The Socratic Club played an important and influential role in mid twentieth century philosophy and theology at Oxford, but remarkably little has been written about it aside from a few essays and articles. This book-length treatment, the first of its kind, is a most welcome contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the Club. Jim Stockton is to be applauded for his pioneering and informative study.

Michael Ward, Associate Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, UK

I have long been intrigued by the Oxford University Socratic Club. I was fascinated by what I'd heard of the vision and work of its founder and director, Stella Aldwinkle, and the charismatic contribution of its long-time president, the colorful and brilliant C. S. Lewis. After reading Jim Stockton's monumental "biography" of the Socratic, I understand how little I really knew about this amazing project of conversation across religious and philosophical divides in the middle of the last century. The history of the Socratic Club at Oxford encompasses the charged atmosphere of Oxford during the Second World War (just as Lewis was taking his role as a public intellectual), the rise to prominence of Oxford's philosophers -- especially a brilliant group of women philosophers like Iris Murdoch and Philippa Foot, destined to leave their mark, and the weekly dose of intellectual challenge and stimulation gathering the best minds of a generation. We can't crowd into the Junior Common Room of an Oxford College to find a place on the floor (and a place in the conversation) as so many did during the blackouts of the 1940s. We can't hold our breath as Elizabeth Anscombe takes C. S. Lewis to task for his position on "naturalism." But we now have this next best thing. The vast scope of Stockton's research and his careful effort to bring those meetings to life in the words of the actual participants is an incredible resource, one we have needed for a long time.

Joe RIcke, Independent Researcher