On its first appearance The Screwtape Letters was immediately recognised as a milestone in the history of popular
theology and in the religious experience of many people whose approach to their religion was still beset by doubts and hesitations. Since then thirteen years have passed, during which this book has gone through twenty-two editions, sold nearly a quarter of a million copies and firmly established itself as a classic of religious exposition. Its new appearance in paper covers and at a price accessible to all serves to bring it to the notice of a whole new reading public, whose first encounter with that elderly devil, Screwtape, with his witty and profound analysis of Christian strength and weaknesses outlined in letters to his young nephew Wormwood, will surely help them on their way as others have already been so signally helped.