Narnia Book Series Success Many Years Later

[Lucy Fan]

I wonder if CS Lewis expected his Narnia book series to be such a big hit even today. I know he's not alive anymore, but I'm referring in terms of if he was alive. I know his stepson would be able to speak for him in this case. My guess he probably wouldn't have known, but I'm sure he would have been proud to have known this. I remember seeing an interview on youtube I think where CS Lewis's stepson was asked if CS Lewis would have been proud (or something similar) of the way the movies turned out. His answer was basically yes.

I can only imagine what it would be like for CS Lewis to see his books come to life in movie form.

[PrinceOfTheWest]

That's a good question. I don't think he did - but then, nobody expected The Lord of the Rings to be such a world-changing series, either. Both have become part of classic literature that will bear fruit for generations to come. It's amazing what God can do with His servants when they give Him a chance!

[Lucy Fan]

Originally Posted by PrinceOfTheWest

That's a good question. I don't think he did - but then, nobody expected The Lord of the Rings to be such a world-changing series, either. Both have become part of classic literature that will bear fruit for generations to come. It's amazing what God can do with His servants when they give Him a chance!

I agree. I think it would amaze him more that he's being remembered even after his death. He'll be immortal in a sense.

[Jive Professor]

Of course many people appreciate Lewis' and Tolkien's work, but I doubt they expected this kind of success. How could they? They literally created a genre whole-cloth. That's a monumental feat of writing, something not really done before. Plus they were both pretty humble guys, I doubt they would have even broached the question, even in private.

[Charn_Tim]

welcome, jive professor

I don't think either one (Tolkein or Lewis) thought their works would gain the popularity they have. On the one hand, Tolkein didn't like Lewis' narnia series (but did like some of his other works, e.g. the space trilogy). And on the other hand, Lewis encouraged Tolkein greatly to publish his LOTR trilogy, even though Tolkein wasn't sure how good it was, and initially did not intend it to be for so wide an audience! It truly is amazing how many lives these great men have touched through their timeless stories.

[Jive Professor]

Thanks! Just hope I don't wear out my stay.

I agree, I find it fascinating that such genius and humility could not only be found in one person, but two people who were also good friends. We can only pray God blesses the rest of us with both qualities, especially the latter.