Inklings Forever, Volume X: Papers from the 10th Frances White Ewbank Colloquium on C.S. Lewis & Friends

It was by happy chance that I attended the 10th Frances White Ewbank Colloquium on C.S. Lewis & Friends from June 2-5, 2016 at Taylor University. Being a C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Dorothy L. Sayers enthusiast, I was delighted to find research findings on all three so well represented at this conference. The depth, range, and quality of the work presented were immensely satisfying. I have often pondered the effect of Wagner's Ring Cycle on the work of Lewis and Tolkien and, lo and behold, the paper by John MacInnis dealt exactly with this topic. It was refreshing to hear Lewis's work discussed on both literary and religious platforms. The issues concerning prayer, evangelism, defense of faith, questions of evil, temptation, and the imago dei were balanced with discussions of writing a new biography, artistic influence, Cambridge platonism, postmodernism, myriad perspectives on friendship, and the effect of family members on the work of Lewis. When I found presentations on Sayers, my soul smiled. The communication between Lewis and Sayers is a topic close to my heart and the examination of their letters is a vital key to the details of their relationship. What a joy to hear this presented and discussed in two papers! The relationship between Chesterton and Sayers started early in Sayers' life and his influence on her philosophy and work was profound and was reflected in many forms and ways throughout her life. It was delightful to hear so clear an explanation of that important relationship. Sayers' life at Oxford and her relationship with other student writers at Somerville, and their effect upon her writing and work, is a seminal topic and I found this paper to be fascinating. During the conference, I found myself being drawn also to the presentations of Barfield (not often discussed), Williams, and other Inklings. These provided many points of interest, and I jotted notes and questions throughout the day.The number and variety of the presentations precluded my being able to attend all that I wished to hear, so it is with great pleasure that I purchased the Proceedings. In this book are so well presented the papers that I attended as well as those I wished I had been able to attend. Now I have a permanent copy of each. Joy! These Proceedings are a substantial and profound record of current Inklings research and creative work inspired by the Inklings. It is most valuable in the amount and quality of information it provides. It is, as importantly, also a catalyst for future research on this most fascinating group of authors and thinkers as well as being a springboard for work on lesser-known Inklings associates, family, and friends whose time has come to be heard. Congratulations authors, researchers, creative writers, and everyone who contributed to this record of current research. You are indeed blessed to have this be part of your work and life. I recommend these Proceedings wholeheartedly to anyone with an interest in the work of the Inklings and in those friendly souls whom the Inklings, themselves, were blessed to know. I give this book the highest rating of five stars.