Owen Barfield

Arthur Owen Barfield (9 November 1898 – 14 December 1997) was an English philosopher, author, poet, critic, and member of the Inklings. Born in London, he was educated at Highgate School and Wadham College, Oxford, where he earned a first-class degree in English language and literature. After completing his B.Litt., which became his third book, Poetic Diction, he dedicated over ten years to poetry and writing. From 1934, he worked as a solicitor in London until his retirement in 1959. He subsequently held numerous guest professorships in North America. Barfield's primary focus was on the "evolution of consciousness," a concept central to his extensive writings. He is particularly recognized for his book Saving the Appearances: A Study in Idolatry and for his significant contribution to Anthroposophy in the English-speaking world. His profound influence extended to his friends C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, shaping their literary and philosophical perspectives.