We should always be looking for old books to read. There is much wisdom to be found in the writings of those who have come before us.
Charles Williams was one of the lesser known of the Inklings that included Tolkien and Lewis.
He was an excellent writer among which is his book about the Person of the Holy Spirit by the name of "The Descent of the Dove". There is a link below to buy the book.
Biography of Charles Walter Stansby Williams (1886-1945)
"The following biography of Charles Williams was written by G. W. S. Hopkins, in the Dictionary of National Biography, 1941-50. It is reproduced by permission of the Oxford University Press.
WILLIAMS, Charles Walter Stansby (1886-1945), author and scholar, was born in London 20 September 1886, the only son of Richard Walter Stansby Williams, clerk, of Islington, by his wife, Mary, daughter of Thomas Wall, cabinet maker, of London. He was educated at St. Albans School and at University College, London. In 1908 Williams joined the Oxford University Press as a reader, and remained a member of the staff, increasingly valued and much beloved, until his death. His duties, however, as literary adviser in a publisher’s office, although carried out with enthusiasm and wisdom, occupied a relatively small place in his life. In 1912 he published his first book of verse, The Silver Stair, and, for the next thirty-three years, wrote, lectured and conversed with a tireless and brilliant energy. In that time he produced, apart from anthologies, a number of prefaces, and a rarely interrupted series of reviews, over thirty volumes of poetry, plays, literary criticism, fiction, biography, and theological argument..." from the article: Biography of Charles Walter Stansby Williams (1886-1945)
Video from Novelzilla
"The Descent of the Dove" By Charles Williams
"The Descent of the Dove" is a thought-provoking and complex work by Charles Williams, delving into the history and significance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian tradition. Published in 1939, this literary masterpiece explores the role of the Holy Spirit as the driving force behind spiritual experiences throughout history.Williams' primary aim in "The Descent of the Dove" is to present the concept of "co-inherence" or "sub-inherence," which he defines as the intermingling of human souls through the shared presence of the Holy Spirit. This unique perspective on spiritual unity and interconnectedness distinguishes his work from conventional theological discussions. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit does not merely act as a single entity but rather permeates and binds together the entire body of Christ.In this profound exploration, Williams weaves a narrative that traverses centuries, examining various historical figures, events, and religious movements. He uncovers the unifying force of the Holy Spirit at critical junctures, illustrating its transformative impact on individuals and communities alike.One of the key strengths of "The Descent of the Dove" lies in Williams' evocative prose and imaginative storytelling. He employs vivid imagery and eloquent language to capture the reader's attention and create a sense of wonder. This stylistic choice mirrors the ethereal nature of the Holy Spirit itself, making it an apt literary technique for such a spiritual subject.Williams draws parallels between secular and spiritual history, showing how the descent of the Holy Spirit has shaped both the Church and the world at large. He attributes key historical events to the subtle but potent influence of the Holy Spirit, bringing forth a fresh perspective on the course of human affairs.Throughout the text, Williams integrates theology, philosophy, and mythology, creating a rich tapestry of ideas. This multidisciplinary approach adds depth to his analysis, allowing readers to explore the Holy Spirit's significance from various angles.At the heart of "The Descent of the Dove" is Williams' belief in the sanctification of humanity through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He argues that the Holy Spirit's presence enables individuals to participate in divine life actively. This concept is central to his understanding of Christian spirituality and serves as a call to action for believers to embrace their connection with the divine.Furthermore, Williams emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the Holy Spirit's workings. While it unites believers, it also creates divisions and disagreements within the Church. This tension highlights the complexity of spiritual experiences and human interpretations of the divine, reinforcing the need for humility and open-mindedness in matters of faith."The Descent of the Dove" can be challenging to navigate due to its dense and intricate narrative structure. Williams' penchant for blending historical anecdotes with theological reflections demands the reader's full attention. However, this complexity rewards those who persevere, as it offers a profound understanding of the Holy Spirit's multifaceted role in the course of human history.In conclusion, "The Descent of the Dove" is a captivating and intellectually stimulating exploration of the Holy Spirit's significance in Christian tradition. Charles Williams' adept storytelling and multidisciplinary approach make the book a unique and valuable contribution to theological literature. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking insights, Williams inspires readers to contemplate the profound impact of the Holy Spirit on human lives and history, urging believers to embrace their divine connection and seek unity amidst diversity." from video introduction
The Descent of the Dove: A Short History of the Holy Spirit in the Church" By Charles Williams (link)
Unsung Inklings: Charles Williams
"Of all the Inklings, Williams was certainly the most enigmatic. His mind and body were always moving.
I've found standing in front of my mailbox doesn't fill me with the dread of bills or the disturbance of junk mail, but instead a flash of excitement and anticipation, a hope for something unexpected - perhaps a letter from an old friend or a card from someone who remembered my birthday or wrote because they thought of me. Once in a while, a mailbox can be the bearer of good news.
This was certainly the case for Charles Williams, the focus of this week's Unsung Inklings. In March 1936, Williams received a letter from an admirer of his recent novel, The Place of the Lion. That admiring fan was C.S. Lewis, who had been given The Lion to read by his friend and fellow Inkling, Nevill Coghill.
Lewis wrote to Williams, "A book sometimes crosses one's path which is so like the sound of one's native language in a strange country that it feels almost uncivil not to wave some kind of flag in answer. I have just read your Place of the Lion, and it is to me one of the major literary events of my life." [1]
The admiration was mutual. Williams had recently (and hastily, in his own words) been looking at proofs of Lewis's scholarly work The Allegory of Love in his editorial position at Oxford University Press when he received Lewis's letter. Williams replied the next day. "My dear Mr. Lewis, if you had delayed in writing another 24 hours, our letters would have crossed…My admiration for the staff work of the Omnipotence rises every day."..from the article: Unsung Inklings: Charles Williams