, you will get an idea of what *Present Concerns* is about. Or at least, a *partial* idea.The reason I amend that to be "partial" is because this isn't like many such books (well, it *is* similar to sermon collections and some speech collections of historical personages). This isn't a collection of columns or pieces chosen by the author. It is one chosen by someone else. In this case, Walter Hooper, an American turned Englishman, who briefly interned for Lewis, has chosen this group of writings by the Oxford don.Hooper relates in the preface how the title of the book came about because of the observation of another person that Lewis' writings were still "present" to him. Oh, some terms are not as familiar today as they were when he had first written the pieces, but the meaning and general thrust still speak to us today. This isn't due to some type of faculty for prophecy on Lewis' part. It is instead, I believe, because some issues and ideas are really perennial. They occur again and again, and only the causes, principals, and other outer dressings and garments are different.The actual selection of essays is a broad one, touching topics as varying as pacifism, militarism, education policy, censorship, and other topics. In each of these, Lewis presents the keen wit and gift for language that has made him a favorite of so many people for nearly a century, both during his life and long after his death. Reading these pieces, one will find themselves perhaps both agreeing at some points, and disagreeing at others, with what the professor wrote. But regardless of agreement or disagreement, one can't help but be impressed by the articles, and the obvious God-given gifts of the man who wrote them.*Present Concerns* is a real treat for any CS Lewis fan especially, but I would argue they also are good for others to read. If you enjoy thoughtful, well-written essays, you will enjoy these ones, which speak to a broad scope of issues that still concern us after all of these years.Rating: 4/5 Stars. There are some tinges of sexism and classism, for which I can't give a perfect score. But they were to be expected from the time and such he wrote these in. And even with these faults, this is just a brilliant collection of pieces worthy of praise.
A must read!
Thought provoking rather than preachy or critical. Really useful to read at any age. I have often gifted this book to young people heading off to university as a focus for the good and the not so good times. I read it often myself.
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Present Concerns: Journalistic Essays
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Visit the HarperOne Store
Present Concerns: Journalistic Essays
AED6208
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Demonstrating Lewis's wide range of interests, Present Concerns includes nineteen essays that reveal his thoughts about contemporary issues of his day, including democratic values, threats to educational and spiritual fulfillment, literary censorship, and other timely topics. With his characteristic insights, Lewis presents his thoughts on moral, spiritual, and practical issues that remain relevant today.
About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) 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, when 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 Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics in The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and have been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless
Must read. This book has so much to offer. A collection of essays written 100 years ago that somehow still provide wisdom for current affairs and issues. Easy to read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Prophetic
The essays apply as much today as they did when Lewis wrote them. Excellent reading. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Lewis.
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful reflections on various topics
These are short essays on various topics, mostly published in newspapers or magazines and collected here. I find them insightful, even in the cases where the specifics discussed are particular to the time written. I think it is certainly worth picking up at the sale price for those who enjoy C. S. Lewis' other writings. At normal prices, I would probably start with some of his other works. Since the description doesn't show the contents, here are the essays included:The Necessity of ChivalryEqualityThree Kinds of MenMy First SchoolIs English Doomed?Democratic EducationA DreamBlimpophobiaPrivate BatesHedonicsAfter Priggery - What?Modern Man and His Categories of ThoughtTalking about BicyclesOn Living in an Atomic AgeThe Empty UniversePrudery and PhilosophyInterim ReportIs History Bunk?Sex in Literature
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read, but a lot to digest
These essays are still applicable today. Lewis is obviously brilliant and writes to an educated audience. They were a good read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Lewis Classic!
In typical C.S. Lewis fashion, he knocks this one out of the park. This isn't a book for those seeking to better understand his Christianity (he rarely discusses it), but it's great if you want to understand his overall mindset into politics and every day life. A lot of what he says can be directly used today. It's amazing that this man can speak across generations like he is in the room with you. My favorite essay in the book is the one on the Atomic Age. Here's a beautiful quote:“If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.” – C.S. Lewis (Present Concerns)
5.0 out of 5 stars Chivalry, disenchantment, threats of mass destruction, the ...
Chivalry, disenchantment, threats of mass destruction, the myth of equality - Lewis's Present Concerns is just as current today as when he first penned them some 70 years ago. Never more needed than our present day.
2.0 out of 5 stars If you are a C. S. Lewis afficianado, buy it. Else...
Some arch Brit witticisms which, doubtless, will inspire insiders to a chuckle but for me rather a thin, self serving, self-referential, text.I judge Lewis rattled these articles off (as this is a compendium of essays) with a flip of the wrist-held pen for publication in the minor popular press. Thus neither deep nor particularly engaging and, indeed, rather obscure and arch in references. Surely, he did better than this. But elsewhere. Where? I'd like to know.
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Selection of Essays from the Oxford Don
Have you ever read those collections of articles or speeches from various pastors, politicians, columnists, or what not? If so, you will get an idea of what *Present Concerns* is about. Or at least, a *partial* idea.The reason I amend that to be "partial" is because this isn't like many such books (well, it *is* similar to sermon collections and some speech collections of historical personages). This isn't a collection of columns or pieces chosen by the author. It is one chosen by someone else. In this case, Walter Hooper, an American turned Englishman, who briefly interned for Lewis, has chosen this group of writings by the Oxford don.Hooper relates in the preface how the title of the book came about because of the observation of another person that Lewis' writings were still "present" to him. Oh, some terms are not as familiar today as they were when he had first written the pieces, but the meaning and general thrust still speak to us today. This isn't due to some type of faculty for prophecy on Lewis' part. It is instead, I believe, because some issues and ideas are really perennial. They occur again and again, and only the causes, principals, and other outer dressings and garments are different.The actual selection of essays is a broad one, touching topics as varying as pacifism, militarism, education policy, censorship, and other topics. In each of these, Lewis presents the keen wit and gift for language that has made him a favorite of so many people for nearly a century, both during his life and long after his death. Reading these pieces, one will find themselves perhaps both agreeing at some points, and disagreeing at others, with what the professor wrote. But regardless of agreement or disagreement, one can't help but be impressed by the articles, and the obvious God-given gifts of the man who wrote them.*Present Concerns* is a real treat for any CS Lewis fan especially, but I would argue they also are good for others to read. If you enjoy thoughtful, well-written essays, you will enjoy these ones, which speak to a broad scope of issues that still concern us after all of these years.Rating: 4/5 Stars. There are some tinges of sexism and classism, for which I can't give a perfect score. But they were to be expected from the time and such he wrote these in. And even with these faults, this is just a brilliant collection of pieces worthy of praise.
A must read!
Thought provoking rather than preachy or critical. Really useful to read at any age. I have often gifted this book to young people heading off to university as a focus for the good and the not so good times. I read it often myself.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Self Help”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0062643592