Influential Irish author and scholar (1898–1963), a former atheist who became an eloquent convert to Christianity, best known for his works on Christian theology (most notably, the “epistolary” story The Screwtape Letters) and for his much-beloved, seven-book juvenile fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia. TLS, one page, 8 x 3.5, October 27, 1947. Letter declining an invitation to travel abroad. In full, “Thanks for your letter. Bleiben, oddly enough, was our Vicar in the Oxford suburb where I live when not in College; his death was quite unexpected, and he will be much missed. I think I explained when we met why nothing can make it possible for me to go abroad at the present: I am chained to a bedside by obvious and unanswerable duty. It will be distressing if people think I’m standing out for higher fees! Thanks very much for the cutting.” Lewis had lost best friend during the war, but previously he promised to take care of his friend’s mother in case he died at war. Lewis eventually took his friend’s mother in, to live with him. This commitment made it difficult to take car of his friend's mother, and he found it hard to make appearances, giving the outward impression that he was holding out for higher appearance fees, which was not the case at all. In fine condition, with three vertical mailing folds, and staple holes to top left. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
