#many dimensions

[basicallyanotherwitchesthing]

Charles Williams - Many Dimensions - Eerdmans - 1981

[sublimegentlemanalpaca]

A reccomendation for the works of Charles Williams (aka 'the Third')

To those of you in the Chronicles of the Imaginerium Geographica fandom( whether you are aprentice Caretakers, Mesengers, or Mystorians), raise your hand if you only found out Charles Williams existed because of this series. Let me be the first to raise mine, because it's the truth. At the end of the first book, I of course recognized the full names of his contemporaries, but not his. For a while I kept reading the books enjoying them, and enjoying Charles as my favorite of the Inklings Trio of Caretakers( no disrespect to John or Jack of course). The sixth book came around and the joke was made about how none of Charles' books survived among the Ray Bradbury inspired reality (I forget the name of the society, apologies). After that, I made of my mind to eventually read something by Charles Williams. After finally getting around to going out to find his books (as well as the works of George MacDonald (read the Light Princess if you haven't. It's perhaps my favorite Art Fairytale)). However, in a not too surprising turn of events, I found out both are out of Print. That's where Amazon came in. I debated a while about which to buy, since all had equally interesting premises. I finally decided on Many Dimensions (one of his earlier novels). Overall I suppose you could say I enjoyed it, but I had a problem or two with the book. Being my introduction to Williams, I had a bit of difficulty getting used to his writting style. The characters were also a mixed bag. Chloe Burnete was good (although some of her inner thoughts became very confusing, and hard to follow). Giles Tumulty was a great villain IMHO. Did not care much for Lord Arglay and constantly bringing up Organic Law ( something I didn't and still don't understand that well). After reading Many Dimensions, I debated whether or not to read another. I decided since I had read at least two works by his contemporaries (including the first book of Lewis' Space Trilogy), I should at least read one more. I decided on his last novel All Hallows' Eve, getting an Ebook this time. I enjoyed it more than Many Dimensions for sure. The characters had actual growth, I had an easier time understanding the seriousness of the conflict, and the descriptive writting and dialogue was fantastic. Simon Le Clerk was a great (if problematic ) villain that came off as a legitimate threat. Since then I have read The Place of the Lion (also good for character growth), and War In Heaven. I've taken a break from reading Williams, but if I do start again, I'll probably read Descent into Hell (which I hear is supposed to be his best according to a Professor of mine). To be brief (TOO LATE), I would highly reccomend anyone read the works of Charles Williams, whether they are in the CotIG fandom or not. His strengths are in dialogue and description of the supernatural/spiritual. Mind you it should be pointed out, While the Christian elements of Tolkien and Lewis can be pushed aside as allegory or something that can be looked into on top of the fantasy, The religious aspect of Williams is right in front of you, and there is no ignoring it. Mind you, it's done well, and it never is shoved down your throat (mostly). And it's in the descriptions of the supernatural/ spiritual that his writting really shines...wait, I already said that. On another note, it should be pointed out there is an element or two that could come off as problematic. In a Shylock from the Merchant of Venice sort of way. In All Hallows' Eve for example, several mentions are made of Simon Le Clerk having Jewish features. He seems to be ethnically Jewish, though he is by no means practicing. If anything what makes him so evil would seem to be how he misuses the Hebrew Language. Also, he's basically the Anti-Christ. On another note though, Williams does seperate Le Clerk from being Jewish (even points out how Jesus was Jewish), I only mention it since the several references to Le Clerk being of Jewish heritage seemed...off to me. Mind you I am not Jewish so....I don't know what point I was trying to make there. Another character in War in Heaven is referred to as The Jew, more so than his name. And in Many Dimensions which has an artifact that would be of importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, only the later two perspectives are brought up. Thankfully little to nothing problematic about the Muslim characters (though one is shown to be wrong, another is shown very positively and highly respected) So, I would reccomend the works of Charles Williams. Partly to give an idea about how and what he wrote. Partly because of actual enjoyment. And Partly so one may compare him with his contemporaries and draw their own conclusions as to why he is generally forgotten. Apologies for my poor writting, and make of this what you will.

[mysticpatrolsong]

MANY DIMENSIONS

Charles Williams

William B Eerdmans Publishing

1931 / 1978

[doubtassassin]

[Review] Many Dimensions by Charles Williams ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my first introduction to Charles Williams, and just a few chapters in, I was already searching for copies of his other works. That said, this book was a challenging read, largely due to its period setting and the distinctly English tone. I often found myself rereading sections or taking extra time to process certain events. However—wow! What a wonderful read.

Charles Williams is a masterful storyteller and an exceptional builder of characters. Each character stands out, serving their unique purpose within the story while seamlessly weaving into the broader narrative. Williams has a way of taking the story to places I couldn’t have anticipated. His ability to integrate complex character relationships and desires to the plot of a magical stone was a particular highlight for me.

I especially enjoyed the subplot involving English transportation and the Mayor of Rich, as well as the weighty themes of religion versus government. Williams’ imaginative writing, layered with the depth of his theological background, was truly delightful. I found myself grappling with my own beliefs about the stone and its purpose. I suspect I’d have been more like Oliver Doncaster, the Mayor of Rich, or Merridew in my approach to the stone, though I’d aspire to be more like Lord Arglay—such a strong attempt at the embodiment of the end of desire. What an ambitious subject to tackle! Williams’ choice to frame this concept through the lens of government and religion, particularly from the perspective of the Chief Justice, was brilliant. Truly chef’s kiss! That said, I was disappointed with Chloe’s ending and have decided to reread the last three chapters after a good night’s sleep. (Stay tuned for an update!)

Also, for the romantics among us: yes, Lord Arglay is an incredibly fine, intelligent man. Someone find me a Lord Arglay for my life, please! (My desire is strong, but my lack of a magical stone is stronger) I can’t wait to explore more of his work and gain further insight into how he views the world and our beliefs.

Finally, as a baby fan of science fiction this was a refreshing read that challenged my thinking and encouraged me to see the world from a new perspective.

[sublimegentlemanalpaca]

Charles Williams' Descent into Hell, and my thoughts on his work in general

So, just this morning I finished reading Charles Williams' Descent into Hell. I found it to be pretty interesting, but I don't consider it his best work. My guess is it's considered the best by the more Theologically minded, which makes absolute sense, but more on that later(probably). First what I enjoyed. As usual, one of the best parts of any Charles Williams novel is his pretty descriptions. Yet with Descent into Hell, the problem of being able to comprehend what is being described is present. His writting is generally very dense, for lack of a better word, and I had difficulty understanding everything. I thought since it's the fifth of his books I've read, I'd get a hang of it, but still understanding alludes me at times. One other positive was the idea presented of a Terrible Good, the existence of..the thing made by Wentworth's thoughts through Lilith, and the Ending was really cool. There are problems though. For one thing, the idea of 'Substitution of Love' could be lost in his attempts of explaining it. But at least it was explained unlike Organic Law in Many Dimensions (I understand it's a legal term, but a little explanation would have been nice). One thing I found rather disappointing was the antagonist of Lilith. I felt she could have been more active or we could have gotten a glimpse into what she thought. This is especially in comparison to Williams' other villains like Sir Giles Tumulty, Gregory Persimmons, or Simon LeClerk (problematic though he may be). Also how she was defeated was alright, though I would have thought she'd be defeated by a direct application of the Doctrine of Substituted love. Another problem I had was it felt like not much happened or was at stake. Yes I get it's more personal conflict, facing Damnation and what not, but there could have been something more. While his other novels I've read have had Personal conflicts in the foreground there were great stakes and a lot at risk connected to these internal conflicts. I had an easier time understanding Pauline's thoughts than Chloe Burnett's. Mrs. Perry was a neat side character, and I didn't particularly care for Peter Stanhope. Not sure why. Anywho to close out, Descent into Hell will probably be the last Williams novel I read. The other two don't seem as interesting, and I have other books to read. To rank them from worst to best.and reasons 5). Descent into Hell. 4). Many Dimensions. Had an interesting Villain, neat concept, and satisfying if sad ending. 3). The Place of the Lion. Good character growth from Damaris, and a really cool concept. 2). War in Heaven (this and PoL are really tied) The characters of the Pastor (who's name escapes me), the two characters that join him ( again name escapes me), Persimmons, and the various ideas and thoughts regarding the Holy Grail. 1). All Hallows' Eve. Good character growth for Lester, beautiful descriptions( most notably the painting brought up in chapter 2), an interesting concept with Ghosts, and an legitimate threat with a menacing if problematic villain with Simon the Clerk. Mostly descriptions though. Any who, make of that what you will.

[perkypat2]

Flatland · A Romance of Many Dimensions · 1884 Edwin Abbott Abbott