Into the Wardrobe: C. S. Lewis and the Narnia Chronicles [Hardcover]

C.S Lewis is most widely known today for his children's tales, The Chronicles of Narnia. However, David C. Downing notes in Into the Wardrobe: C.S. Lewis and the Narnia Chronicles that, "some of his contemporaries were shocked when the eminent C.S. Lewis started writing children's stories." (XIV) Lewis had written some fiction previously, a sci-fi trilogy, The Great Divorce, and some poetry, as well as some notable literary work, but not fiction for children. So when the Chronicles began to be written, what emerged was not merely fairy tales for children, but a magnificent composition of classical, medieval, and modern ideas filtered through the creative theological imagination of C.S. Lewis.

Into the Wardrobe explores the background of Narnia in the life and thought of C.S. Lewis. As should any book of this nature, Dr. Downing begins in Chapter 1 with a biography of Lewis. In Chapter 2 we are introduced to the writing of the Chronicles in the order they were composed. Here Dr. Downing offers a summary of each book and some explanations of their origins, including the lost Lefay fragment that was a potential beginning of The Magician's Nephew.

The last five chapters examine the content of the series categorically. Chapter 3 takes on the "spiritual vision" of the Chronicles. The spirituality of the series is seen through the perspective of Aslan, who is envisioned as "a Numinous Being," "Supremely Good," "Creator," "Co-Sufferer," "Redeemer," "Comfort and Guide" and "Judge." Next, Dr. Downing examines is the morality taught throughout the series through Edmund's failures, technology, and the virtues of honesty, empathy, privacy, and trust.

Chapter 5 looks into the classical and medieval elements found in the Chronicles including hierarchy, chivalry, magic, and astrology. For those who have wondered where Lewis might have gotten the names for his characters, this is described in detail in Chapter 6. The final chapter deals with the literary legacy of the series and grapples with a few of the criticisms that have been made of them and Lewis himself.

Into the Wardrobe was almost consistently a stimulating read. My favorite chapters were the one on the spiritual roles of Aslan and the one about classical and medieval elements. For the former, as with most Narnia fans I suspect, I can never get enough of informed Aslan discussion. For the latter, the scholarly work of Lewis in classical and medieval studies is usually only a footnote in what I've read. Dr. Downing shows that this area of Lewis' life and study is just as important as the rest and played an influential role in the formation of the Chronicles. The only chapter I didn't care much for was the one on Narnian names. Perhaps due to the subject at hand, at a couple instances I felt like I was reading a genealogy in the book of Numbers

David Downing offers us a thought-provoking behind-the-scenes look at what went into the writing of The Chronicles of Narnia. His knowledge of the subject matter and accessible writing style make this book an educational and enjoyable read at the same time.

David C. Downing's INTO THE WARDROBE is one of the best Narnia guides in print. Downing is a leading C.S. Lewis expert and his familiarity with the subject matter gives this book unusual insight and depth.

Those who have just discovered "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" will find here the background information they were looking for but will also discover a thoughtful and and highly readable exploration of Lewis's themes and artistry that they may have overlooked.

And those who are familiar with Narnia from numerous readings and re-readings will find new insights and little known information here. For example, Downing explores the influences on Lewis of the "Arabian Nights" and the obscure "Voyage of Saint Brendan." Downing also dug deep to find the origins of some distinctive Narnian names such as "Puddleglum"

and "Prunaprismia."

Downing's INTO THE WARDROBE will certainly make the reading of the Narnia Chronicles more rewarding and it is a good read in its own right. Highly recommended.

Into the Wardrobe by David C. Downing offers some unique insights into the Chronicles of Narnia while keeping its scholarly views readable.

Downing begins his book rather unimaginatively with a brief biography of C. S. Lewis, but soon turns to explore the conception of each of the Chronicles in the order Lewis wrote them. The next chapter discusses the books' spiritual vision, focusing on the various aspects of Aslan: creator, redeemer, judge, etc. In "Moral Psychology," Downing points out how Lewis portrayed qualities both positive and negative, with Edmund and Eustace as examples. In "Classical and Medieval Elements", the author demonstrates how Lewis used include hierarchy and chivalry within his series.

The heart of Downing's book delves into the names Lewis gave to characters and places, and researches possible origins. Lucy and Jill were young girls Lewis knew, Aslan means "lion" in Turkish, and an Italian village was once called Narnia. The book ends with a chapter on Lewis's literary abilities, an appendix of terms and allusions used in the Chronicles, extensive notes, bibliography, and index.

While Into the Wardrobe proves Downing's claim of C. S. Lewis expert, one mistake jarred throughout the book. He seemed not to realize Jadis from The Magician's Nephew and the White Witch of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are the same person. He entertains the possibility due to a letter Lewis wrote, but completely ignores the White Witch being called Jadis in the report of Tumnus' arrest.

Apart from this minor point, this book is an excellent resource for all Narnia fans. It offers insight for everyone who loves Narnia - from curious children to literary scholars - although its aim lies more toward the latter. -- Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com

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