Customer Reviews
A spiritual classic - letters from a senior to a junior devil - By: Marshall Lord, 09 Oct 2008 
Although it is recognisably set at the time of the second world war, this tale is a timeless classic.
The story tells of the salvation of a human soul, as seen from an infernal persective, told through the letters written to the junior devil who is a "tempter" trying to lead the central human character astray from his uncle Screwtape, who is an important devil, indeed the Under-secretary of a department.
Just as there is a legend that heaven assigns a guardian angel to look after each human, this book assumes that there is a tempter assigned by Hell to try to lead each person to damnation. Wormwood, the junior tempter to whom the letters are written, is trying to lead a joung manin England between about 1939 & 1942 away from God.
Obviously all the advicein the book is the wrong way round - what Screwtape welcomes, we should dread, & vice versa.
Includes a huge amount of humorous but insightful commentary on the human condition: most readers will recognisein the behaviour which Screwtape advises Wormwood to encourage some of the silly mistakes which we & others have made.
Obviously this book is of most relevance to the Christian reader but there will be readers of other faiths or none who nevertheless enjoy reading this & can learn something from it.
A unique book & one which I highly recommend
A must-read classic of the 20th century. - By: Z. Patt., 21 Sep 2006 C.S. Lewis is clearly one of the masters of 20th century prose. His theological ideas are very succulentin their purpose & while I may not agree with every doctrinal belief of his, the essence of his message is a very pure one - fulfilment comes only from submitting your will to the Father, through loyal service, dedication, & love (which He very happily returns to youin limitless abounds).
"The Screwtape Letters" is a collection of epistles from the senior devil Screwtape to his junior 'tempter-in-training' nephew, Wormwood. The contents of Scewtape's letters are various discourses on how to spiritually influence the tempter's human "patient" into staying as far away from God as possible.
Through this devil's advocate style of writing, we are given a very interesting glimpse into the workings of the evil one & how he can gradually pull people away from the Father through subtle tactical advances.
Many times through reading Screwtape's letters as he discussed the behaviour of Wormwood's patient, I would have to stop myself & think, "Wow, I have acted exactly the samein that situation before" & Lewis begins to open up your perception of your own behaviour with an accurate objective commentary of our human thought processes - & the wayin which they can be turned against us, e.g. how realising one's own humility can easily turn into a form of spiritual pride.
Most surprisingly, was a passage where Screwtape discusses how God's only desire is for every human being to become exactly as his Son is, to the point where they realise that they are themselves sons & daughters of God. Lewis definitely understands the very core of Jesus' teachings, no matter how much Christianity has corrupted them over the years.
Fiction-wise, all of the characters mentioned are given to usin brief glimpses at different timesin the book, to the point where while there may not be large amounts of detail on them all, you could give a good description of each at the end of reading the entire book.
Some of the more "story" focused elements are quite fun, & give us a glimpse into the 'mythos' that Lewis has obviously given some thought to before writing the "Letters". While some events are quite enjoyable, even humorous at times (such as when Screwtape's momentary anger causes him to involuntarily transform into a giant centipede) I felt slightly disappointed that there weren't more plot elements or details of this demonic "world" that Lewis' characters livein - although perhaps this was to preserve the authentic tone of the letters & the fluidity with which the book progresses.
Overall, some passages touched me so deeply that I would have to ponder on them for some time before continuing on. I must admit that some of Lewis' ideas were so profound; they went over my head completely (I'm only 17 & have no qualms about admitting that I still have much more to learn, spiritually & intellectually). I hope that with future re-readings of this book (which for me, there most definitely will be!) I will pick up on things I had missed last time and, with hope, have a few more moments of inspired revelation.
This is most definitely a classic which should be read by everyone, religious or not. It will open up your mind to many philosophical ideas about the nature of human beings & the psychological wayin which we perceive spirituality.
For those looking purely for a fictional reading experience, this one may be a little scant on details to satisfy your curiosity.
I have no hesitationsin recommending this book with a stellar 5/5 stars.
One of Lewis' best - By: T. P. Ang, 24 May 2006 Definitely one of the best of C. S. Lewis books I've come across, & the man has written a fair number of good books I think.
What stands out about this book is how it approaches the Christian life, & human experiencein general, from the devil's perspective. The book is really a series of letters between a senior devil & a junior devil which lends insight into how the devil deceives man. As a Christian, I found the book both a challenge to be watchful & alert & also a reassurance of the Lord's ultimate power over Satan.
The book is an entertaining read as well, humorousin many part. A piece of literary genius & a great Christian devotional book. Highly recommended!
A book that every Christian should read - By: Kurt A. Johnson, 21 Apr 2004 His Abysmal Sublimity Under-Secretary Screwtape is an old experiencedtempter, a highly respected expertin his field. And so, Screwtape takestime out of his hellishly busy schedule to send letters of advice to hisnephew, Wormwood, who is shepherding along his first human. This book is acollection of Screwtape's letters, giving sound advice on how a Christiancan be steered away from Heaven, & safely delivered to Hell. Along theway, the reader is treated to some of the most profound Christianreasoning that I have ever read!
To put it succinctly, this book is without a doubt one the greatest (ifnot THE greatest) works of practical Christian living that was everwritten. C.S. Lewis's use of a demon giving advice to his nephew is simplyinspired, allowing him to mix deep theology & reasoning with upbeat (andoffbeat) humor. I loved the book, & I love this audio version of it -John Cleese does an excellent job of playing Screwtape, addingin theemotions the role deserves, & now I can't even imagine anyone else doingit.
This is a great book, one that every Christian should read (or listen to)at least oncein his or her life, & maybe even read on a regular basis.I've listened to it five timesin a row, & want to hear it some more.This is practical Christianity!
Buy this amazing book and treat yourself to a great story. - By: , 07 Jan 2001 This amazing vision from C.S. Lewis is still extremely relevant to all today. Not only does it make you confront your own beliefsin a most natural way, but it is clever enough to do this behind a wonderful story. This book becomes more & more appropriate, & should be read by everybody. Read it!
