The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia HarperCollins boxed set; books presented in order of the fictional chronology |
|
|
| Author |
Clive Staples Lewis |
| Language |
English |
| Genre |
Fantasy
Children's literature |
| Publisher |
HarperCollins |
| Published |
1950–1956 |
| Media type |
Print (hardcover and paperback) |
The Chronicles of Narnia is a
series of seven high fantasy novels by
C. S. Lewis.
It is considered a classic of children's literature and is the author's
best-known work, having sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages.
Written by Lewis between 1949 and 1954, illustrated by
Pauline Baynes and originally published in London between October 1950 and March 1956,
The Chronicles of Narnia has been
adapted several times, complete or in part, for radio, television, the stage, and film.
Set in the
fictional realm of
Narnia,
a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals, the
series narrates the adventures of various children who play central
roles in the unfolding history of that world. Except in
The Horse and His Boy, the
protagonists are all children from the real world magically transported to Narnia, where they are called upon by the lion
Aslan
to protect Narnia from evil and restore the throne to its rightful
line. The books span the entire history of Narnia, from its creation in
The Magician's Nephew, to its eventual destruction in
The Last Battle.
Inspiration for the series is taken from multiple sources; in
addition to numerous traditional Christian themes, characters and ideas
are freely borrowed from
Greek,
Turkish and
Roman mythology,
as well as from traditional British and Irish fairy tales. The books
have profoundly influenced adult and children's fantasy literature
written since World War II. Lewis' exploration of themes not usually
present in children's literature, such as religion as well as the book's
perceived treatment of issues including race and gender, has caused
some controversy.
