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)

Not His Best Book, But Great Hearing Lewis' Voice

What made the experience of listening to The Four Loves the most enjoyable?

Hearing Lewis read the book himself!

What other book might you compare The Four Loves to and why?

I really can't think of one at the moment.

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

Again, hearing Lewis read the book himself.

What did you learn from The Four Loves that you would use in your daily life?

Finding different ways to love.

Any additional comments?

As a Classical Greek minor, I was a little disappointed that Lewis (a Greek scholar himself) only discussed four words for love in Greek. There are at least seven that I'm aware of. Despite this flaw, however, I highly recommend this audiobook, even though I'm an Atheist. :)

C.S. Lewis' real voice :)

Where does The Four Loves rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is C.S. Lewis himself and I had never heard him, so felt blessed to have the opportunity to hear his work as expressed by him. I enjoyed the book but didn't get it all with one listen and will definitely be listening to it again and possibly more than once more. It is a great topic - LOVE - and he definitely has a well thought out idea of the various aspects of love. Although I need to hear it more often to get it all, I enjoyed the first listen enough to encourage me to listen again and again. Inspiring and thought provoking.

What did you like best about this story?

Agape Love

What about C.S. Lewis’s performance did you like?

It is in his own voice

Short yet more insightful than most longer works

I listened to this over a weekend.

In this short work he covers the four types of love: affection, friendship/companionship, romantic and charity. In his usual rational, clear and easy to follow way he goes over each clarifying their true nature, value, and the dangers to watch out for (natural isn't always right). It should go without say but this is Christian view but I think anyone will benefit from it.

This is one of those reads which everyone can relate to and will relate to different sections based on where they are in life. I tried to bookmark the insightful passages for later review but I practically ended up marking the whole chapter. I will definitely be rereading it in the future.

A Rare Treasure

There aren’t enough stars to rate this one sufficiently. Not only is the content wonderful, witty, and thoughtful, but the joy of hearing Lewis himself deliver it (in the only extant professional recording of his voice!) is a priceless gift. In short, if you’re a Lewis fan, you need this! If you’re not already, give it a try—it might just win you over!

This book is so worth reading. It is insightful

The narrator is the legitimate C. S. Lewis. The audio is old, as in it is not quite as excellent as modern, but it is exactly what it sounds like. The four loves. It is different from what you have been taught in high school but not alien

Life-changing

Hear it once to get an overview; listen again to see your own life described in it; return to it over and over to begin to understand, apply, and grow.

Absolutely Incredible!

Having read so much of his other works it is such a privilege to get to hear him read is own. Would highly recommend!

Amazing thoughts

Lewis, in a vocal recording, gives a thoughtful and proving presentation on love that toy won't want to pass up.

Truly Educational

Again CS Lewis hits a home run. This book is so inciteful and educational Another must read by the master

Should be a requirement

This writing should be a requirement to listen or read before any relationship. Masterfully written!