The proper title for this book is 'The Abolition of Man (or, reflections on education with special reference to the teaching of English in the upper forms of school)'. The title is telling.

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A short book but very difficult to read, as every sentence deserves thinking about. It is packed full with genius insight of the sort that only the likes of C. S. Lewis is capable of.

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The book is an essay rather than a work of literature; but no booklist is complete without it. I believe that every modern western person who thinks of themselves as educated should take the trouble to read it. It is a profound little book that puts many of the errors of our contemporary world into perspective. This is a book you study rather than casually read through. It is worth the effort if anything is.

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I would get this book for any young person who seems capable of deep study; and I would hope that they will cherish it and re-read it throughout their life. It’s theme can be surmised as: ‘What it really means to be educated’. I recommend this book to anyone who has the patience to wade through it. Please read the original text (you can find a pdf of it for free online) rather than about it. Be aware that this text was not written - as some of Lewis’ works were - to be easily accessible.