How did America come to love an Irish professor living in Oxford? Andrew finds out from Dr. K. Alan Snyder, author of “America discovers C.S. Lewis”…
S5E64: “America Discovers C.S. Lewis”, After Hours with Dr. K. Alan Snyder (Download)
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, such as iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and many others…
For information about our schedule for Season 5, please see the our season roadmap, containing a list of all the episodes we plan to record together, as well as “After Hours” interviews with special guests.
Finally, if you’d like to support us and get fantastic gifts such as access to our Pints With Jack Slack channel and branded pint glasses, please join us on Patreon for as little as $2 a month.
Show Notes
Introduction
Quote-of-the-week
I like American reviewers: they do read the book.
C.S. Lewis, Letter to Ruth Pitter (24th September 1946)
Biographical Information
Dr. Snyder is Professor in the History at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. In addition to America discovers C.S. Lewis, he has also authored four other books and maintains a daily online commentary called “Pondering Principles”, reflections on God, Man, and Life, which is found at PonderingPrinciples.com.
Guest Biographical Information
Chit-Chat
- Andrew and our guest met at Camp Allen and they both met Walter Hooper.
Beverage and Toast
- Our guest was drinking Publix tea.
- Andrew was drinking Jura whisky toasted Walter.
Discussion
1. “Personal Background”
Would you mind filling in some of your background for us?
2. “DJ Snyder”
Can you tell us more about your time as a radio DJ?
3. “Lewisian Learning”
I love the dedication of your book to the unknown person who introduced you to Lewis. What have you learned from Lewis and how long did it take for you to get to Narnia?
4. “Favourite and best Lewis book?”
What is your favourite Lewis book and which do you think is his best?
5. “Book genesis”
How did you come to write a book about America’s discovery of C.S. Lewis?
6. “CSL in England today”
What is Lewis’ standing in England today?
7. “America discovers CSL”
When and how did Lewis’ fame grow in America?
- The Screwtape Letters (1943)
…a religious book, indeed a specifically Christian book, written with such sophistication and elegance that one need not apologize for leaving it out on the coffee table.
Chad Walsh, Impact on America (Pg 106)
8. “Post mortem popularity”
When and why did his popularity continue to grow after his death?
9. “Popularity today”
How would you describe Lewis’ popularity today?
10. “Ransom Trilogy Course”
Would you tell us about your course on the Ransom trilogy?
11. “Next book”
Can you tell us anything about your next book?
More Information
- Guest (Website)
- America Discovers C.S. Lewis (Wipf and Stock Press | Amazon)
