The Chronicles of Narnia: The Patterning of a Fantastic World

by Colin Manlove, Colin Nicholas Manlove, Robert Lecker (Editor)

The well-known and well-loved books that make up C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia" have long held a prominent place on many a child's (and adult's) bookshelf. Since their publication in the 195Os, the books' depiction of the fantasy land of Narnia has inspired the wonder, delight, and imaginations of children around the world. More than just fairy tales, the stories show readers that all is not as it seems, that perseverance can bring forth great rewards, and that growth is a continual and unpredictable process. Most important, arguably, is the ongoing struggle between good and evil depicted in the "Chronicles."

These themes are displayed amid the experiences of several children, particularly Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter Pevensie. Beginning with the first book of the series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950), we follow the children as they magically enter the kingdom of Narnia for the first of many adventures there, including their meeting the memorable lion, Aslan. In the sequel, Prince Caspian, they help the prince and his army of Talking Beasts conquer the usurping Telemarines; the following novel, The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader," continues Caspian's story by recounting his voyage to the End of the World. The fourth book, The Silver Chair, returns to the theme of an evil witch, first explored in The Lion, while The Horse and His Boy details Narnia's near-invasion by the Calormenes. The Magician's Nephew accounts for the creation of Narnia, and the seventh tale, The Last Battle (1956), tells of Narnia's final days.

Colin Manlove has carefully studied the tales and shows that they are patterned narratives with many complex, intertwined threads. He relates these narratives to Lewis's views on stories, and also sets Lewis's books in their literary context, both juvenile and adult. After a discussion of the critical receptions of the tales, Manlove supplies a full chapter on each book for in-depth analysis.

Genres: Nonfiction, Literary Criticism

136 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Colin Nicholas Manlove was a Scottih literary critic with a particular interest in fantasy.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1993, and rather basic. Manlove devotes one chapter to each of the Chronicles and does some simple analysis. He doesn't use an outside literary theory or angle, so I appreciated he tried to consider the books on their own merits. But you can tell he's coming from a Christian background. Useful for those wanting some more insights into the Chronicles that's not just pointing out all the biblical references (though he does plenty of that). Still, there's much he doesn't do, much left unsaid, and much more to be done with the Chronicles after this. It left me wanting more.

I also want to read Manlove's C. S. Lewis: His Literary Achievement.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous exploration of the world of Narnia. It is well researched and well presented, very readable with strong focus. I loved it and will reread it as well.

[Jay Gabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful appreciation of these novels, all as simultaneously concrete and elusive as a child’s faith.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's amazing I liked this book because as I read it I realized it was all the stuff that we did in college English class that I hated. I guess since it was about The Chronicles of Narnia, which I love, it was more interesting. And it was fun to be reminded of the plot lines of each of the Narnia books. Recommended if you are an English major, teacher, or Narnia lover.

[Cecelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather dense but a good resource for papers.