Welcome to Tumnus’s Book Shelf where we review any and all books related to the Chronicles of Narnia and CS Lewis. Today’s Review is of Laura Miller’s The Magician’s Book

(more…)

0 people like this post.

Like 

Wouldn’t you know it, just as Prince Caspian is about to be released to DVD and Blu-ray Disc, a BBC documentary is announced that won’t air until Easter. Not that I blame them… that is pure marketing.

The documentary is called “The Narnia Code” and it is based on a theory that the Chronicles of Narnia books all relate to the different planets in our solar system.

Each of the seven children’s chronicles is based on one of the seven planets that comprised the heavens in medieval astrology, says a scholar whose theory is examined in the programme.

The explanation comes after more than five decades of literary and theological debate over whether Lewis devised the fantasies with a pattern in mind or created characters and events at random.

It is put forward by Reverend Dr Michael Ward, in his book Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis.

Norman Stone, director and producer of The Narnia Code, to be screened on BBC2 at Easter, says the theory is the “best explanation yet” for the chimerical nature of the books.

The Chronicles of Narnia have sold over 120m copies in 41 languages since their first publication in the early 1950s first of the books, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, was turned into a film starring Tilda Swinton and James McAvoy in 2005.

The books are already known to work on two levels: the fantasy narrative enjoyed by generations of children, and the Christian allegory in which the lion Aslan represents Christ. However, Lewis never revealed the hidden key behind the series.

Dr Ward made his discovery in 2003 after reading The Planets, a poem by Lewis which refers to the influence of Jupiter in “winter passed / And guilt forgiv’n” – a theme echoed in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

He claims Lewis’ knowledge of medieval history, of which he was one of the leading scholars, made him familiar with the characteristics attributed to the seven planets during the period. Each of these planets gives one of the books its theme. Prince Caspian, for example, is a story ruled by Mars, who is manifested by soldiery and battle, while The Voyage of the Dawn Treader focuses on the Sun, with its light and gold themes. In The Horse and His Boy, based on Mercury, the planet that rules the star sign Gemini and is associated with the power of communication, the characters include twins and a talking horse.

Mr Stone said: “This isn’t the first theory on Narnia and I don’t suppose it will be the last but this is the best explanation yet.

He added: “This will help change the view of Lewis. It will help elevate Lewis to a different level and make him the equal of Tolkien – both as a writer and thinker.”

So, who’s interested in this possible theory? Thoughts?

0 people like this post.

Like 

A new series of accredited educational programming is now available on DVD from Disney Educational Productions, a division of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

The series, “The Science of Disney Imagineering,” has four titles to help students learn about Trajectory, Gravity, Levers and Pulleys. The lessons demonstrate how these scientific principles apply to thrill rides, roller coasters and other amusement park attractions.

Additional educational products include two new literacy programs based on the C.S. Lewis books The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

All titles are $49.95 and are available at disneyeducation.com as well as Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

0 people like this post.

Like 

Welcome to Tumnus’s Book Shelf where we review any and all books related to Narnia and CS Lewis! For this weeks review, we will be looking at From the Library of CS Lewis edited and compiled by James Stuart Bell, Jr and Anthony Palmer Dawson.

Title: From the Library of CS Lewis
Various Authors
Edited by James Stewart Bell Jr and Anthony Palmer Dawson
Publisher: Shaw Books (November 6, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0877880441

ISBN-13: 978-0877880448

Summary of the Book:

Part devotional book, Part Who’s Who of Western Thought and Literature, From the Library of CS Lewis contains passages from selected authors, thinkers, philosophers, critics, and scholars who influenced CS Lewis. From writing that helped him in his Christian faith, to the writings of those who knew him personally, this book runs through a whole gamut of literature spanning thousands of years of human history. Each writer is still just as important and relevant today as they were not only in their own time, but in the life of Lewis.

Review of the book:

As time seems to go on and more and more theology books and devotional books are published, the more ‘nice and soft’ they become. While some devotional books are great others are just quick cash-ins on what ever “new idea” may be popular. With modern entertainment clamoring for our attention, we tend to favor these more Happy Meal approaches to our daily walks with God, and forsake some of the older, more meatier aspects of Christianity.

From the Library of CS Lewis is not that kind of devotional, as it is just as much an indispensable resource material containing a vast treasure trove of key thinkers and writers of Western thought. Part of the books appeal is the fact that the writings contained in this work are all those of authors who influenced Lewis either as a writer or a person. Some of the writings contained in this volume are by big names in European literature like John Donne, John Milton, John Bunyan, Dante, and Plato. These writers find themselves right alongside church fathers like St. Augustine, and Martin Luther and not one of them seams out of place.

This is also one of the few books where you will find excerpts of writing from other members of the Inklings beyond Tolkien ( though he is in here.) There is even a sample of writing from Joy Davidman as she did influence Jack as a writer and person. One writer is featured in this work the most is GK Chesterton, and rightfully so, as his own writings influenced Lewis’ apologetics.

James Stuart Bell and Anthony Palmer Dawson did a great job collecting all the materials in this book and laid them out in a clear, concise format. The book is divided into 18 chapters dealing with different topics that were pertinent to Lewis as a Christian and a scholar.

For those wondering about who influenced Lewis as a writer, or are wanting deeper ideas in their Christian faith this book is indispensable and makes an excellent devotional for all readers. Parents will also find this an excellent educational tool for their children in introducing them to a wide range of important writers.

I had gotten this book on a whim when purchasing some books for one of my college literature classes. It was well worth the purchase and has found a prominent place on my shelf, and in my devotional time. I am sure it will for you as well.

5 out of 5 shields

0 people like this post.

Like 

The Early Childhood Parenting section of Chicago’s Examiner.com has chosen the name “Caspian” as the Baby Name of the day. It’s not really a name you hear all that much, but I guess it is gaining in popularity.

I can see plenty of NarniaFans naming their children after characters. However if they do, there are two things two keep in mind. If you name a child ” Eustace Clarence Scrubb” they better deserve it, and if you name a child Reepicheep, well, ” You people have no imagination.”

You can read the rest of the article by clicking the source link. There really isn’t much to the article past the mention of Narnia and the meaning behind the name. However, it is still nice to have the name Caspian get noticed.

0 people like this post.

Like 

We’ve just received the sad news that the original illustrator of The Chronicles of Narnia has just passed away:

Wayne Hammond reports the death of Baynes at her home in Surrey. Pauline Baynes was the original illustrator of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series, as well as of Tolkien’s Farmer Giles of Ham (1948), The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other Verses from the Red Book (1962), and Smith of Wootton Major (1967).

Read more .. Wikipedia Entry

Narnia expert Brian Sibley has written a blog entry about Pauline Baynes that you can read here:

Brian Sibley’s Blog on Pauline Baynes: Queen of Narnia and Middle-Earth

And note that obituaries will be appearing in The Times, The Telegraph, The Independent and The Guardian later in the week.

Kind regards,

Brian Sibley

Update 2:

Rem, from the Philippine Order of Narnians, sent us an update with links to the articles posted athe both the Independent and the Guardian:

I thought you’d like to know that, as Mr Sibley said they would, Pauline Baynes’ obituaries have already shown up at the Independent and the Guardian.

0 people like this post.

Like 

Eoin Colfer, author of the “Artemis Fowl” novels, has posted a list of his top ten chidren’s books, with “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” landing the number eight spot. Writes Colfer of “Prince Caspian”:

My introduction to the world of fantasy. The first Narnia book that I read, and the one that made the biggest impression.

The number one spot on the list went to Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn.” View the entire list here.

0 people like this post.

Like 

Last month, we informed NarniaFans that CS Lewis’ secretary, Walter Hooper, would be auctioning off signed first edition copies of three of the Narnian Chronicles. We are delighted to report that the books were able to help raise £34,000.

The three Narnian books auctioned were The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Horse and His Boy, and The Last Battle . It was expected that each of the books would only take in £3,000. The Oxford Daily Mail reports that, ” The Voyage of the Dawn Treader raised £10,625; The Horse and his Boy £10,000; and The Last Battle raised £9,375.

The proceeds from the sale of this auction went to the renovation of the Oxford Oratory Church of St Aloysius. Eight other books by CS Lewis were auctioned off as well.

0 people like this post.

Like 

Welcome to Tumnus’s Book Shelf where we review any and all books related to Narnia and CS Lewis! For this weeks review, we will be looking at The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Fight For The Throne

Title: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: The Fight for the Throne.
Based on The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian by CS Lewis
Adapted by: JE Bright
Publisher: HarperEntertainment (April 1, 2008)

ISBN-10: 0061231584
ISBN-13: 978-0061231582

Summary of the book:

Late one night in the Telmarine castle in the land of Narnia, Prince Caspian was woken up by his mentor Dr. Cornelius. Caspian’s uncle Miraz had a son, and Caspian had to escape as his uncle was trying to kill him. Before leaving Cornelius gave Caspian a gift, the horn of Queen Susan Pevensie to use to summon the heroes of old.

Fleeing from his Uncle Miraz’s soldiers, Prince Caspian falls into the company of three of the Narnians, Trufflehunter the badger, along with Nikabrik and Trumpkin, two dwarves. Caspian blew the horn to summon the heroes. The three of them were pursued in the woods and Trumpkin was taken captive. Guided by Nikabrik and Trufflehunter, Caspian was led further into the woods where he then meet Reepicheep and other Narnians. They were afraid to trust him at first as they hated the Telmarines because they had stolen their land. He assured them that he would restore Narnia to them if they fought alongside him.

The Narnians agreed and training begun. Sometime during their training Trumpkin returned with the four Pevensies who were only children.SPOILERS! By the urgings of Peter, and despite the protests of Lucy, the Narnians engaged in a futile Night Raid, in which Caspian rescued Cornelius and learned that his uncle Miraz had killed Caspian’s father.

In the process of this night raid many Narnian lives were lost. Nikabrik and some companions of his attempted to convince him to resurrect the White Witch. With the help of the Pevensies he was able to defeat Nikabrik and his two friends.

They at last decided to do the right thing. After sending Lucy out to find Aslan, Peter decided to engage in a duel of single combat with Miraz to by time. Peter won the duel and was given the choice to kill Miraz he refused as it was not his job. To deal out justice He handed over the sword to Caspian who also refused as he would not sink to Miraz’s level. Miraz was then killed by two of his generals and they blamed his death on the Narnians.

A massive battle broke out. The Narnians routed the Telmarine forces to the river where they meet up with Lucy and Aslan. Aslan summoned up the River God and the forces of the Telmarines were defeated. Caspian was crowned king and the Pevensies returned home.END SPOILERS!

Review of the book:

Let’s see if you can follow this. This book, Prince Caspian: Fight for the Throne, is an adaptation of the movie, which is an adaptation of the book Prince Caspian pretty much like most tie-in books dealing with the Narnia books. It’s almost a given fact for a big movie release. With this book, however it does something different. It looks at Prince Caspian’s story through his perspective.

It is meant for readers who are in the early junior high stage. It is meant to be like it were Caspian’s journal so it is written in a very simple, strait forward manner, with no frills attatched to it, much like a journal entry. This, combined with the books choice on limiting the perspective, means that it does not try to be too challenging. The concept itself of telling the story from Caspian’s perspective is interesting and does intrigue a reader enough. However, it also means that many key plot points for the original novel are cut out as it is based on the film.

SPOILERS!Caspian and Peter do butt heads, but on the plus side Peter seems like less of a jerk in this book than he did in the film and more like he’s trying to help free Narnia. This book also does not have the apparition of Jadis appear in the ice or the “kiss that was heard around the world.” In many ways this book flows like a possible fan edit of the film would.END SPOILERS!

The battles are described in detail but they come off as very lethargic. While they are fun to watch on screen they are less enjoyable in print. One becomes grateful that CS Lewis did not focus on battles as much. Readers realize that he knew what he was doing. By not describing the battles in detail he left them for the readers to imagine and choreograph on their own, which when you are reading a book is much more fun than having it spoon feed to you.

There is also much less of Lewis’s symbolism in this book.SPOILERS!The limited perspective features Aslan only briefly at the end and we have no idea what else is going on in the other parts of story, such as with the Pevensies.END SPOILERS!In a small way, the original book’s beauty is taken away and in it’s place is a quick adventure story for adolescent boys to read in between rounds of playing Nintendo Wii. But in another way there is more mystery about Aslan and the Pevensies as no one sees them until they come.

There are no pictures as this is not meant to be a children’s story book. This is a young readers novel. The advantage of this is that it does give the reader more room to imagine what the characters may look like, even though their versions of the Pevensies in their minds may be the ones played by William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley.

Readers may enjoy this book just for the virtue it looks at a favorite story from one characters perspective. However, in reading it there is one thing that must be kept in mind: this book is not a supplemental book, a replacement, or even an introduction to the story. It’s a companion story. It should only be read if readers have first read ( or heard) the original novel by CS Lewis and then seen the movie, other wise there will be huge blanks left to fill.

Prince Caspian: Fight for the Throne has an interesting premise behind it and does make for a good read for a few times. Next to the original book however, this book is merely the Shadowlands: a good reflection for readers of the wondrous world of Narnia.

3 ½ out of 5 shields.

0 people like this post.

Like 

A former secretary of Oxford author CS Lewis is giving away signed first editions of the author’s Narnia books to raise money to renovate a city church.

The Oxford Oratory Church of St Aloysius, in Woodstock Road, is set to receive the windfall thanks to the generosity of Walter Hooper.

The church is launching a £3m appeal to carry out renovation work and build a new chapel and student accommodation.

Mr Hooper, 77, who lives in North Oxford, briefly worked as CS Lewis’s private secretary in 1963, shortly before the author’s death.

After Lewis’s death, Mr Hooper devoted himself to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe author’s memory and co-wrote the author’s biography, and edited his letters and diaries.

He said: “I have kept these books close to me all these years but when this appeal came up, I wanted to do something.

“In a way it will be a wrench to part with the books but in another way I’m glad, because they might do some good.

“CS Lewis gave away two thirds of his income and it was wonderfully liberating to see a man who did not seem to amass wealth at all – he really was a good man.”

Mr Hooper will retain a copy of Lewis’s poetry volume Spirits in Bondage, because he still finds inspiration from the verses.

Mr Hooper has donated 11 CS Lewis titles, including three signed first editions – The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, The Horse And His Boy and The Last Battle.

All 11 books are estimated to sell for up to £3,000 each at auction in London next month, with the hammer price boosted by the release today of the movie version of Prince Caspian. The books will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in London on July 17.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of Lewis’s birth in Belfast on November 29, 1898.

Philip Berrington, books specialist for Sotheby’s, said: “With the film of Prince Caspian coming out, the timing for this auction couldn’t be better. The connection between Walter Hooper and CS Lewis makes these books very collectable.”

The Oxford Oratory was built in 1875. Redecoration will restore marble, stonework and stencilling of the original Victorian design.

A smaller chapel for Masses, pilgrimage groups and baptisms will be added, together with a small garden.

0 people like this post.

Like