Work of acclaimed author-theologian whose death is marked this month is ‘simply unprecedented’

One of the most influential writers on modern philosophy, theology and apologetics is undoubtedly the late, great C.S. Lewis. Fifty years ago this month, the Oxford don and seminal author died, but the lasting impact of his work is perhaps greater than ever.

“The longer I have been in religious publishing (which is longer than 30 years now), the more I appreciate how unique and how profound Lewis’ influence has been,” said Michael Maudlin, executive editor for HarperOne, publisher of Lewis’ works. “Whether we acknowledge him or not, he is the measure for everyone else of what a public intellectual for Christianity can be and should be.”

Lewis was a pioneer in bringing Christian fiction into the popular consciousness, with his allegorical fantasies in the “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, science fiction “Space Trilogy” and his timeless take on spiritual warfare, The Screwtape Letters.

“Lewis crafted wonderful works of fiction before Beverly Lewis and Frank Peretti made that genre acceptable to the Christian market,” said Rick Lewis (no relation to either author), manager of Logos Bookstore of Dallas.

Though many best-selling books are released into the Christian marketplace every year, few authors have stood the test of time as well as Lewis.

“I want a frontlist title that will become a strong backlist title,” Logos’ Lewis said. “Those do not seem to come along as often as they used to.”

“C.S. Lewis is a great example of an author that holds enduring value, one whose works speak to the head and to the heart.” Lewis added.

Logos’ Lewis has seen the theologian’s books have profound effects on readers of all ages and at all stages of their spiritual journeys. From Mere Christianity playing a key role in a conversion that played out in his store to Grief Observed bringing comfort to the bereaved, the longtime retailer’s observations testify to the staying power of Lewis’ writings.

“All this, decades after the pen was laid aside,” he said after rattling off a litany of examples in which C.S. Lewis’ works have played a key role in the lives of readers.

Sue Smith, CBA chairman and store manager of Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Mich., agrees.

“C.S. Lewis holds a cornerstone on Christian literature,” Smith said. “His writings continue to be sought after for most who take their personal faith journey seriously, and they hold consistent demand with most stores.”

The British theologian will also be formally recognized in his homeland on the anniversary of his death. He will be inducted into the Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 22.

The same day, Lewis will be celebrated at the American Academy of Religion meetings in Baltimore by Maudlin and authors N.T. Wright and Robert MacSwain, who will be reflecting on Lewis’ career.

HarperOne is also commemorating Lewis’ work with a revamped website, CSLewis.com, and publication of a special annotated edition of The Screwtape Letters.

The new edition of Screwtape will include “biographical and literary background information behind the book as well as quotes from Lewis’ other works to help explain and deepen our appreciation for what he is saying in Screwtape,” Maudlin said. “It is a beautiful volume.”

Beyond the spiritual and theological impact of his works, Lewis’ sales continue to be strong. “The Chronicles of Narnia” was brought to a new generation of fans via feature film, while HarperOne’s C.S. Lewis Signature Classics editions have sold nearly 10 million copies since 2001. Mere Christianity, the best-selling book from that series originally published in 1952, has sold more than 150,000 copies in the last 12 months alone—60 years after its original release.

“The idea that someone who passed away 50 years ago is still selling at such a rate is simply unprecedented,” Maudlin said. “His spirit haunts every popular Christian author, and we are all better off because of it.”

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