Charles Williams

Charles Walter Stansby Williams (20 September 1886 – 15 May 1945) was a British poet, novelist, literary critic, editor, biographer, Anglican Christian, and occultist. He was also a member of the Inklings along with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

He is best known for his seven 'metaphysical thrillers', among which are War in Heaven (1930), The Place of the Lion (1931) and All Hallows Eve (1937). He also wrote history, literary criticism and theology, which included The Descent of the Dove (1929) and Outlines of Romantic Theology (1990). However, Williams regarded his Arthurian poetry as his finest achievement. Esoteric and dense, they include Taliessen Through Logres (1938), The Region of the Summer Stars (1944) and The Silver Stair (1912).

Williams' literary style is notable, being labyrinthine and full of obscure allusions. He was influenced by a variety of sources, including the Bible, Arthurian legend and the occult.