Latin Letters of C.S. Lewis

This correspondence, initiated by Fr. Calabria, showcases C.S. Lewis's devotional insights and covers various topics, enriching readers' understanding of his beliefs.

In September 1947, after being inspired by C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters in Italian, Fr. Giovanni Calabria felt compelled to reach out to the author. Despite his lack of English skills, he opted to write in Latin, believing that Lewis, as a classicist, would understand it. This marked the beginning of a remarkable correspondence that would extend beyond Fr. Calabria’s lifetime, continuing until Lewis's own passing in 1963, with Fr. Luigi Pedrollo taking over the exchanges after Calabria’s death in December 1954.

Translator and editor Martin Moynihan describes these letters as “limpid, fluent, and deeply refreshing,” highlighting their charm and unique formalities of address. The correspondence reveals a different facet of Lewis, showcasing his strong devotional side. The letters cover a wide array of topics, including Christian unity, modern European history, liturgical worship, and ethical behavior, making them a valuable resource for understanding Lewis’s thoughts and beliefs.

This new edition of Latin Letters of C.S. Lewis is further enriched by a foreword from esteemed Lewis scholar Mark A. Noll of the University of Notre Dame. Noll's insights provide additional context and depth, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the correspondence. The letters not only illuminate the personal connection between Lewis and Calabria but also reflect the broader themes of faith and ethics that permeate Lewis’s work.