The Way into Narnia: A Reader's Guide

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The Way into Narnia: A Reader's Guide

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Overview

The practical companion you need for your journey through C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia

How did a middle-aged professor with no children write books that have become beloved classics of children's literature? What is the best order for reading the Chronicles of Narnia? Whatever one's question, The Way into Narnia offers valuable guidance for first-time visitors to Narnia and fresh insights for those who have already traveled there often.

Exploring ideas from Lewis's friend J. R. R. Tolkien, Peter Schakel shows that the best way to enter Narnia is to read the Chronicles as fairy tales. After walking readers through each of the books, he concludes the tour with a unique section of annotations that clarify unfamiliar words and unusual passages.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802829849
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	07/28/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	11 - 15 Years

What People are Saying About This

"Peter Schakel is outstanding among C. S. Lewis commentators for his deep knowledge of that writer and for the warmth, intelligence, and lucidity of his commentaries. His new guide to the Narnia books is a vivid and lively presentation - informative, helpful, and free of any trace of mechanical or pretentious explication."

Doris T. Myers

"With his repeated insistence that the Chronicles of Narnia are fairy tales, Schakel provides a welcome counterbalance to commentators who treat them as 'Seven Sunday School Lessons in Search of a Teacher."

Ralph C. Wood

"In his clear book-by-book analysis of the Narnia Chronicles, Peter Schakel interprets them not as heavy-handed allegories but as sprightly fairy tales. . . . Schakel also offers more than forty pages of immensely helpful annotations that illuminate obscure terms and historical allusions; this added blessing is itself worth the price of the book."

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Editorial Reviews

Library Journal Starred Review
"Schakel has written or edited five books on Lewis, including two about The Chronicles.' Here he revisits the series by providing some fresh insight, arguing that the most rewarding way to read the series is not as allegory (as many have previously suggested) but as fairy tales. . . Extensive annotations for all seven books help first-time readers. An accessible and important contribution to the Narnia scholarship; highly recommended."

Publishers Weekly
"A perceptive and thorough reader's guide."

Ralph C. Wood
"In his clear book-by-book analysis of the Narnia Chronicles, Peter Schakel interprets them not as heavy-handed allegories but as sprightly fairy tales. . . Schakel also offers more than forty pages of immensely helpful annotations that illuminate obscure terms and historical allusions; this added blessing is itself worth the price of the book."

Claude Rawson
"Peter Schakel is outstanding among C. S. Lewis commentators for his deep knowledge of that writer and for the warmth, intelligence, and lucidity of his commentaries. His new guide to the Narnia books is a vivid and lively presentation — informative, helpful, and free of any trace of mechanical or pretentious explication."

Doris T. Myers
"With his repeated insistence that the Chronicles of Narnia are fairy tales, Schakel provides a welcome counterbalance to commentators who treat them as 'Seven Sunday School Lessons in Search of a Teacher."

Journal of Inklings Studies
"Schakel's The Way into Narnia teaches readers how to peek behind the veil and behold the literary power at work on their imaginations."

From the Publisher

Disney's film version of perennial fantasy favorite The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will pique interest in C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. This title provides readers with excellent information about all seven books in the series. Schakel's third book about the Chronicles focuses on the books as fairy tales. This volume has three parts: The first concerns Lewis, the second analyzes the books, and the third provides annotations for each book. Analytical and scholarly without being ponderous, this book gives readers insight into the allusion and allegory in the Chronicles. The annotations are superb for definition and clarification of the texts. High school readers will appreciate this splendid source for a deeper understanding of the series. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2005, Eerdmans, 212p.; Index. Further Reading., $14 Trade pb. Ages 15 to 18.
—Rachelle Bilz

VOYA

This expert on the seven "Narnian Chronicles" begins by recommending that the best reading sequence is the order of publication. This way the entry into Narnia is established, along with several characters which appear later. Although the last published book has the same time frame as the first book we are advised to read it later as a flashback. Fairy tale, fantasy, and myth are given definition. The Chronicles are analyzed and related to the life and interests of C. S. Lewis. Although most metaphors of the Chronicles relate to Christianity, Greek and Norse mythology were also appropriated. Extensive notes at the back compare the wording of English and various American editions. There is an index and a list of books and articles for further reading. This is a book for teachers of the Chronicles or for Narnia aficionados. 2005, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Ages 12 up.
—Carlee Hallman

Children's Literature

Schakel (English, Hope Coll.) has written or edited five books on Lewis, including two about "The Chronicles." Here he revisits the series by providing some fresh insight, arguing that the most rewarding way to read the series is not as allegory (as many have previously suggested) but as fairy tales. He also delves into Lewis's friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien and considers his immense knowledge of medieval and Renaissance literature. Extensive annotations for all seven books help first-time readers. An accessible and important contribution to the Narnia scholarship; highly recommended. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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