Monthly Archives: July 2014

On Adaptation: contextualizing the trailer for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”

And the Jackson saga goes on and on… Here is the trailer for “the defining chapter of the Middle-earth saga” (so they say): Of course, the internet goes kind of crazy when anything like that is released. Half of the … Continue reading

Posted in Arthuriana | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

What do you want to know about “Faith and Fantasy”?

Dear Readers: In addition to moderating a panel on “The Inklings and King Arthur” at Mythcon 45, I am also serving on a panel on “Faith and Fantasy” in the brilliant company of Carl Hostetter, Lynn Maudlin, and Chip Crane. … Continue reading

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Meta-Textual Tedium: “Poetry at Present”

Charles Williams Book Summary #16: Poetry at Present (1930) In 1930, CW published his first work of literary criticism: Poetry at Present. He had recently released A Myth of Shakespeare, which was his first market success (on a very modest … Continue reading

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Midmoot 2014: Seminar with the Tolkien Professor

 Did you know that the Garden of Eden is in Alexandria, Virginia? Actually, no, it isn’t: Eden is a Moveable Feast. My Garden of Earthly Delights is wherever an eclectic and eccentric group of people gather to share their love … Continue reading

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In Memoriam: Chris Mitchell

On Friday, I received horrific, shocking news. My friend, colleague, and adviser Chris Mitchell had died suddenly on Thursday. Here is the news on Biola’s website; he had just recently moved from Wheaton to Biola to teach at the Torrey … Continue reading

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The Problem of Evil — Solved!

I gave my little mini-talk / discussion starter this morning at MidMoot. Here it is: C. S. Lewis and Charles Williams “Solve” the Problem of Evil What is the Problem of Evil, or the Problem of Pain? C. S. Lewis … Continue reading

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C. S. Lewis and Charles Williams “Solve” the Problem of Evil

On Sunday, at a mini-gathering of Mythmooters, I’ll be sharing a very brief (5-15 minute) talk as a discussion-starter. Here are some of my notes. I’m leaving out most of the substance of my points, so that there will still … Continue reading

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Let Us Live Forever: “Shadows of Ecstasy”

Charles Williams Book Summary #15: Shadows of Ecstasy (1926, pub. 1933) Behold CW’s 4th oddest book! After Witchcraft, Letters to Lalage, and Heroes and Kings comes Shadows of Ecstasy on my list of his strangest works. Yet with Shadows of … Continue reading

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Problems with “Heroes and Kings”

Charles Williams Book Summary #14: Heroes and Kings (1930) Part 2: Sexism & Eroticism On Wednesday I posted about racism in Heroes and Kings; yesterday I posted about Racism, Sexism, and Heresy.  At the end of yesterday’ post, I wrote about … Continue reading

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Racism, Sexism, and Heresy: oh my!

Charles Williams Book Summary #14: Heroes and Kings (1930) Part 2: Sexism & Eroticism Yesterday I posted about racism in Heroes and Kings. Let’s move on to the next problem, without solving that one. I am even more disturbed by the … Continue reading

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