I won The Inklings of Oxford: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Their Friends earlier this year (in the @bibledude giveaway marathon), and finally made time to review this facinating book from Harry Lee Poe (yes, distant relative of Edgar Allan.)

This is both a photo book and a story book, and the presentation is quite vivid, and makes you want to jump on a plane and hop across the pond to visit the areas that inspired the literary geniuses of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and their pals, to write the timeless classics they created for us to enjoy.

The stories of The Inklings is awe inspiring, touching, and insightful on what made these individuals the best of friends.
The trees where I live have not yet got the memo that it is spring, but the pages of this book are alive with robust trees and architecture that somehow provides a peaceful backdrop to Oxford’s history.

From the Blackwell’s Bookstop, to the Eagle and Child pub, Oxford’s rich history jumps off the pages due to the brilliant photography of James Ray Veneman.

Poe also offers walking tour maps of the sites referenced in the book.  If I’m ever wise enough to visit Oxford, these maps will be my guide.

This book will be a coffee table book that my guests won’t be able to put down.

Blessings!