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A review by 21degustafson
The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature by C.S. Lewis
3.0
A concise introduction to medieval literature. Interesting to see some scholarly work from the well-known apologist and fiction writer. That being said, the work can be considered both a travel-guide to medieval literature and a sustained criticism of the belief in the medieval "Dark Ages". Medieval man, according to Lewis, was an appreciator of categorization and systematizing. Authority was a powerful force, but not due to a complacent incuriosity, but humility resulting from respect for the knowledge of their ancestors. Contradictions in ancient authors were only apparent and were to be resolved. One passage in particular that sticks out is Macrobius's theological extrapolation from one parenthetical remark in Cicero.
Lewis begins the work with less well-known classical authors whose works contributed to the medieval model and moves on to a discussion of the model itself and its views on the Heavens, the Earth, and finally, man. Throughout the work, he strives to show that the assumptions underlying the Medieval model are no more naive than many of the assumptions supporting our view of the world.
Probably Lewis's best work, but not his most original. Given his appreciation of the medieval man's humility, however, I doubt any such charge would really bother him.
Lewis begins the work with less well-known classical authors whose works contributed to the medieval model and moves on to a discussion of the model itself and its views on the Heavens, the Earth, and finally, man. Throughout the work, he strives to show that the assumptions underlying the Medieval model are no more naive than many of the assumptions supporting our view of the world.
Probably Lewis's best work, but not his most original. Given his appreciation of the medieval man's humility, however, I doubt any such charge would really bother him.