52 pages • 1 hour read
C. S. LewisThe Discarded Image
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1964A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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 The text incorporates some racist beliefs and outdated terminology.
Reviews & Readership
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.
Recommended
Reading Age
18+yearsBook Details
History: World
Philosophy
Arts / Culture
Medieval Literature / Middle Ages
Natural World: Appearance & Reality
Natural World: Environment
Natural World: Objects
Literary Criticism
Philosophy
Classic Fiction