C.S. Lewis: A Detailed Biography

Clive Staples “Jack” Lewis (1898–1963) was the British writer, scholar, and Christian apologist whose works — The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters — have sold over 200 million copies and remain beloved worldwide. Oxford and Cambridge don, member of the Inklings with J.R.R. Tolkien, and reluctant convert from atheism, he became one of Christianity’s most effective 20th-century defenders. This biography covers his Belfast childhood, WWI trauma, conversion, Narnia creation, late marriage to Joy Davidman, and enduring legacy, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the C.S. Lewis Foundation, and the Marion E. Wade Center.

Early Life in Belfast

“Jack” from Age 3

Born Clive Staples Lewis on November 29, 1898, in Belfast to solicitor Albert Lewis and mathematician Florence Hamilton. After his dog Jacksie died, he insisted on being called “Jacksie” — shortened to Jack. His mother died of cancer when he was 9, as detailed by the C.S. Lewis Institute.

Boarding Schools and Atheism

Sent to English boarding schools after his mother’s death, Lewis hated them but discovered joy in Norse mythology and nature. At 15 he declared himself an atheist, influenced by rationalism and occult interests.

World War I and Oxford

Wounded at the Battle of Arras in 1918 (shrapnel killed his friend Paddy Moore). Promised to care for Moore’s mother Jane if he died — a promise he kept. Returned to Oxford, graduating with first-class honours in classics, philosophy, and English, as documented by the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

Conversion to Christianity (1931)

Long discussions with J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson on a September 1931 walk along Addison’s Walk led to Lewis’s conversion. He described becoming “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England”, as recounted in Surprised by Joy, available at the Project Gutenberg Australia.

Academic Career and Inklings

Fellow and tutor at Magdalen College, Oxford (1925–1954), then Professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge (1954–1963). The Inklings — informal literary group including Tolkien — met in Oxford pubs to read works in progress.

Major Works

Narnia, Screwtape, and Apologetics

The Chronicles of Narnia (1950–1956) — seven children’s books blending myth and Christian allegory. The Screwtape Letters (1942) — satirical demon correspondence. Mere Christianity (1952) — radio talks turned book defending basic Christianity, as preserved by the Official C.S. Lewis Site.

Marriage to Joy Davidman

American writer Joy Davidman began corresponding with Lewis in 1950. She moved to England in 1953; they married civilly in 1956 (to give her residency) and religiously in 1957 after her cancer diagnosis. Joy died in 1960; Lewis wrote A Grief Observed under pseudonym, as detailed by the BBC Religions.

Personal Life

Lewis lived with Mrs. Jane Moore (his friend’s mother) from 1919 until her death in 1951 — a complex relationship. He adopted Joy’s sons David and Douglas Gresham.

Death and Legacy

C.S. Lewis’s Enduring Impact

Lewis died of renal failure on November 22, 1963, aged 64 — the same day as JFK and Aldous Huxley. Buried in Headington Quarry churchyard, Oxford. His books sell millions annually; Narnia films grossed billions. The C.S. Lewis Foundation and Wade Center preserve his legacy, as celebrated by the National Geographic.

Frequently Asked Questions About C.S. Lewis

Why Is C.S. Lewis Famous?

For Narnia series, Christian apologetics, and Inklings friendship with Tolkien.

Did C.S. Lewis Believe in God His Whole Life?

No — atheist until 1931 conversion.

Where Was C.S. Lewis Born?

Belfast, Ireland, November 29, 1898.

What Is The Screwtape Letters?

Satirical demon letters on tempting humans.

Did C.S. Lewis Marry?

Yes — Joy Davidman 1956–1960.

Was C.S. Lewis in the Inklings?

Yes — with Tolkien and others.

How Did C.S. Lewis Die?

Renal failure November 22, 1963, aged 64.