The Four Loves
by C.S. Lewis
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis holds a highly rated rating of 4.16 out of 5, based on 29.7K reader ratings. First published in 1960. The book spans 170 pages.
About The Four Loves
The Four Loves summarizes four kinds of human love--affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. Masterful without being magisterial, this book's wise, gentle, candid reflections on the virtues and dangers of love draw on sources from Jane Austen to St. Augustine. The chapter on charity (love of God) may be the best thing Lewis ever wrote about Christianity. Consider his reflection on Augustine's teaching that one must love only God, because only God is eternal, and all earthly love will someday pass away: Who could conceivably begin to love God on such a prudential ground--because the security (so to speak) is better? Who could even include it among the grounds for loving? Would you choose a wife or a Friend--if it comes to that, would you choose a dog--in this spirit? One must be outside the world of love, of all loves, before one thus calculates. His description of Christianity here is no less forceful and opinionated than in Mere Christianity or The Problem of Pain, but it is far less anxious about its reader's response--and therefore more persuasive than any of his apologetics. When he begins to describe the nature of faith, Lewis writes: "Take it as one man's reverie, almost one man's myth. If anything in it is useful to you, use it; if anything is not, never give it a second thought." --Michael Joseph Gross
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | C.S. Lewis |
| Published | 1960 |
| Pages | 170 |
| Genres | Christian, Non-Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Classics |
| Average Rating | 4.16 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 29,684 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Four Loves?
The Four Loves is categorized as Christian, Non-Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is The Four Loves worth reading?
Based on 29.7K reader ratings, The Four Loves has an average score of 4.16 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Four Loves?
The Four Loves has 170 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote The Four Loves?
The Four Loves was written by C.S. Lewis. It was first published in 1960.
What is the ISBN for The Four Loves?
The ISBN-13 for The Four Loves is 9780006280900.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
