Warren Lewis

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Warren Hamilton (W.H.) Lewis (June 16, 1895-April 9, 1973) was a soldier and historian and brother of noted Irish Oxford and Cambridge don and author C.S. Lewis. Warren Lewis was a supply officer in the British army during and after World War I, and after retiring in 1932 and coming to live with his brother in Oxford, was one of the founding members of the Inklings, an Oxford literary society. He wrote on French history and served as secretary for the later years of C.S. Lewis's life.

C.S. Lewis referred to his older brother, Warren (“Warnie”), as “my dearest and closest friend.” The lifelong bond formed as the boys played together, writing and illustrating stories, in their country home. When their mother’s death devastated their father, they were left with only each other for comfort and support. Warren Lewis's 40-year battle with alcoholism greatly concerned his brother.

Although their careers took widely different turns, the two lived together much of their lives. As a career army officer in the Royal Army Service Corps, Warren Lewis served in such posts as Sierra Leone and China. After retiring from 18 years of active service in 1932, he took up residence at the Kilns (Headington, Oxford), where he lived until after his brother’s death in 1963.

Upon retirement, Warren took on the task of editing the Lewis family papers. He was recalled to active service in World War II. During his final retirement he wrote seven books on the history of 17th Century France.

Warren Lewis returned to belief in Christianity five months before his brother’s conversion, in 1929. He was a frequent participant in weekly meetings of the Inklings. The Lewis brothers undertook many annual walking tours of up to 50 miles.

Writings

As W.H. Lewis, he authored seven books on the history of 17th century France, including The Splendid Century: Life in the France of Louis XIV and Levantine Adventurer: The travels and missions of the Chevalier d'Arvieux, 1653-1697. He also edited the first published edition of C.S. Lewis's letters in 1966; later editions of these letters have been edited by Walter Hooper.