Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

Author: C.S. Lewis
Price: £350
Publisher: Bles, London, UK
Publication Date: 1956
Format: Original cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in a near fine dustwrapper
Edition: First Edition
Pages: 320

Description:
C.S. Lewis’ novel, “Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold”, is a profound re-imagining of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, blending classical themes with deep philosophical and theological reflections. First published in 1956, this work stands out as one of Lewis’ most sophisticated and mature novels, offering the reader a unique exploration of human nature, love, and the divine.

The narrative is presented from the perspective of Orual, the older sister of Psyche, who tells her story as a personal account, marked by intense emotions and a quest for understanding the divine. Through Orual’s eyes, Lewis delves into the complexities of love, both possessive and selfless, and the struggle to reconcile faith with the harsh realities of life.

Unlike Lewis’ more straightforward works, “Till We Have Faces” is layered with allegory and symbolism, inviting readers to engage deeply with its themes. It is a story about transformation—both personal and spiritual—illustrating the painful journey from ignorance and self-deception to clarity and redemption.

Condition:
Binding nice and tight. Offsetting to front and rear endpapers which is common with this title. Very slight foxing to the text block. Pages very nice and clean. Dustwrapper has very minor foxing to the rear panel. It has the tiniest amount of rubbing to the head and tail of the spine but is in very nice indeed, bright, condition. Overall a near fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper. Very scarce in this condition.

C.S. Lewis: A Short Biography

Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963), known as C.S. Lewis, was a renowned British writer, scholar, and Christian apologist. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on November 29, 1898, Lewis is celebrated for his diverse body of work, which spans children’s literature, science fiction, fantasy, theology, and literary criticism.

Lewis was educated at Oxford University, where he later became a tutor in English literature. His academic career flourished at both Oxford and later at Cambridge, where he served as the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature. His scholarly works, such as “The Allegory of Love” and “The Discarded Image”, remain influential in literary studies.

However, Lewis is perhaps best known to the general public for his works of fiction, particularly “The Chronicles of Narnia”, a beloved series of seven fantasy novels for children, beginning with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)”. These stories, filled with rich Christian symbolism, have captivated readers for generations and have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions.

In addition to his fiction, Lewis was a prominent Christian apologist, particularly through works such as “Mere Christianity”, “The Screwtape Letters”, and “The Problem of Pain”. These writings, which articulate and defend Christian beliefs, have had a profound impact on Christian thought and continue to be widely read today.

Lewis’ conversion from atheism to Christianity in 1931 had a significant influence on his life and writing. This journey of faith was deeply shaped by his friendship with fellow writer J.R.R. Tolkien, among others. Lewis was also a member of ‘The Inklings’, an informal literary group that included Tolkien and other notable figures, who gathered regularly to discuss their works and ideas.

Lewis’ personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He formed a close bond with American writer Joy Davidman, whom he married in 1956. Their love story was poignantly short-lived, as Davidman died of cancer in 1960, an experience Lewis wrote about in “A Grief Observed”, a deeply moving account of his mourning process.

C.S. Lewis passed away on November 22, 1963, the same day as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which overshadowed news of his death. Despite this, Lewis’ legacy endures through his influential writings, which continue to inspire readers across the world with their intellectual rigour, imaginative power, and spiritual insight.

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