Bandersnatch

C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings

By: Diana Pavlac Glyer

Narrated by: Michael Ward

C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings met each week to read and discuss each other's work-in-progress, offering both encouragement and blistering critique. How did these conversations shape the books they were writing? How does creative collaboration enhance individual talent? And what can we learn from their example? Bandersnatch offers an inside look at the Inklings of Oxford, and a seat at their table at the Eagle and Child pub. It shows how encouragement and criticism made all the difference in The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and dozens of other books written by the members of their circle. You'll learn what made these writers tick, and more: inspired by their example, you'll discover how collaboration can help your own creative process and lead to genius breakthroughs in whatever work you do.

©2016 Diana Pavlac Glyer (P)2016 Diana Pavlac Glyer

In-depth Scholarship bringing great insight

I found the scholarship and research depth bringing great insight into the importance of the inklings on the moving and inspirational work of the works of Lewis, Tolkien, and others.
Unfortunately this book written by a woman is read by a man, which I believe loses in the translation. Why????

Especially Good Reader!

The narrator was wonderful, as was the book; it was certainly well worth the read.

A great insight on creating and friendship.

Amazing book. Illustrates how influencers can change the course of writing and life in general.

Essential for Artists of All Kinds

I was worried at first that this may be a bit hard to digest, but it has helped awaken me so much in my journey as an aspiring writer and as a musician.
So inspiring and helpful.
I will be buying a physical copy to take notes!

Worthy of an extra star

If you’ve read Lewis’s Inner Ring and wanted more, this is more. If you’re a craftsman who wants to be better, you’ll not put it down.

Creativity thrives in Community

A helpful study and some practical steps to pushing the bounds of possibility. Especially helpful as we think about giving real criticism that builds people and shapes better thinking.

An aspiring writer’s wayside inn.

I imagine myself on the road, meeting other travelers, hearing stories, all of which add to my own and to the way I tell of what I see. This book I see less as another traveler, but as a well-needed wayside inn. Glyer is kind, compassionate, and wisely points her finger to the mountain top. She points to the paths well trod and safe, and points to the valleys and woods where trails are hard, but cleared by for-goers. She lets hero’s inspire at eye level, and brings loud declarations of past leaders into a coffee shop conversation with today’s companions.
This book is engaging, inspiring, and realistic.
Michele Ward is stout, bold, and engaging all the way through. I’ve met the man, and he is a gracious and welcoming here as is his warm English handshake and “hallo.”
High praise and high recommendation.

A Good Start & Quality Overview

The narrator for this is excellent. I love his voice for C. S. Lewis!

This was an easy, mellow listen. I wouldn't have minded more history facts on the Inklings and less "theory of the creative process" material, but that's only my personal taste.

Overall, well done, and a lovely introduction to the Inklings for someone who wants a good grasp on the subject before they dive deeper (perhaps with The Company They Keep?).

It left me excited to write and wishing I had a writers' group to join. :)

I’m only sad that it is over

This book was inspiring, insightful, and intriguing. I think, though, I will need to listen to it again another time or two to fully appreciate it. Which is a good thing since I am sad that it is over.

Narrator fantastic!

I had read the print book a few years ago, but listening to it read by this gifted narrator made it all new again-and a pleasure.