Welcome to Tumnus’s Book Shelf where we review any and all books related to Narnia and CS Lewis! For this weeks review, we will be looking at From the Library of CS Lewis edited and compiled by James Stuart Bell, Jr and Anthony Palmer Dawson.

Title: From the Library of CS Lewis
Various Authors
Edited by James Stewart Bell Jr and Anthony Palmer Dawson
Publisher: Shaw Books (November 6, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0877880441

ISBN-13: 978-0877880448

Summary of the Book:

Part devotional book, Part Who’s Who of Western Thought and Literature, From the Library of CS Lewis contains passages from selected authors, thinkers, philosophers, critics, and scholars who influenced CS Lewis. From writing that helped him in his Christian faith, to the writings of those who knew him personally, this book runs through a whole gamut of literature spanning thousands of years of human history. Each writer is still just as important and relevant today as they were not only in their own time, but in the life of Lewis.

Review of the book:

As time seems to go on and more and more theology books and devotional books are published, the more ‘nice and soft’ they become. While some devotional books are great others are just quick cash-ins on what ever “new idea” may be popular. With modern entertainment clamoring for our attention, we tend to favor these more Happy Meal approaches to our daily walks with God, and forsake some of the older, more meatier aspects of Christianity.

From the Library of CS Lewis is not that kind of devotional, as it is just as much an indispensable resource material containing a vast treasure trove of key thinkers and writers of Western thought. Part of the books appeal is the fact that the writings contained in this work are all those of authors who influenced Lewis either as a writer or a person. Some of the writings contained in this volume are by big names in European literature like John Donne, John Milton, John Bunyan, Dante, and Plato. These writers find themselves right alongside church fathers like St. Augustine, and Martin Luther and not one of them seams out of place.

This is also one of the few books where you will find excerpts of writing from other members of the Inklings beyond Tolkien ( though he is in here.) There is even a sample of writing from Joy Davidman as she did influence Jack as a writer and person. One writer is featured in this work the most is GK Chesterton, and rightfully so, as his own writings influenced Lewis’ apologetics.

James Stuart Bell and Anthony Palmer Dawson did a great job collecting all the materials in this book and laid them out in a clear, concise format. The book is divided into 18 chapters dealing with different topics that were pertinent to Lewis as a Christian and a scholar.

For those wondering about who influenced Lewis as a writer, or are wanting deeper ideas in their Christian faith this book is indispensable and makes an excellent devotional for all readers. Parents will also find this an excellent educational tool for their children in introducing them to a wide range of important writers.

I had gotten this book on a whim when purchasing some books for one of my college literature classes. It was well worth the purchase and has found a prominent place on my shelf, and in my devotional time. I am sure it will for you as well.

5 out of 5 shields

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Originally scheduled to begin filming in October of this year, filming was pushed into early 2009, for a January start date. Now, it appears that date will also be missed, as filming looks to be starting in April of 2009.

Ben Barnes Online has a forum post by member “Kim” that was at the Prince Caspian panel at the London Expo.

We managed to get front row seats for the Heroes Panel which was immediately before the Prince Caspian one. I’m afraid I was completely oblivious to the whole thing & I could not tell you one thing that was said! I was feeling very tearful & absorbed in my memories of Ben & the anticipation of seeing him again! When Ben came on we were to the left hand side of him – what an exquisite view that was – couldn’t keep my eyes off of the man! Ben was his usual scintillating, effortlessly sexy self! Warwick acted as compère, asking Ben and the other guy who played the lead-centaur questions and discussing their experiences of the filming. Cat was brave enough to ask Ben a question, though I can’t remember what it was (sorry Cat). I remember someone asking Ben a rather enigmatic question about how he got on with the women in the Narnia crew – Ben answered that there were 2000 people in the crew! (I think the questioner was hinting at the famous practical joke “kiss” from the director’s assistant or maybe she was just basically wondering if every woman on the set fell hook, line & sinker for him – as one would expect). Ben mentioned the women centaurs were wearing skin-tight green lycra trousers – “I liked that” he said naughtily!!! Warwick then said: “so if you want to impress Ben, girls, get out your green lycra trousers!”. I remember another question about whether Ben was nervous when he started filming Prince Caspian – he relayed the anecdote about his introduction to the set & the filming of the first scene, where he’s falling off his horse & gets dragged through the forest. He said that the director just barked at him: “get down on the floor”! He said that if anyone were nervous for seven months they’d have an ulcer.

The Panel were discussing that the centaur-bloke had also played the wolf in the scene with the White Witch and they shared a wonderful anecdote about Ben seeing the wolf costume in the corner of the set not realising that the head was animatronic – he went up to it and had a huge fright when all of a sudden it snarled angrily at him! Warwick said that Ben let out a “squeal”! Ben butted in at this point with the classic line: “But it was a manly squeal”. Hilarious! Ben and Warwick also had some banter (a bit like he does with Colin Firth) about the fact that Warwick’s character was killed off & Warwick wondered if he could be a Dufflepud in the next film – Ben said “no” quite flatly (& sexily!). Ben said that VODT was due to start filming in April 2009 (plenty of time for him to make something else in the meantime perhaps?!) I also remember someone asking Ben about Dorian Gray – he didn’t disclose anything we don’t already know though.

My favourite bit of the panel was when Warwick showed some lovely personal never-before-seen pics of him and Ben together to the music of Michael Jackson’s “Ben” – it was so funny & Ben was hilarious – “oh god, I know this music!” he said mock-petulantly and stood up to watch it. He then did something quite breathtaking! As the screen was on the wall behind the panel’s seats, instead of straining to look at the screen as he had been doing (affording me quite wonderful views of his hair and, ahem, derrière), he got up and sashayed stunningly down the catwalk-like structure in the middle of the room and sat down in the centre of it, leaning back to watch the screen! At this point I was not watching the screen anymore – my eyes did not leave Ben for one second – I cannot tell you how extraordinarily sexy he looked sitting there giggling and scoffing at Warwick’s distorted pics! No doubt Andrea will have taken lots and lots of pics of this – it was a photo opportunity to die for!

Referring to the picture of Prince Caspian & Nikabrik running through the forest fleeing the Telmarines, Ben explained how there were actually no ferns in that particular wood – they had all been placed there in pots by the set-gardeners; as the scene involves them dashing swiftly through these ferns, they both ended up falling flat on their faces many times! Ben said Warwick fell over 2000 times! Warwick responded to this by saying that Ben fell over less than him but Ben’s falls were more spectacular & embarrassing – actually he said Ben “fell on his arse” – at which point Ben said: “go on, say ‘arse’ again”! Apparently footage of Ben & Warwick falling over the fern plants is a treat we can look forward to on the DVD bloopers!!! Yay!

The Panel ended with a competition to win a DVD of Prince Caspian – but it wouldn’t be able to be sent to the winner until November 17th!!! Warwick’s idea of having a game of “Aslan says” (sort of like “Simon says” – the rules just went completely over my head – I was concentrating on Ben) failed miserably – when everyone was supposed to stand up and a lot didn’t, Ben laughed and said: “you just couldn’t be bothered!” Ben was chuffed because he came up with a better idea for awarding the DVD by asking the question relating to the names of Reepicheep’s companions.

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In looking for information on what Circle Vision is, about a week or so ago, I discovered this little website that has a list of practically everything on the Prince Caspian DVD bonus features disc.

It seems the DVD is going to be incredible feature intense!

00:02:01:00 CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE (INTRO)
n/a UNTITLED (MAIN MENU)
n/a INDEX (MENU)
00:06:47:00 CASTLE RAID FIGHT – AUDIO COMMENTARY BY STUNT & FIGHT COORDINATOR ALLAN POPPLETON
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “ON THE SCAFFOLDS”) (CENTER VIEW MENU)
00:00:15:00 UNTITLED (ON THE SCAFFOLDS PANORAMA)
00:01:19:00 UNTITLED (POD 34 THE LANDING PAD – VIDEO SECTION)
00:02:52:00 UNTITLED (POD 7 THE TELMARINE DRESS REHEARSAL – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT # 11)
00:00:17:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 4A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:00:13:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 3A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:00:04:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #5 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:01:02:00 UNTITLED (POD 33. THE SMOKE PASS – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “ON THE SCAFFOLDS”) (LEFT HAND VIEW MENU)
00:00:11:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #4 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:00:55:00 UNTITLED (POD 29. FLYING GRYPHONS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:47:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 8A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #3)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #2)
00:02:44:00 UNTITLED (POD 1. BIRTH OF A SEQUENCE – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “ON THE SCAFFOLDS”) (RIGHT HAND VIEW MENU)
00:00:58:00 UNTITLED (POD 18. WILLIAM IS A QUICK LEARNER – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:40:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID #11A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:02:16:00 UNTITLED (POD 3. CASTLE CONNECTIVITY – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #5)
00:03:11:00 UNTITLED (POD 25. 3D CAMERA MOVES – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #1)
00:06:47:00 (CASTLE RAID FIGHT – AUDIO COMMENTARY BY VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR DEAN WRIGHT)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “GATEWAY ALLEY”) (CENTER VIEW MENU)
00:00:12:00 UNTITLED (GATEWAY ALLEY PANORAMA)
00:00:57:00 UNTITLED (POD 25. POST-VIZ – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #19)
00:00:06:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:01:47:00 UNTITLED (POD 16. SHANE RANGI HITS THE GATE – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #7)
00:00:44:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 5A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:01:45:00 UNTITLED (POD 30. THE CASTLE MINIATURE – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “GATEWAY ALLEY”) (LEFT VIEW MENU)
00:02:22:00 UNTITLED (POD 35. STREAMLINING POSTPRODUCTION – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT 4)
00:00:47:00 UNTITLED (POD 21. WITNESS CAMERAS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:12:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #3 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT 18)
00:01:19:00 UNTITLED (POD 4. PREPRODUCTION MEETING – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:39:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 7A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “GATEWAY ALLEY”) (RIGHT VIEW MENU)
00:01:57:00 UNTITLED (POD 2. DESIGNING THE CASTLE – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:09:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #2 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:01:05:00 UNTITLED (POD 9. ANNA’S STUNT STAIRS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:01:42:00 UNTITLED (POD 13. ANNA’S STUNT – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #16)
00:00:51:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 13A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:06:47:00 (CASTLE RAID FIGHT – AUDIO COMMENTARY BY SPECIAL MAKEUP & CREATURES HOWARD BERGER)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “COURTYARD NIGHTSHIFT”) (CENTER VIEW MENU)
00:00:14:00 UNTITLED (COURTYARD NIGHTSHIFT PANORAMA)
00:00:28:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 10A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #8)
00:02:05:00 UNTITLED (POD 10. PREPPING THE CREATURES – VIDEO SECTION)
00:03:13:00 UNTITLED (POD 8. HIGH FALLS
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #9)
00:00:15:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #10 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:02:27:00 UNTITLED (POD 23. THE CREW BECOMES NOCTURNAL – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “COURTYARD NIGHTSHIFT”) (LEFT VIEW MENU)
00:01:25:00 UNTITLED (POD 31. HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:35:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 1A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:00:12:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #9 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #21)
00:00:50:00 UNTITLED (POD 17. FAUN STUNTS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:01:16:00 UNTITLED (POD 11. ATMOSPHERICS – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “COURTYARD NIGHTSHIFT”) (RIGHT VIEW MENU)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #20)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #14)
00:02:35:00 UNTITLED (POD 15. CREATURE DISCOMFORTS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:09:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW REEL #11 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:01:55:00 UNTITLED (POD 32. THE ULTIMATE MINIATURE SHOT – VIDEO SECTION)
00:01:06:00 UNTITLED (POD 6. ARCHERY TRAINING – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:12:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 2A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:06:47:00 (CASTLE RAID FIGHT – AUDIO COMMENTARY BY DIRECTOR ANDREW ADAMSON)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “TELMARINE CASUALTY”) (CENTER VIEW MENU)
00:00:14:00 UNTITLED (TELMARINE CASUALTY PANORAMA)
00:00:26:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 12A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:01:06:00 UNTITLED (POD 14. DIGITAL ARROWS – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #13)
00:00:53:00 UNTITLED (POD 12. BACKGROUND FIGHTS – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:11:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #6 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #10)
00:00:56:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 6A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
00:01:28:00 UNTITLED (POD 5. BEN’S STUNT TRAINING – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “TELMARINE CASUALTY”) (LEFT VIEW MENU)
00:01:54:00 UNTITLED (POD 27. ADDED CG CHARACTERS – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #12)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #17)
00:01:49:00 UNTITLED (POD 19. ANNA’S DIGITAL DOUBLE – VIDEO SECTION)
00:00:07:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #8 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:00:23:00 UNTITLED (FACTOID 9A – PHOTO MONTAGE WITH AUDIO)
n/a (CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE – “TELMARINE CASUALTY”) (RIGHT VIEW MENU)
00:01:36:00 UNTITLED (POD 20. ROLLING ON BALLS – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #15)
00:02:47:00 UNTITLED (POD 24. ONE BIG HAPPY DEPARTMENT – VIDEO SECTION)
n/a UNTITLED (TRIVIA TEXT #6)
00:00:18:00 UNTITLED (SLIDESHOW PROGRESSIVE REEL #7 – PHOTO MONTAGE)
00:01:16:00 UNTITLED (POD 22. WILLIAM’S HORSE STUNT – VIDEO SECTION)
00:06:47:00 (CASTLE RAID FIGHT – AUDIO COMMENTARY BY COSTUME DESIGNER ISIS MUSSENDEN)
00:06:47:00 (CASTLE RAID FIGHT – AUDIO COMMENTARY BY PRODUCER MARK JOHNSON)
A film or video, together with associated trailers may exist in several versions and all versions known to the BBFC are listed below.

14/10/2008 Buena Vista Home Entertainment 111m 22s CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE

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Charn_Tim had the pleasure of going to the C.S. Lewis Foundation’s summer conference this year, and I asked him to write a little bit about his experience. He writes:

The C.S. Lewis Foundation held its triennial 2 week major international conference, Oxbridge Summer Institute, from July 28th to August 11th at Oxford and Cambridge Universities in England. About three hundred attendees from varied backgrounds gathered at Oxbridge for a time of fellowship and nourishment of mind, body, and spirit with renowned scholars from the arts and sciences, preachers, business professionals, and literary, visual, and performing artists. Throughout the two week institute these scholars, artists, and professionals addressed this year’s conference theme “The Self and the Search for Meaning” from unique perspectives.

In addition to dynamic teaching, attendees experienced grand artistic performances, including an evensong at the ancient and prestigious Ely Cathedral, a dramatic solo version of Lewis’s classic The Great Divorce by professional actor Tony Lawton, and a full scale orchestral performance with the Institute’s choir. Also offered was a guided tour of C.S. Lewis’ Oxford home, called the Kilns, which has been rebuilt and maintained by the C.S. Lewis Foundation and has now been converted to the C.S. Lewis study center.

Even if one did not participate in Oxbridge 2008, it is still possible to experience some of the great teaching and performances, because all sessions were recorded and will be appearing on the Oxbridge 2008 website within the next month. Furthermore, original papers read in the afternoon academic paper sessions will be submitted to the C.S. Lewis Foundation’s online journal, In Pursuit of Truth, with many expected to appear in upcoming journal issues. And watch for the next Oxbridge Summer Institute, expected in 2011!

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Imagine a town completely surrounded by darkness…the only light and heat coming from an aging power plant driven by a massive underground river. Time is running out, as the city’s infrastructure begins to break down, and the town is repeatedly thrown into utter blackness. Ember’s unlikely savior may very well be two teenagers, Doon and Lina, who find clues which may show the way out and save them all.

Adapted from Jeanne DuPrau’s award-winning novel, Walden’s film version of City of Ember is in theatres now.

Learn More about City of Ember at Walden.com and at WaldenFans.com

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I just caught wind that the third film in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, may be released in November of 2010. This is a pretty traditional release date for some fantasy films.

If this pans out, it would be a delay from the original May 7th release date, that is now also occupied by Iron Man 2.

More as it develops.

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Narnia Spy Shad E. wrote, letting us know that his brother found a couple of Narnia games hidden on the official Narnia website:

My younger brother went to the Narnia site to play that “Enter Narnia” Game (the one were you search for the hidden Narnians). He found two other games hidden inside the first one. The first of the two can be found in the “Beruna Woods” and is called “Castle Escape.” (click on the horse or this link)
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/game/mirazcastle/

Second is found in “Miraz’s Castle” and is called “Gryphon Attack.” (We especially enjoy this game.)
(click on the rock or this link)
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/game/gryphonattack/

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Bigga than Ben producer Liz Holford wrote to us, inviting you to see Prince Caspian’s Ben Barnes in his earlier work. She says:

Thought I’d let you know… just in case you have any UK-based fans who need a dose of Ben Barnes before the next Narnia movie… “Bigga than Ben” (the film he made before Prince Caspian) is coming out in selected cinemas in London on October 10th.

Ben’s really proud of his performance in “Bigga than Ben“, and is working hard to promote the film. But we’re a little indie movie, so any help you could give in spreading the word to UK-based Ben fans would be hugely appreciated. We’ve just found out today that the movie has been given a ‘15′ certificate.

Visit the official website for Bigga than Ben.

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Ben Barnes has revealed he is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde when it comes to his appearance.

It seems the Prince Caspian actor, who stars in forthcoming film Bigga Than Ben, is a preener on set, but off set he is quite happy being scruffy.

Asked if he spent much time on his appearance, the 27-year-old said: “No not really, except when I’m filming. It has to look right for that particular character before I go on set, I get a bit of OCD about it but outside of filming I’m not.

“I’ve done a whole day of interviews today and I look literally like I’ve walked in off the street.”

He added that he would never have cosmetic surgery, as many men in the spotlight appear to do.

“I think the risk is way too high, I’ve seen too many really good actors who’ve had surgery then they can’t act any more because you can’t take their face seriously, so not for me,” Ben said.

[via Metro.co.uk]

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COME EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF NARNIA

The Franklin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is proud to announce it will be the next venue to host The Chronicles of Narnia, The Exhibition, starting November 28th through April 19th, 2009. Tickets went on sale September 23rd and you can get them by visiting The Franklin’s website: The Franklin

Narnia, The Exhibition at the Arizona Science Center closes October 26. Get Tickets Now!

We mentioned the Exhibition’s opening on September 22, and thought a reminder was in order.

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