Name/Title

The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis

Description

According to Perplexity, "The Screwtape Letters is a satirical Christian novel by C. S. Lewis, structured as a series of 31 letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter. The letters serve as advice and instruction to Wormwood on how to tempt and ultimately damn a British man referred to only as “the Patient”—with the broader theme of exploring human temptation and the struggle between good and evil. Written during World War II, the book uses the unique perspective of devils to discuss theological issues, especially the subtle ways humans may drift away from virtue. As the patient converts to Christianity, Screwtape criticizes Wormwood’s failures and encourages more sophisticated, gradual methods for leading the patient astray. The letters cover themes like pride, distraction, hypocrisy, and complacency, demonstrating that the safest, most effective path to ruin is often gradual and barely noticeable. In the end, despite Wormwood’s attempts, the patient remains faithful and dies during an air raid, thus going to Heaven. As punishment for his failure, Wormwood is threatened with being devoured by his uncle Screwtape."

Collection

Miscellaneous Non-Fraternal

Cataloged By

A.T. Kornblum

Category

Religious Literature

Transcription

Language

English

Dimensions

Height

8-1/2 in

Width

6 in

Depth

1 in

Book Details

Author

Lewis, C. S.

Publisher

The MacMillan Company

Place Published

City

New York

Date Published

1948

Place Printed

* Untyped Place Printed

United States of America

Publication Subjects

Christian theology

Notes

Dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien

Location

* Untyped Location

Librarian's Office, Bookcase 3, Shelf 1 [Librarian's Office]

Update Date

September 11, 2025