The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set

FROM OUR EDITORS

Narnia fans, rejoice! To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, here are all seven books in the magical Chronicles of Narnia series -- in one gorgeous, deluxe boxed set. Featuring the original illustrations, newly painted in full color by award-winning illustrator Pauline Baynes, this incredible set is a must-have for anyone who wants to step into the unforgettable world of Narnia time and time again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Enter C.S. Lewis's magical world of Narnia where enchanted creatures live and fierce battles are fought between good and evil. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the most incredible lands ever created, these new digest-sized paperback editions of the seven titles of The Chronicles of Narnia feature full-color art by Pauline Baynes, the original illustrator of this universally loved classic series. These editions also feature full-cover covers from the original books first published in the United Kingdom. Each book stands alone as a paperback work of genius, but together all seven tell the entire history of a fantastic world that becomes as real as our own. These full-color editions, perfect for collectors and fans, join the immensely popular black-and-white hardcover, digest-sized, and rack-sized formats of The Chronicles of Narnia and are available individually or in handsome box sets.

SYNOPSIS

Beloved by generations for more than 50 years, this classic children's series is now available in a special adult edition.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

When The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe appeared on the literary scene in 1950, it helped to define the genre of fantasy for children and adolescents and opened the door for authors like J. K. Rowling (the "Harry Potter" series), Gail Carson Levine (Ella Enchanted and The Princess Tales), and Phillip Pullman (His Dark Materials Trilogy). The books that followed all took up either the adventures of the five main characters from the first book—Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy, who became the Kings and Queens of Narnia and the mysterious lion, Aslan, everlasting ruler of all Narnia—or followed events occurring in the "otherworld" of Narnia itself. This current compilation arranges the seven books of Narnia in the order C. S. Lewis thought they should be read. Thus, in The Magician's Nephew (1955), we learn of the origins of Narnia. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950), The Horse and His Boy (1954), Prince Caspian (1951), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952), and The Silver Chair (1953) provide further adventures for the main characters and their friends. The final book, The Last Battle (1956), chronicles the end of Narnia. The adventures themselves are compelling for younger readers, and those who come to Narnia as older "participants" may find themselves analyzing the Christian allegory that Lewis infused throughout the texts. However, in light of concerns about gender or ethnic representations, some readers may have concerns about the stereotypical manner in which a number of characters are constructed. And those students who have found fantasy because of Harry Potter may find The Chronicles of Narnia, at a surface level, less compelling. But Narnia still invites readersof all ages to its shores, and trip is well worth the time. 2001 HarperCollins Publishers, $19.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Jean Boreen

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