The key to Williams' mystically oriented theological thought, Descent into Hell (arguably Williams' greatest novel) is a multidimensional story about human beings who shut themselves up in their own narcissistic projections, so that they are no longer able to love, to 'co-inhere.' The result is a veritable hell.
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.
