Kirjahaku

Beloved by children and adults worldwide, the writings of C.S. Lewis have a broad and enduring appeal. Although he is best known for the iconic Chronicles of Narnia series, C. S. Lewis was actually a man of many literary parts. Already well-known as a scholar in the thirties, he became a famous broadcaster during World War Two and wrote in many genres, including satire (The Screwtape Letters), science fiction ( Perelandra), a novel (Till We Have Faces), and many other books on Christian belief, such as Mere Christianity and Miracles. His few sermons remain touchstones of their type. In addition to these, Lewis wrote hundreds of poems and articles on social and cultural issues, many books and articles in his field of literary criticism and history, and thousands of letters. At Oxford University he became a charismatic lecturer and conversationalist. Taken together his writings have engaged and influenced, often very deeply, millions of readers. Now Lewis societies, television documentaries, movies, radio plays, and theatrical treatments of his work and life have become common, and he is frequently quoted by journalists, critics, and public thinkers. This Very Short Introduciton delves into the vast corpus of C. S. Lewis' work, discussing its core themes and lasting appeal. As James Como shows, C. S. Lewis' life is just as interesting as his work. A complex man, he came to his knowledge, beliefs, and wisdom only after much tortuous soul-searching and many painful events. Moving chronologically through Lewis' life, Como provides throughout a picture of the whole man, his work, and his enduring legacy. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Giovanni lived in the mountains of Italy one hundred and fifty years ago. His particular mountain -- that is, the one closest to the front of his house -- was very strange, with one side a forest and the other all rocks and cliffs where strange creatures dwelled. One day, while disobeying his father and uncles, who were woodcutters, Giovanni followed them up into the forest. There, in a clearing in the woods, he met Brusco, the giant talking wolf, and they became best friends for life. He would meet other giant creatures, Pedrone the giant centaur and Jubileo the giant snake, and learn that each had special abilities. And together they would also meet and do battle against terrifying monstrosities who wanted to destroy all families and friendships, including that between Giovanni and Suzie, his best human friend, who was just as brave as Giovanni and could jump even higher. Giovanni's other friends, like the timid Beppo and the mysterious vole (who was so small one could barely see him), also shared his adventures, as did his four uncles. As the stories move along, so do the mysteries, adventures, and surprises -- each of which tests Giovanni's character. Will he prevail as he prepares for a very special occasion? Or will his marvelous and frightening discoveries, as well as one monstrosity after another, including the Greatest Monstrosity, finally triumph? Yes, Giovanni's human and giant friends, as well as his loyal family -- especially his wondrous mother and her mother-friends, along with the mystical Uncle Andrea -- will help. But finally Giovanni will feel all alone. At last the tales move across generations, and the teller asks you to share his belief, above all in the old man who told him the stories.

Giovanni is nine years old and lives a long time ago -- long before telephones, cars, and computers. He loves his family very much but is not the most obedient child in the village, which is in Central Italy at the base of a huge mountain. There, Giovanni, with his friend Suzie, meets Brusco, a Giant Talking Wolf, and his truly awesome friends. They play joyfully but together must face great danger, each more startling than the last. Along the way Giovanni discovers some strange truths about himself, the people he loves, about our world -- and about what lies beyond our world.

Book Two of The Folk Tales of Brusk and Giovanni continues the adventures of the Giant Wolf and his human friend, along with all their other friends. This time the danger is so great that Giovanni's family -- and even some townsfolk -- must help. But the mountain will change, as will Giovanni.