Deeper Heaven

A Reader's Guide to C. S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy

By: Christiana Hale

Narrated by: Timothy Stephenson

C. S. Lewis' Ransom Trilogy, better known as "the Space Trilogy", is a much-neglected and yet critically important part of Lewis's works. It has captivated and bewildered readers and listeners since its publication, and though hundreds of books about Lewis have been written, few seek to navigate the maze that is Lewis' "space-travel story". These books are a distillation in novel form of one of Lewis' favorite subjects, a subject whose melody is woven into almost everything that Lewis ever wrote: the medieval model of the cosmos.

Deeper Heaven is a guide and companion through the magical web of medieval cosmology, ancient myth, and critique of modern philosophies that makes up the oft-maligned "Space Trilogy". A student and teacher of literature and history herself, Christiana Hale will walk you through the trilogy one step at a time, with eyes fixed where Lewis himself fixed his: on Deep Heaven and beyond. In the process, many questions will be answered: What does Christ have to do with Jupiter? Why does Lewis care so much about the medieval conception of the heavens? Why should we? And, perhaps the most puzzling question of all: Why is Merlin in That Hideous Strength?

©2020 Christiana Hale (P)2021 Roman Roads Press

Essential Reading

A sword of light, parting the mists of Lewis’ most enigmatic series. If you love the Ransom Trilogy, this book is for you.

Bringing a Whole New Meaning

The Ransom trilogy is by itself a fantastic and beautiful piece of work. With this review of the trilogy has expanded my love of this beautiful philosophical journey.

Elegant, building layers well, an excellent guide

While this began as a reader's guide alongside a beloved author's modern fairytale masterpiece, it ended as a companion and honored fellow travelor to a truly great Dante of his time-Miss Hale proved herself a worthy student of a worthy master. Loved it and will read again every year. Thank you to the author!

Good read

For those who love C. S. Lewis this is a must read, for those who enjoy stories this is great book for Christians this will help build your faith. I would recommend it to anyone.

Brings out more of Lewis’s brilliance than I’d seen before

This was a wonderful read. I enjoyed the Ransom trilogy previously, but this book helped bring home so much more that Lewis was doing. Nothing the author said seemed a stretch at all; I was able to clearly see what she was talking about, and it felt like someone had done the extra scholarship for me and told me in a conversational, not-too-academic way. Do as the author recommends and read it as you finish the Ransom trilogy books. And then go outside and look at the heavens!

Insightful

Wonderful insight into CS Lewis' writing and the medieval world view which he enjoyed.

So much insight that I never picked up

Do yourself a favor and listen to it. It’ll unveil aspects of the story that weren’t so apparent and your appreciation for the Ransom Trilogy will grow.

Great Insights into the Ransom Trilogy

Great work to help a reader understand the Ransom Trilogy. I think this trilogy is some of Lewis's best works so this book highlights and explains them well. This book also captures well what Lewis was driving towards in the trilogy as he uses the old cosmology of the Medieval world. In explaining this vision of the cosmos, this book will revitalize your understanding of our own world and clean out the old dusty cobwebs of the modern materialistic picture of outer space. I highly recommend this book.

Informative Inspiration

I felt deeply inspired by the Ransom Trilogy all over again through this listen. It is a great treasure for understanding Lewis' source material and arguments. The book offered new thoughts in ways I didn't expect coming. This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for -- inspiring, meaningful and all surrounding some of my favorite books.

Epic review of the most epic trilogy!

Both the analysis and the narration were superb. Oh that every Christian would give this a listen and see the variegated shades of Christ’s character displayed in the heavens.