C. S. Lewis's handwriting analysed

"I wonder whether he has a garden shed of sorts (or some other sort of world) in which to disappear when he chooses." Graphologist Diane Simpson didn't know whose handwriting she was analysing. Find out what she had to say about the famous children's author C. S. Lewis's classic novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was recently voted the best children's book of all time, and with the new Narnia film Prince Caspian out this summer, 2008 will be a big year for the author's fans. To celebrate, publishers HarperCollins employed Diane Simpson, a professional graphologist, to analyse samples of his handwriting, taken from some of his letters. She did not know whose script she was studying.

Here are her results.

"At first glance this small, neat script appears to trot unprepossessingly across the page. His exceedingly small personal pronoun does indeed suggest that this man is a modest individual; but being modest does not mean ineffectual.

"There is evidence of strong personal discipline in this angular, firm script. Here we have a man who is far more likely to harbour a preference for detailed, factual understatement than 'in your face' floridity of wording.

"It seems to me that he takes himself rather seriously. He requires no outside criticism as he provides more than enough for himself. He is self-critical and self-monitoring... he really cares about getting things right. I don't think he's shy - but he chooses to keep himself to himself.

"I began to trace the writing and found that it is guarded and careful rather than relaxed and freely written. This is someone who is particularly sensitive and at times somewhat pedantic; not the sort of person to easily catch unawares.

"His words tend to terminate abruptly, so he's not one for small talk. However, I do note the extra effort he has put into some of the lead-in lines at the beginning of words - a reflection of his liking and need for preparation.

"His critical faculties are sharp and he seems to set himself apart from others ...definitely not a hearty 'Hail fellow, well met' type. I don't think he's shy - but he chooses to keep himself to himself. I wonder whether he has a garden shed of sorts (or some other sort of world) in which to disappear when he chooses.

"I don't think this man unduly trusts other people and their opinions, his preference being to do things in very much his own way and in his own time. He seems to relish the independence afforded by freedom of action and decision.

"On reflection I suspect that this man would shy away from the prospect of having his handwriting analysed - which makes me feel rather guilty!"

- Find out more about C. S. Lewis and the Prince Caspian film at the new HarperCollins Narnia microsite www.discovernarnia.co.uk.