C.S. Lewis, the renowned author of classics such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, had a profound appreciation for many literary works. However, he frequently mentioned that his favorite book was George MacDonald’s Phantastes.
Lewis credited this book with having a significant influence on his own writing and spiritual journey. Phantastes, a fantasy novel published in 1858, delves into the themes of morality, identity, and the nature of reality through a surreal and dreamlike narrative. For Lewis, the book was not just an enjoyable read; it was transformative, providing him with a new lens through which to view the world and its possibilities.
This preference highlights Lewis’s admiration for imaginative literature that provokes deep thought and encourages readers to explore profound themes, much like his own works later did.