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. ALS, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, Magdalen College, Oxford letterhead, April 20, 1954. Lewis writes to Mrs. Pollard. In part: “I was extremely glad to hear from you again for I had lost your address and … I was therefore unable to acknowledge your fine water colour study of the altruistic ungulate [probably Balaam’s ass, from the biblical Book of Numbers, referred to in some of Lewis’s writings]. But she no longer stands alone. Did you see in the paper the account of that dog who after a lifetime of honesty began to steal food daily! The change coincided with the disappearance of the two other dogs left in the same home; and in investigation it was found that they were at the bottom of a small mine shaft, alive, and that their noble colleague had been dropping food down it for them every day? I really begin to wonder if we have been quite wrong about the beasts all these centuries. Or have they changed? Perhaps St. Francis has put through some little business on their behalf. Thanks for the kind things you say (my own works frighten me: I expect to be asked, if you know all this why didn’t you do it?)….” Faint corner water stains (more visible on reverse), neither affecting legibility or signature area, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
