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  • The Inklings

  • C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and Their Friends
  • By: Humphrey Carpenter
  • Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
  • Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)

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The Inklings cover art

The Inklings

By: Humphrey Carpenter
Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
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Publisher's Summary

During the 1930s at Oxford, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams - remarkable friends, writers, and scholars - met regularly to discuss philosophy and literature and to read aloud from their own works in progress. Calling themselves the Inklings, their circle grew. It was in this company that such classics as The Lord of the Rings, The Screwtape Letters, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first found an audience.

Author Humphrey Carpenter was born in Oxford and was acquainted with Tolkien, Hugo Dyson, and several other Inklings. In this remarkable reconstruction of their meetings and momentous friendships, Carpenter brings to life those warm and enchanting evenings in Lewis' rooms at Magdalen College, when their imaginations ran wild. His account offers exciting insights into the influence these brilliant individuals had on each other's developing ideas and writing.

©1990 Humphrey Carpenter (P)1990 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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Certainly surprised by joy

What an insightful account of a remarkable group. To bring this group from a possible fate of being simply an academic footnote to a fascinating and informative account of creative humanity is a tour de force. The vignettes of less well known members of the group are marvellous. And Bernard Mayes’ reading of it is wonderfully warm and clear.

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An interesting book only truly exceptional men

An interesting look into the lives and friendships of some of the best writers on the 20th century. Friendships forged through war and literature. Iron sharpening iron.

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