The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven 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 41 languages. Written by Lewis, illustrated by Pauline Baynes, and originally published in London between 1950 and 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 an restore the throne to its righful 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 was taken from multiple sources; in addition to adapting numerous traditional Christian themes, Lewis freely borrowed characters and ideas from Greek and Roman mythology as well as from traditional British and Irish fairy tales.

The books have profoundly influenced adult and children's fantasy literature since World War II. Lewis's exploration of themes not usually present in children's literature such as religion, as well as the book' perceived treatment of issues including race and gender, has caused some controversy. Although Lewis originally conceived what would become The Chronicles of Narnia in 1939, he did not finish writing the first book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe until 1949.

The seven books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia are presented here in order of original publication date:

1950. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

1951.  Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia.

1952.  The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

1953.  The Silver Chair.

1954.  The Horse and His boy.

1955.  The Magician's Nephew.

1956.  The Last Battle.

TO BE CONTINUED...