CS Lewis: The Kiln

On Wednesday, the Fantasy Literature and Oxford course took a two-hour guided tour of The Kilns, CS Lewis’ home in Headington. The students, having read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as biographical pieces about Lewis and his role as a member of the Inklings, were able to ask questions about his life and career, as well as touch objects that acted as inspiration in his works. The house is filled with photographs of Lewis and those significant to him, and students were able to gain insight into the nature of his personality and relationships. Of note is a photograph of Lewis and his wife, Joy, shortly before she died; the grief is palpable in the photo and further brought to life the human being behind the author.