The Discarded Image

An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Richard Elwood

The Discarded Image paints a lucid picture of the medieval worldview, providing the historical and cultural background to the literature of the middle ages and renaissance. It describes the 'image' discarded by later years as "the medieval synthesis itself, the whole organization of their theology, science, and history into a single, complex, harmonious mental model of the universe". This, Lewis' last book, has been hailed as "the final memorial to the work of a great scholar and teacher and a wise and noble mind".

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A Masterful Guide to the Medieval Mind

I absolutely loved this book. Lewis’s writing is as engaging as ever, blending fine scholarship with a conversational, almost whimsical voice that makes the dense material feel accessible and enjoyable. His commentary is both enlightening and deeply insightful, offering a masterful exploration of the medieval and Renaissance worldview.

This book has also been particularly helpful in preparing me to dive into medieval classics like Dante and Mallory, providing invaluable context for understanding their worlds and the mental frameworks they inhabited. Beyond that, Lewis’s exploration of the "medieval model of the universe" has given me a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration for my own writing. The detailed glimpse into the intricate, symbolic, and often beautiful worldview of the Middle Ages is proving to be tremendously useful as I work on my fantasy novel this year. For anyone interested in history, literature, or medieval cosmology, this book is an indispensable gem.

Venus and Mars are alright tonight!

This book is an excellent companion piece to Lewis’ Ransom trilogy much like the Abolition of Man is an excellent supplement to That Hideous Strength. Without any understanding of the medieval cosmological model, it is very difficult to understand what Lewis was trying to accomplish through his Space books. I would have to say, and let me add that I’m grateful that this book got in under the wire prior to Lewis’ death, that this work alone ties an invisible thread that runs through every book of Lewis’ catalog. Also see Aristotle’s On the Heavens.

Lewis at his scholarly best

This is a wonderful book, and one that I’ve read many times over the years. It’s an essential vademecum for any reader of medieval literature, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the structural and stylistic features of Lewis’s (and Tolkien’s) own fiction as well. It’s great to finally have an audio recording of this one!

A Glimpse at the Medieval Mindset

A very interesting and informative experience. There were things that I loved, and others that confused me. I wish I got to he in one of his lectures, he must have been a fun professor.

CS Lewis

Thank you for making The Discarded Image available. CS Lewis ought to be read by everyone. This piece brings the listener to the best lecture halls a university offers.

So Helpful!

This book helped me make better sense of the medieval books I’ve heard or read, and sheds some light on the way Lewis describes creation and the solar system in his “space trilogy.”

Masterful narration

The narrator did a fantastic job with the subject matter. He effortlessly switched from English to Latin, Greek, French, German, etc..

Because of non-English parts, I found this audiobook best consumed concurrently with the Kindle version.

I hope more of Lewis's scholastic stuff is coming

Know in advance that this is not (mainly) spiritual nourishment, but a book about the assumptions of medieval writers & readers versus modern writers & readers. And Lewis was careful not to proseletyze in his "day job." So don't expect apologetics or Christian inspiration except in the most latent way.

But if you are intoxicated by Lewis's prose voice and turns of thought, there is treasure here even for listeners barely interested in medeival literature.

I hope this is a sign of more (scholastic) work from Lewis coming to audible. This is his area of extreme expertise.

Excellent Narrator, and a note for first time readers

C. S. Lewis hardly needs to be extolled The Discarded Image is excellent and you should read it), but I would like to hear this narrator read a work by Chaucer because his accent for the Chaucer quotes is great.

A note for first time readers: skip to the chapter entitled “The Heavens.” That’s where the meat is at. The first few chapters will reward a second read, but they’re hard for the first reading.

Very Interesting Information, OK Narration

The Information gathered for this lecture or class must have been enormous! Medieval culture was much more diverse, open and varied than my gradeschool learning led me to believe. The narrator reminded me of Nigel from the Jumanji movies with the Rock in them. It felt a little like he was trying to sell the book or lecture to me, not present it.