Richard Wagner (2) (1966–)

I enjoyed this one. I even learned a few things. :) It's a good reference for C.S. Lewis' writings.

I like that Wagner acknowledges that his readers will not all be Christians, but doesn't attempt to soften Christian themes. And he explains things that those who are not familiar with Christianity might not understand.

There's a pretty glaring error on page 13. Page 12 ends with a complete paragraph, then page 13 has a picture at the top followed by the end of a sentence... I'm surprised that wasn't fixed in editing.… (mer)

It's a nice, well-written book, however it suffers from a little aging, and too much focus on the Apple platform.

Not that there's anything wrong with targeting Apple devices primarily, but as an implementer I really want to know if I am selling myself short on support for other platforms. Unfortunately, with this book you will be lead down a garden path. If you follow all the advice, what you build will work nicely on the iPhone, iPod touch (and even iPad), but much of the code breaks irretreivably on most desktop and non-Apple-mobile browsers.… (mer)

It's a nice, well-written book, however it suffers from a little aging, and too much focus on the Apple platform.

Not that there's anything wrong with targeting Apple devices primarily, but as an implementer I really want to know if I am selling myself short on support for other platforms. Unfortunately, with this book you will be lead down a garden path. If you follow all the advice, what you build will work nicely on the iPhone, iPod touch (and even iPad), but much of the code breaks irretreivably on most desktop and non-Apple-mobile browsers.… (mer)

C. S. Lewis and Narnia for Dummies by Richard Wagner. Epiphany library section 12 E: Teen, Non-fiction. This book for teens and adults is about C.S. Lewis and his writings. First comes Lewis’ biography with photographs – his birth in Ireland, youth and education, professorships at Oxford and Cambridge, conversion to Christianity in mid-life, his nonfiction writings about Christianity, his friendships with other writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien, and his marriage.
Then the author covers how Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, a beloved seven volume children’s book series. While it has a basis in Norse mythology and other sources, it is seen by most adult readers as a struggle between good and evil, with the characters having to decide if they will honor and do good or fall to evil and darkness. Aslan, a great lion, represents Christ in his willingness to die for others, and his ability to resurrect himself and Narnia, his kingdom. Children can read these books just for the fun and adventure, while adults can take away a more religious message.
Lewis is considered the most important Christian apologist (a writer in defense of Christianity) of the 20th century. Books about Christianity for adults include Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, The Screwtape Letters, and Surprised by Joy. In these books, Lewis tried to explain Christianity so the average person like you and me could understand them.
Later chapters in this book include his opinions on love, sex, marriage and death, Lewis and Narnia resources online, 10 classic Lewis quotes, 10 tips for reading Lewis, and a complete list of his works. This is a very handy book chock full of information and Narnia trivia. Enjoy!… (mer)