The Screwtape Letters

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 3 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

A masterpiece of satire, this classic has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below". At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise old Devil to his nephew, Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man.

The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation, and triumph over it, ever written.

(P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

Audie Award Finalist, Inspirational/Spiritual, 2007

Known for The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis wrote the wittiest defense of Christianity ever. Humorist John Cleese won AudioFile Earphones for his 1999 enactment of the correspondence between two devils plotting the damnation of one man's soul. Ralph Cosham is a slightly less demented fiend, but the text itself remains hilarious.... Cosham's organ-like voice also lends resonance.... This is, therefore, the best audio ever spoken of the funniest defense of Christianity ever written." (AudioFile magazine)

"Lewis' satire is a Christian classic....[his] take on human nature is as on-target as it was when the letters were first published in 1941." (Library Journal)

Excellent and relevant theological read

No matter that this was written in the 60’s. Still very relevant today and a cautionary tale. I especially enjoyed the extra of “Screwtape Gives a Toast” at the end. Can’t imagine another magazine in the US requesting something like this currently.

An old text but still relevant today

I am amazed at how much of this book written so long ago relates to the situation and moral decline we see going on today. Satan’s strategies are spotlighted.

Reading Our Opponent’s Playbook

My 4th lifetime read of this title refreshes me to keep it handy for a 5th reading.

As a tactical Christian mournfully aware of my own weaknesses and proclivity, regularly reading our opponents’ playbook as often as reading our Advocate’s game-plan, makes me both cautious and resilient.

To listen to skeptics’ sniping and snark, dripping with petulant arrogant condescension, serves only to confirm the mortal and eternal nature of our conflict.

Screwtape’s characterization in these pages cements the visage of the most villainous, heinous master criminal posted on the “Most Wanted” bulletin boards of our lives. Upon spying the suspect in our vicinity, we do well to secure our spiritual armor, pray a “911-prayer” to the Almighty peace officer, and plot our most lethal form of self-defense.

Looking inward

Made me take a look at myself and how I was living my life, also changes that I need to make.

Eye opening

I wouldn't go as far to say this is a funny book. At least, not in the sense that you would find a comic strip or a friendly joke. This is funny in the sense that life is funny. Lewis's grasp on satire and the human being's nature is spot on. This book is about all humans and how we deal with or ignore spirits whether evil or good.

Transcending Time

Ho relevant this message is today as it was when it was written. This should be among the required readings of all Christians in middle or high school, especially those looking at college.

It also, most accurately, identifies the stark differences between a Christian relationship between the sexes and the "playing the field" values of the secular worldview.

Loved

Wow awesome book can’t wait to read and listen to more by CS Lewis. Thank you

Thought provoking.

Should be on your yearly reading list. Lots of thought provoking and interesting to listen too about the nature of temptation and evil.

Couldn’t be more parallel to the world we live in

Couldn’t be more parallel to the world we live in. Great truths taught and applied in a unique way helps one to see truth more clearly.

What can I add

This is a masterpiece. Life changing in some ways. The way Louis can tell a whole stoy from a single collection of one way letters is amazing and very unique, even to this day.