52 pages • 1 hour read
The Discarded Image
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Book Brief
244
Book • Nonfiction
1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Discarded Image by C. S. Lewis is a 1964 nonfiction book that examines how medieval Europeans conceptualized the universe, heavily influenced by ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. It explores the Medieval Model of the cosmos, their astrological beliefs, and their mythical creatures like fairies. Lewis explains how medieval literature reflected these ideas and offers insights into their historical understanding. The text incorporates some racist beliefs and outdated terminology.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
3,303 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
C. S. Lewis's The Discarded Image masterfully explores medieval and Renaissance literature, earning praise for its insightful analysis and engaging prose. Readers appreciate its clarity and depth, though some find its detail overwhelming. Overall, it's a compelling read for literature enthusiasts, offering a rich understanding of historical perspectives.
Who Should Read The Discarded Image?
A reader fascinated by medieval literature, cosmology, and the history of ideas will enjoy The Discarded Image by C. S. Lewis. Comparable to readers of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose and J. R. R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, this audience appreciates deep historical context and scholarly analysis of classical texts.
3,303 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
244
Book • Nonfiction
1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
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