The Magical Worlds of Narnia: The Symbols, Myths, and Fascinating Facts Behind the Chronicles

by David Colbert

After revealing the inspirations behind Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, David Colbert takes a tour of C.S. Lewis's Narnia - from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to The Last Battle - in this indispensable guide to the origins of the classic book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425205630
• ISBN13: 9780425205631
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

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The Chronicles of Narnia are a well-loved collection of children's book. I first found them when I read them as part of my son's bedtime routine years ago. There are seven books in the series: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, The Magician's Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, and The Last Battle. In The Magical Worlds of Narnia, David Colbert has sections devoted to each book and details some of the interesting background that went into the development, plotting, and writing of each of these books. While reading the books, I did notice some of the religious allusions but they weren't as 'blinking neon lights' in your face as when I read his science fiction series (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength) or when reading his religious writings (The Screwtape Letters). In the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis meant to lay down the percepts that are natural to all and a basis for all moral behavior. He sought to do this by showing how people should behave rather than dictating actions that should be taken. So these books are Lewis' idea of giving young people a moral compass by example. In spite of his difficulties in dealing with women and his bigotry against other religions and races, the books are rip roaring good stories that children have enjoyed since their publication in the 1950s. Children enjoy them for the characters, actions, setting, and story. Adults can enjoy the many-layered meanings that enrich the background--and this book can help with those behind the scenes layers. C.S. Lewis drew on a rich tapestry of history, literature, myths, folklore, the work of his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, and his own dreams and imagination to create Narnia, its stories and its characters. In reading this book, you learn the basis of some of the names and stories. There are also some interesting factoids about Lewis and his work. There are also the usual topics that you'd find in any work about the writings of Lewis: his problems dealing with women, his bigotry (except for the people in the category that he'd actually met), and his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. With the information contained in The Magical Worlds of Narnia readers can now reread the series with a greater understanding of the background that went into the works. Whether that understanding will acquit him of his blatant sexist and racism is up to each reader. This book is a cornucopia of interesting tidbits such as: the word Narnia was the name of a small village on a map of Italy Lewis found as a boy and he liked the name enough to remember it and use it; Aslan is the Turkish word for lion; the voice of Treebeard was meant by J.R.R. Tolkien to mimic Lewis'. I could list more but get the book and read it for yourself. I had to say to my husband, did you know...constantly (poor him) while I read it. Great book for those who love odd little factoids about books and their writers.

insight into the magical world of C.S. Lewis

This entertaining yet educational guidebook provides deep insight into the magical world of C.S. Lewis by enlightening readers with the derivations that inspired the author to create Narnia. Obviously aimed at the older fans though youthful enthusiast will appreciate some of the references to Camelot and the Bible. The sidebars are as enlightening as the main text because the audience learns who the real Lucy was, why the name Narnia, and biblical connections like Aslan's Stone Table's connection to the Ten Commandments. In other words, David Colbert provides the "hidden" story within the story. Have a good time and learn why there is a wardrobe, find out if Aslan "Jesus in fur", and observe the intent behind THE LAST BATTLE amongst other deep explanations; just enter the door to understand the meaning of Narnia as Mr. Colbert serves much more than just the symbolism behind Turkish Delight. Harriet Klausner