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. Rare and interesting ALS signed “C. S. L.,” one page, 4.5 x 3.5, Magdalen College letterhead, June 28, 1954. Letter to Mr. D’Allesandro. In part: “Thank you for your most kind letter…I’m marking exam papers against time. Of course I remember the children and the whole scene at Little Karoo…alas, alas! That moment of the transition between the planes is what fascinates me more than anything else. I always thought Alice’s passage thro’ the looking glass was far too serious, momentous…to usher in a merely comic sequel. I shall still be much in Oxford & hope we will meet.” Reverse of postcard is addressed in Lewis’s hand to C. T. D’Allesandro in Oxford. In fine condition, with a couple light pencil notations and slight show-through from postmark along top edge.
Lewis was elected fellow of Magdalen College in 1925, where he served as a tutor in English language and literature for 29 years. It was in this role, albeit at the end of his tenure at the Oxford school, that Lewis sat grading papers as he sent this missive. The references contained herein are marvelous, with Lewis not only offering a critique of the beloved children’s tale Alice in Wonderland and a reference to the famed looking glass passage as “far too serious,” but also a glimpse, perhaps at his inspiration for Narnia that dates to his travels in the South African desert region of Karoo. Wonderful association from a literary genius. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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