The Four Loves

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: C. S. Lewis

Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

A remarkable audio edition of C.S. Lewis' beloved classic - the only existing recording of Lewis reading his own work.

C.S. Lewis - the great British writer, scholar, theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics - explores the essence of love and how it works in our daily lives in one of his most famous works of nonfiction based on his series of radio talks from 1958.

With penetrating logic and charming wit, Lewis explores the four aspects of love: affection, the most basic form; friendship, the rarest and perhaps most insightful; Eros, passionate love; and charity, the greatest and least selfish.

Lewis exposes the pitfalls in our loves, leading us to the agape love that God has for humankind and the type of love we must develop to nurture our relationships. Throughout this compassionate and methodical study, he encourages readers to open themselves to all forms of love - the key to understanding that brings us closer to God.

• Features vintage BBC narration by C.S. Lewis
• New introduction and commentary by Charles Colson
• Discussion questions available in the audiobook companion PDF download

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©1960 C. S. Lewis (P)1970, 1982, 1994, 2004 The Episcopal Media Center

Critic reviews

"The chapter on charity (love of God) may be the best thing Lewis ever wrote about Christianity." (Amazon.com)

Love has many facets

I enjoyed this book and the deeper look into the different kinds of love. CS Lewis brings warmth and humor as he reads his own words.

4 Loves

Loved the explanation of the 4 loves. Enlightening. Enjoyed very much. Great reading !

Why is Charles Colson part of this??

If you could sum up The Four Loves in three words, what would they be?

Why ruin greatness?

What did you like best about this story?

Why is Charles Colson interjecting long, vapid commentary amid some of the greatest modern Christian thought? His interruptions, and the saccharin background music his producers added in, nearly ruin an otherwise priceless reading by CS Lewis of his own work.

How could the performance have been better?

Why is Charles Colson interjecting long, vapid commentary amid some of the greatest modern Christian thought? His interruptions, and the saccharin background music his producers added in, nearly ruin an otherwise priceless reading by CS Lewis of his own work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Why is Charles Colson interjecting long, vapid commentary amid some of the greatest modern Christian thought? His interruptions, and the saccharin background music his producers added in, nearly ruin an otherwise priceless reading by CS Lewis of his own work.

Any additional comments?

Why is Charles Colson interjecting long, vapid commentary amid some of the greatest modern Christian thought? His interruptions, and the saccharin background music his producers added in, nearly ruin an otherwise priceless reading by CS Lewis of his own work.

In His Voice

If you could sum up The Four Loves in three words, what would they be?

How I wish we had more of Lewis's books In His Voice. Like most Englishmen, he speaks low and without much variation so he sounds dull to the American ear. But once the American ear actually listens to him, whole rooms open up in the mind and imagination! His understated style makes his humor that much more delightful. Chuck Coulson's cloying, and completely unnecessary, introductions are useful only as contrast to the Professor's clear, concise, and insightful lessons...skip them, they say nothing that Lewis doesn't say better, and without sappy condescension.

What did you like best about this story?

Lewis is always worth listening to/reading. The Four Loves, however, has so much solid insight, instantly applicable to one's life while also food for much thought. It is a double value!

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite section is the one on Eros. Our culture is so very wrong, on so many levels, about this kind of love, and the resulting heartache and disappointment is so unnecessary. A little time spent listening to Lewis unravel the rat's nest we've made of love could correct expectations and lead to much more satisfying relationships.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listen to this series of lectures often, while painting, cooking, driving, doing computer games. Every time I find some new insight that I missed earlier. I recommend all of his writings - they are good food for the brain and fertile soil for the soul.

A truly great lesson on love for any Christian

A great listen that really gets to the heart of what love in all different forms can mean and most importantly accurately corrects the many ways which people believe they are experiencing love but are tragically mistaken.

Insightful Views on Love

It is a great treat to hear Lewis' voice. But be aware that this is not the exact same material as his book that bears the same title. Rather it is from a series of radio broadcasts prior to the publication of the book.
The material is still very insightful, even though the book itself contain additional material.

Amazing book

I would recommend this book to anyone that is wanting to see what true love is from God himself. We need to take the Christian viewpoint. Jesus sacrificed everything for us, we should be willing to do the same. Overall great book. I really like that it was narrated by Luis himself.

Amazing book… a must read for all.

Lots to learn here and unpack. Will definitely listen to again if not multiple times.

Love

What did you love best about The Four Loves?

The types of love defined presented so thoroughly but simply.

Who was your favorite character and why?

C.S. Lewis, of course.

What does C.S. Lewis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

That rich baritone voice!

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

When he ends with what this all means- the essence of all love, God in his omnipotence.

A great listen

Possibly my favourite work by Lewis. I didn't miss the extra content in the book and hearing it spoken in Lewis' own voice was a pleasure though, as some have noted, you have to embrace the fact that he speaks like an English scholar not a professional actor or everyman.