The Weight of Glory

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Selected from sermons delivered by C. S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses show the beloved author and theologian bringing hope and courage in a time of great doubt. "The Weight of Glory", considered by many to be Lewis’s finest sermon of all, is an incomparable explication of virtue, goodness, desire, and glory.

Also included are: “Transposition”, “On Forgiveness”, “Why I Am Not a Pacifist”, and “Learning in War-Time”, in which Lewis presents his compassionate vision of Christianity in language that is both lucid and compelling.

Clive Staples (C. S.) Lewis (1898–1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. His major contributions in literary criticism, children’s literature, fantasy literature, and popular theology brought him international renown and acclaim. He wrote more than 30 books, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include The Chronicles of Narnia, Out of the Silent Planet, The Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity.

©1949 C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd.; renewed 1976, revised 1980 by C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Lewis combines a novelist’s insights into motives with a profound religious understanding.” ( New York Times Book Review)

Love

Probably one of my favorite book ever. Incredibly insightful. He makes you see the world, the Lord, and purpose of life in clear focus. Grateful for this work.

Christianity in the Trenches

To fight well, soldiers need to understand what’s at stake in the broader war. But they also need to know how to manage in the few feet of the front line that they occupy. In my experience, no writer is better at meeting those dual needs than Clive Staples Lewis.

While fixing our eyes on heaven, he never neglects practical councils on how to get there. His erudition brings the largest questions into focus, while his honesty makes us more honest, addressing the stumbling blocks we encounter every day (after all, they were his stumbling blocks, too). These talks are an antidote to despair, a reminder of hope, and a key to sanity. And they could have no better reader than Ralph Cosham.

Such Rich Content; Inspiring; Wonderful Narration

I got so much out of the content of this book, which is true for me, so far, for every CS Lewis Book. Love his logical walk through how he arrived at Truth. His work inspires me. I very much enjoyed the tone and tenor of Ralph Cosham’s voice and appreciated his inflections, enunciation and speed. I imagine CSL might have spoken similarly. I pictured CSL as the reader himself. Nicely done!! I’ll be sure to buy more books by CSL, as well as those read by RC.

A fine collection of most of Lewis' finest thoughts

I was so delighted to find that this book (along with most of C.S. Lewis' works) were included in my "Audible" membership. It is one of my favorite books by this author, a collection of essays and talks that Lewis gave at various times and to different audiences, but now we have them all together in one collection.

The narrator, Ralph Cosham, has the perfect voice for this collection. The only possible drawback to listening to the Audible version is that you will be wishing you had a pencil with which to highlight many passages that "get it just right." Any Lewis fan will enjoy listening to the Audible version, but will certainly want to acquire a printed copy as well, to return to every time you need that "perfect quotation."

Compiled Lectures

What a gift to Christians! So many gems throughout and I’ve already committed to reading this again. I hope to meet this man one day, in Paradise.

Naked honesty, in depth

As a former atheist I appreciate the honesty presented, forcing me to face the truth of some of my reservations with respect to thinking vs acting. “Transposition” was out of my depth but still eye opening. I intend to read this while I listen for clarification. I resisted CS Lewis’ essays for so long and wish I had listened/read him earlier. Now I can’t stop! God’s perfect timing though—perhaps I’m finally ready to listen. If you think you might enjoy him but are on the fence, read or listen to anything CS Lewis.

A great reminder of how theology and intellect should work together.

I had never heard these before, these sermon/lectures by CS Lewis, but now I am listening to them second time and have purchased them in print form. Whether you be a Christian or not, I think you will find truth and challenge in these. 

loved it

fantastic lectures, more than I was expecting from it. I listened to these on my way to work each day. narrator was a bit dry, and there's no pause between chapters, so a story will start on a completely different topic with barely a breath.

Loved how the reader presented this book.

Loved it. Easy to listen to as read, pleasant voice and tone. Yes, would recommend.

Brilliant

CS Lewis at his best. A stunning cocktail of witty writing, fabulous philosophy and profound theology. Truly brilliant