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Further Up and Further in Lib/E: Understanding Narnia
MP3 CD Format Beloved by generations of readers, the Chronicles of Narnia are thought, erroneously, by some to be "mere children's stories." In this volume, Joseph Pearce thoroughly debunks the error as he skillfully explains why there is nothing "mere" about such stories. Rather, the Narnia books contain profound insights concerning the human condition. Pearce, however, goes beyond even that and illuminates the deeper riches and profound truths found the highest truths, in fact, those concerning God.
Join Pearce as he explores the "grown-up" themes that are so important for a proper understanding of Lewis's magnificent creation, including the deep and profound Christian symbolism, extensive literary allusions, and the constant theme of temptation, sin, and redemption.
The author of numerous literary works and an authority on the writings of Lewis, Chesterton, and Tolkien, Pearce is uniquely qualified to examine the deeper theological, philosophical, and historical dimensions of the Chronicles. With Pearce as your guide, "return to Narnia" and come to understand in new and profound ways that place which has so marked the imaginative landscape of so many. Rediscover your love for Narnia, because "wardrobes are for grown-ups too."
Join Pearce as he explores the "grown-up" themes that are so important for a proper understanding of Lewis's magnificent creation, including the deep and profound Christian symbolism, extensive literary allusions, and the constant theme of temptation, sin, and redemption.
The author of numerous literary works and an authority on the writings of Lewis, Chesterton, and Tolkien, Pearce is uniquely qualified to examine the deeper theological, philosophical, and historical dimensions of the Chronicles. With Pearce as your guide, "return to Narnia" and come to understand in new and profound ways that place which has so marked the imaginative landscape of so many. Rediscover your love for Narnia, because "wardrobes are for grown-ups too."
Audio CD
Published January 26, 2021
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About the author
Joseph Pearce
174 books284 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
Joseph Pearce (born 1961) is an English-born writer, and as of 2004 Writer in Residence and Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida; previously he had a comparable position, from 2001, at Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is known for a number of literary biographies, many of Catholic figures. Formerly aligned with the National Front, a white nationalist political party, he converted to Roman Catholicism in 1989, repudiated his earlier views, and now writes from a Catholic perspective. He is a co-editor of the St. Austin Review and editor-in-chief of Sapientia Press.
Joseph Pearce (born 1961) is an English-born writer, and as of 2004 Writer in Residence and Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida; previously he had a comparable position, from 2001, at Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is known for a number of literary biographies, many of Catholic figures. Formerly aligned with the National Front, a white nationalist political party, he converted to Roman Catholicism in 1989, repudiated his earlier views, and now writes from a Catholic perspective. He is a co-editor of the St. Austin Review and editor-in-chief of Sapientia Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 25, 2018
This is only the second book by Joseph Pierce that I have read but after reading it I have added almost a dozen of his book to my wish list. For many readers this book will be a journey back, many readers would have read the Narnia books as children, or even had the books read to them. Some would have read them again in classes in high school, college or university. And some would have reread them with their own children or grandchildren. When I was a book seller, the box sets of Narnia and the single volume edition were extremely popular, especially around Christmas and Easter.
But my experience of Narnia is very different. For I have a dual form of dyslexia and could not read until after grade 7. And by then I had no interest in Narnia. But when I was in university, a chaplain recommended both Narnia and some of the fiction of George MacDonald to me. Those recommendations took me to new worlds, and one with very different lessons than those from books I was reading by Piers Anthony, Harry Harrison, Edgar Rice Burroughs and more. And as such these books were ones that started a drift it what I read and how. That first summer I am pretty sure I read these books through twice. Once in the publication order, the used box set I picked up had them numbered that way. And then reread them in the chronological order. And I am now reading them through with my son. And interestingly enough Pearce addresses the order they should be read in his Prefatory Note in fact he states:
"This is the order in which the Chronicles are now listed in all new editions, essentially formalizing it as the "correct" way in which they should be read. Walter Hooper, editor of Lewis's letters and probably the premier Lewis scholar in the world, maintains that this is "the sequence in which Lewis meant for them to be read." 1 His justification for such a claim rests in what Lewis told him personally in the summer of 1963 and is buttressed by a letter that Lewis wrote in April 1956 in which he states explicitly that he preferred that the books be read in this order. 2 Although I am aware that many good and reputable scholars still argue for the books to be read in the order in which they were originally published, I have chosen to follow the sequence that Lewis evidently preferred, discussing them in the order of the chronology of the stories."
This book begins with two chapters in part to set up the purpose and methodology used in this book, and stress why adults should indeed read fairy stories. And then there is a chapter dedicated to each of the volumes in the series itself. Therefore, the chapters in the book are as follows:
Why Wardrobes Are for Grown-Ups Too
Learning to Read Like a Grown-Up
The Magician's Nephew
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
Further Up and Further In
Bibliography
Index
This book draws heavily upon the study of Chesterton, and Chesterton's influence on Lewis. And I must admit my experience with Chesterton is lacking greatly. (But this book has spurred me on to remedy that.) Pearce states:
"In other words, and to reiterate, fairy stories give us the moral framework necessary to see the world as it is, in all its glorious heights and goriest depths, from the perspective of the way it should be. We learn to value the underdog and spurn the tyrant; we learn that small things need to be defended from the power of the mighty, which is the principle of subsidiarity as enshrined in Catholic social teaching. We learn to love the poor and rejoice in the exaltation of the humble; we learn that the ugly, the disfigured, and the disabled should be loved and not rejected; we learn that even the power of death can be defeated. Such lessons are not merely valuable and desirable; they are priceless and necessary. We are more than merely impoverished if we don't receive such gifts; we are dehumanized. We become less than we should be, less than we are meant to be. We become dragons who devour the innocent and lay waste to the world around us."
And let us draw one sentence from that paragraph:
"Such lessons are not merely valuable and desirable; they are priceless and necessary."
This book is an incredible read. For even casual fans of the Narnia books it will renew interest and likely lead to a rereading. For Fans of Lewis and hard-core fans of Narnia it will draw you in and re-spark that wonder from when you first read the books. As soon as I finished reading this book I wanted to start reading again 'The Magician's Nephew' and reread this book as I read each of the seven books. But I have decided to wait and make that a project for over the summer.
I absolutely loved this book! I only wish it was longer. Or that maybe it will be a jumping off point and now Pearce will write a volume on each of the Narnian books. One can hope. But no matter who you are, if Narnia left a mark on your heart, no matter your age at the time of reading, this book will ignite that love and wonder again, a bigger way. For as Lewis stated in 'The Last Battle': "The further up and the further in you go, the bigger everything gets." And this book will help you to see that magic with new eyes and a new heart!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and soon reviews of other books by Joseph pearce.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
But my experience of Narnia is very different. For I have a dual form of dyslexia and could not read until after grade 7. And by then I had no interest in Narnia. But when I was in university, a chaplain recommended both Narnia and some of the fiction of George MacDonald to me. Those recommendations took me to new worlds, and one with very different lessons than those from books I was reading by Piers Anthony, Harry Harrison, Edgar Rice Burroughs and more. And as such these books were ones that started a drift it what I read and how. That first summer I am pretty sure I read these books through twice. Once in the publication order, the used box set I picked up had them numbered that way. And then reread them in the chronological order. And I am now reading them through with my son. And interestingly enough Pearce addresses the order they should be read in his Prefatory Note in fact he states:
"This is the order in which the Chronicles are now listed in all new editions, essentially formalizing it as the "correct" way in which they should be read. Walter Hooper, editor of Lewis's letters and probably the premier Lewis scholar in the world, maintains that this is "the sequence in which Lewis meant for them to be read." 1 His justification for such a claim rests in what Lewis told him personally in the summer of 1963 and is buttressed by a letter that Lewis wrote in April 1956 in which he states explicitly that he preferred that the books be read in this order. 2 Although I am aware that many good and reputable scholars still argue for the books to be read in the order in which they were originally published, I have chosen to follow the sequence that Lewis evidently preferred, discussing them in the order of the chronology of the stories."
This book begins with two chapters in part to set up the purpose and methodology used in this book, and stress why adults should indeed read fairy stories. And then there is a chapter dedicated to each of the volumes in the series itself. Therefore, the chapters in the book are as follows:
Why Wardrobes Are for Grown-Ups Too
Learning to Read Like a Grown-Up
The Magician's Nephew
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
Further Up and Further In
Bibliography
Index
This book draws heavily upon the study of Chesterton, and Chesterton's influence on Lewis. And I must admit my experience with Chesterton is lacking greatly. (But this book has spurred me on to remedy that.) Pearce states:
"In other words, and to reiterate, fairy stories give us the moral framework necessary to see the world as it is, in all its glorious heights and goriest depths, from the perspective of the way it should be. We learn to value the underdog and spurn the tyrant; we learn that small things need to be defended from the power of the mighty, which is the principle of subsidiarity as enshrined in Catholic social teaching. We learn to love the poor and rejoice in the exaltation of the humble; we learn that the ugly, the disfigured, and the disabled should be loved and not rejected; we learn that even the power of death can be defeated. Such lessons are not merely valuable and desirable; they are priceless and necessary. We are more than merely impoverished if we don't receive such gifts; we are dehumanized. We become less than we should be, less than we are meant to be. We become dragons who devour the innocent and lay waste to the world around us."
And let us draw one sentence from that paragraph:
"Such lessons are not merely valuable and desirable; they are priceless and necessary."
This book is an incredible read. For even casual fans of the Narnia books it will renew interest and likely lead to a rereading. For Fans of Lewis and hard-core fans of Narnia it will draw you in and re-spark that wonder from when you first read the books. As soon as I finished reading this book I wanted to start reading again 'The Magician's Nephew' and reread this book as I read each of the seven books. But I have decided to wait and make that a project for over the summer.
I absolutely loved this book! I only wish it was longer. Or that maybe it will be a jumping off point and now Pearce will write a volume on each of the Narnian books. One can hope. But no matter who you are, if Narnia left a mark on your heart, no matter your age at the time of reading, this book will ignite that love and wonder again, a bigger way. For as Lewis stated in 'The Last Battle': "The further up and the further in you go, the bigger everything gets." And this book will help you to see that magic with new eyes and a new heart!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and soon reviews of other books by Joseph pearce.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
May 14, 2018
In this book Joseph Pearce takes a deeper dive into the Narnia series. I especially enjoyed how he shows Lewis's likely influences into the story and the characters. This is not meant as a summarization of the novels, but a look at some of the deeper meanings and main spiritual turning points.
Just excellent, so of course I am re-reading the Narnia series now to take advantage of what I learned here.
Just excellent, so of course I am re-reading the Narnia series now to take advantage of what I learned here.
December 29, 2023
Many of us know the discussions regarding the Narnia and the analogies etc. But Joseph Pearce takes us through different parts of the series, points out the ethical, political, sociological implications of the stories. Often referring to historical context of Lewis as he was writing the stories, He gave deeper insights. I was expecting him to point the obvious throughout the book but many times I was surprised by the unexpected interpretations.
March 18, 2020
Very insightful; just the right length and touch on the most important aspects Lewis explored in these books.
May 11, 2018
The Chronicles of Narnia was one of my favorite series as a child. It opened my eyes to a fascinating world, and is a series I still visit in my adulthood. I love it so much I have two different audio versions of the books and even imported some color hardcover books from the U.K. because I didn't think the U.S. versions of the books were of good enough quality for this series. In addition to reading the books, I also enjoy reading about the books and learning things I might have missed in my readings of them. That's why I knew I had to have a copy of Further Up and Further In: Understanding Narnia.
The book begins with the author, Joseph Pearce, explaining the proper order to read the series and touting its popularity almost 70 years later. He then discusses this series briefly in comparison with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and talks about how that even though these books are widely viewed as children's books, they are for adults as well. However, to read these books as an adult, we must first become childlike. This leads us to the next chapter that teaches us about allegory, symbolism, sacramentalism, and learning to read like an adult. The meat of the book is the next seven chapters, which devotes one chapter to each book in the series, starting with The Magician's Nephew and working us all the way to The Last Battle. The chapters range in length from 12 pages to 29 pages. I was surprised that the shortest one was the one on The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, but perhaps that is because it is the most well-known and straightforward one of the series. The chapter I most enjoyed reading was on The Magician's Nephew. That is my favorite book of the series, because I love a good Creation story. Pearce tackles this story, compares it to Tolkien's Creation story in The Silmarillion. He also shows us the dire warnings that Aslan gives for our world, which though the warnings benefited from hindsight, the lessons can still be applied today.
The book closes with a chapter that discusses what happened in the final book at the end. Here we get an explanation of why Susan is not there and what that means for her soul. We also see a theology of someone not knowing Christ but making it to Heaven, because he lived a good life and tried to do what is right. This is not the heresy of Universalism, but the theology of a merciful God, saving the souls of those who did not have the chance to know him, and would have accepted Him had they only had the chance to know Him. I loved reading this book, because it made me get out the series and read it again. I learned things I have missed in my previous readings, and it tells me that you can read this series many times and find something new every time. I also liked all the holes Pearce poked into the arguments of Philip Pullman, a noted atheist author and C.S. Lewis hater. I have never had to argue in defense of C.S. Lewis, but if I needed to, Further Up and Further In is the first book I would reference. If you are a lover of Narnia, like me, this is a book you need on your shelf!
The book begins with the author, Joseph Pearce, explaining the proper order to read the series and touting its popularity almost 70 years later. He then discusses this series briefly in comparison with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and talks about how that even though these books are widely viewed as children's books, they are for adults as well. However, to read these books as an adult, we must first become childlike. This leads us to the next chapter that teaches us about allegory, symbolism, sacramentalism, and learning to read like an adult. The meat of the book is the next seven chapters, which devotes one chapter to each book in the series, starting with The Magician's Nephew and working us all the way to The Last Battle. The chapters range in length from 12 pages to 29 pages. I was surprised that the shortest one was the one on The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, but perhaps that is because it is the most well-known and straightforward one of the series. The chapter I most enjoyed reading was on The Magician's Nephew. That is my favorite book of the series, because I love a good Creation story. Pearce tackles this story, compares it to Tolkien's Creation story in The Silmarillion. He also shows us the dire warnings that Aslan gives for our world, which though the warnings benefited from hindsight, the lessons can still be applied today.
The book closes with a chapter that discusses what happened in the final book at the end. Here we get an explanation of why Susan is not there and what that means for her soul. We also see a theology of someone not knowing Christ but making it to Heaven, because he lived a good life and tried to do what is right. This is not the heresy of Universalism, but the theology of a merciful God, saving the souls of those who did not have the chance to know him, and would have accepted Him had they only had the chance to know Him. I loved reading this book, because it made me get out the series and read it again. I learned things I have missed in my previous readings, and it tells me that you can read this series many times and find something new every time. I also liked all the holes Pearce poked into the arguments of Philip Pullman, a noted atheist author and C.S. Lewis hater. I have never had to argue in defense of C.S. Lewis, but if I needed to, Further Up and Further In is the first book I would reference. If you are a lover of Narnia, like me, this is a book you need on your shelf!
February 14, 2024
C.S. Lewis said that if a book is worth reading at 12 years old then it is worth reading at 50 years old. Joseph Pearce shows why the Chronicles Of Narnia are the perfect example of this. The Chronicles are engaging and exilerating stories that are accessable to the youngest of readers but as an adult are an even deeper treasure trove of symbolism, meaning and allegory that illuminates even the darkest caverns of the soul. Fiction is truly the lense through which we can see reality more clearly. Pearce has a great knowledge of Lewis and his influences and gives a bit of a backstory to where Lewis was probably coming from in woving certain themes into his stories. If you are a Lewis and or Narnia fan then I highly recommend this book.
May 31, 2020
An excellent book of insights about the Narnia series. I especially liked how he explored the authors and texts that inspired Lewis in his writings, such as his devotion to G.K. Chesterton and his friendship with Tolkien. I added a lot of titles to my to-read list after reading this book!
January 18, 2021
I need to buy my own copy. Wonderful book! "Wardrobes aren't just for children." I only wish it had been longer.
April 7, 2021
I enjoyed Pearce's look at each of the Narnia books in depth. It was fascinating to explore the influences on C.S. Lewis when he would have been writing the series.
March 13, 2024
So many good insights on every book of the series.
August 25, 2022
Interesting to read Narnia from a Catholic perspective. Several great connections to Chesterton.
January 3, 2022
The title is, of course, an allusion to the penultimate chapter of the final book in the Chronicles of Narnia, in which the Narnians experience the riches of the new heavens and the new earth as they are repeatedly encouraged to travel "further up and further in."
I hadn't read the Chronicles in many years, so I refreshed my memory by reading them this week prior to opening Pearce's work. I have been a fan of the author for some time, having run into his works previously through the Rockford Institute.
Pearce opens with an introductory chapter or two, setting Lewis' work in the context of both his life and times, and the undeniable influence of others, including Chesterton, Tolkien, Shakespeare, and Dante. He then proceeds book by book, with a theologically-and philosophically-informed reflection of each of the Narnian tales. He hits the the major themes of each, providing insights which may be lost on the casual reader, some of which provided significant value in interpreting the tales.
Helpful. Recommended.
I hadn't read the Chronicles in many years, so I refreshed my memory by reading them this week prior to opening Pearce's work. I have been a fan of the author for some time, having run into his works previously through the Rockford Institute.
Pearce opens with an introductory chapter or two, setting Lewis' work in the context of both his life and times, and the undeniable influence of others, including Chesterton, Tolkien, Shakespeare, and Dante. He then proceeds book by book, with a theologically-and philosophically-informed reflection of each of the Narnian tales. He hits the the major themes of each, providing insights which may be lost on the casual reader, some of which provided significant value in interpreting the tales.
Helpful. Recommended.
January 12, 2021
This is a fine exploration of the ideas C.S. Lewis puts forth in his seven books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia. I recommend it to readers who love the books. Good comparisons are made to ideas in Tolkien's fictions. Joseph Pearce definitely writes from a Roman Catholic perspective, perhaps I might say even for Roman Catholics. As an Orthodox Christian, however, I had no complaints. At one point I consulted my husband, a priest, on the idea he put forth that sin could not occur in heaven. I was thinking of the rebellion of the angels. He pointed that angels are not people, and that the church teaches that the saints will continue to grow toward God, but not sin in heaven.
January 21, 2023
Interesting insights into the Christianity and literary and historical influences behind The Chronicles of Narnia. Unfortunately, there are multiple references to unbiblical Roman Catholic beliefs and practices (purgatory, baptism of desire, etc.). Pearce is well-read and references other works by Lewis, as well as by Chesterton and Tolkien.
Notes
Prefatory Note
Lewis said he preferred Chronicles to be read in chronological order in a 1956 letter.
Why Wardrobes Are for Grown-Ups Too
Childlike people are happy to grow old and enjoy fruits of experience. Childish people fear growing up, wishing to stay young, desiring eternal youth. Childish parents, unwilling to grow up themselves, can't teach their children to grow up.
Learning to Read Like a Grown Up
Chronicles aren't allegories in formal/crude sense (1-to-1 representation), but are allegories in that they contain analogies, and things in stories are applicable to things in reality.
Aslan is an analogy of Christ, not a personified abstraction of Christ.
The Horse and His Boy
The depiction of Calormen has more to do with struggle between Christendom and Islam than modern attitudes toward Middle East. Lewis and Tolkien were influenced by medieval works such as Song of Roland.
Aravis is Calormene, and she isn't depicted as inferior to Shasta. They marry, which wouldn't happen if Chronicles were racist.
Conflict between Narnia and Calormen is about religion, not race.
Calormen is similar to Ottoman Empire, with insatiable desire to consume smaller surrounding nations.
Worship of Tash isn't meant to depict Islam. Lewis likely modeled Calormene religion on Carthaginian and Canaanite religions.
Prince Caspian
Caspian I's conquest of Narnia by is likely modeled after William I's (Norman) conquest of England.
For Lewis and Tolkien, Anglo-Saxon England represented an idyll destroyed by Norman conquest. Tolkien's hobbits and Shire were based on his love for Anglo-Saxon England and its language.
Miraz's "Lord Protector" title echoes Richard III, Oliver Cromwell.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Description of Eustace's parents shows they were Fabian socialists, disciples of George Bernard Shaw.
Tolkien put Undying Lands in west based on St. Brendan's voyage to Isle of Blessed in west.
The Silver Chair
Lady of Green Kirtle is similar to Lady of Green Girdle who seduces Sir Gawain.
The Last Battle
Name "Shift" suggests shifty (deceitful, evasive), shifting (foundationless) philosophy. Name "Puzzle" suggests befuddlement.
Further Up and Further In
Lewis stated his belief in purgatory, though he wasn't Catholic.
Notes
Prefatory Note
Lewis said he preferred Chronicles to be read in chronological order in a 1956 letter.
Why Wardrobes Are for Grown-Ups Too
Childlike people are happy to grow old and enjoy fruits of experience. Childish people fear growing up, wishing to stay young, desiring eternal youth. Childish parents, unwilling to grow up themselves, can't teach their children to grow up.
Learning to Read Like a Grown Up
Chronicles aren't allegories in formal/crude sense (1-to-1 representation), but are allegories in that they contain analogies, and things in stories are applicable to things in reality.
Aslan is an analogy of Christ, not a personified abstraction of Christ.
The Horse and His Boy
The depiction of Calormen has more to do with struggle between Christendom and Islam than modern attitudes toward Middle East. Lewis and Tolkien were influenced by medieval works such as Song of Roland.
Aravis is Calormene, and she isn't depicted as inferior to Shasta. They marry, which wouldn't happen if Chronicles were racist.
Conflict between Narnia and Calormen is about religion, not race.
Calormen is similar to Ottoman Empire, with insatiable desire to consume smaller surrounding nations.
Worship of Tash isn't meant to depict Islam. Lewis likely modeled Calormene religion on Carthaginian and Canaanite religions.
Prince Caspian
Caspian I's conquest of Narnia by is likely modeled after William I's (Norman) conquest of England.
For Lewis and Tolkien, Anglo-Saxon England represented an idyll destroyed by Norman conquest. Tolkien's hobbits and Shire were based on his love for Anglo-Saxon England and its language.
Miraz's "Lord Protector" title echoes Richard III, Oliver Cromwell.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Description of Eustace's parents shows they were Fabian socialists, disciples of George Bernard Shaw.
Tolkien put Undying Lands in west based on St. Brendan's voyage to Isle of Blessed in west.
The Silver Chair
Lady of Green Kirtle is similar to Lady of Green Girdle who seduces Sir Gawain.
The Last Battle
Name "Shift" suggests shifty (deceitful, evasive), shifting (foundationless) philosophy. Name "Puzzle" suggests befuddlement.
Further Up and Further In
Lewis stated his belief in purgatory, though he wasn't Catholic.
March 24, 2018
”The further up and the further in you go, the bigger everything gets.” - The Last Battle
Christendom and Narnia are never far removed from one another, and in Further Up and Further In, Joseph Pearce takes us through the thin veil between them. He pores over the literary and theological references that deepen the world of Narnia, relying on his previous research into the life of Lewis, as well as his work on Lewis’ influences, Tolkien and Chesterton. Both are companions not just of Lewis, but of the reader here, as the three dwelt in the same moral and literary universe.
Most anyone who has visited Narnia in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe realizes its Christian connection. Aslan’s deliberate self-sacrifice to destroy the power of Death and revive not only Narnia, but redeem the withered soul of young Edmund, makes that obvious -- as does the Garden of Eden story seen in The Magician’s Nephew where the same white witch leads to the corruption of Narnia seven hours into its creation. And if anyone was missing the point, then in Voyage of the Dawn Treader Aslan explicitly tells the children that he is known by another name in their world, and that they were brought to Narnia so that they would know him better there.
Although Pearce expands on the multitude of links to Christian culture -- Aslan’s repeated use of “I am”, a la God’s reply to Moses in the desert, his treble use of the same phrase and other sets of three to bring to mind the Trinity, and so on -- Pearce also understands Lewis as a man deep in history, and particularly in medieval history. He points out Lewis’ allusions to other figures, like El Cid and Charlemagne, based not on dry history but on legends about these men, like “The Song of Roland”. Commentary stretches to the modern age, too, as Pearce points out how Eustace Scrubbs’ parents are caricatures of George Bernard Shaw, who loved “humanity” but disliked most people, and believed in progress for its own sake, rather than people for theirs.
More than anything else, Pearce shines a light on the moral universe that was Lewis’ made ‘physical’ in the land of Narnia. There delivered were his convictions about heroism and temptation, of the self-defeating nature of evil, of the dignity of creatures both great and small, both simple and clever. In The Magician’s Nephew we see condemned the will to dominate; in Voyage of the Dawn Treader we experience again Tolkien’s “dragon sickness”, the madness brought on by fixating on materials -- gold, in Eustace’s case, and secret knowledge in Susan’s. Each book has its lessons, and those who have experienced Narnia’s story and loved it will almost surely appreciate his look deeper into the wardrobe.
Christendom and Narnia are never far removed from one another, and in Further Up and Further In, Joseph Pearce takes us through the thin veil between them. He pores over the literary and theological references that deepen the world of Narnia, relying on his previous research into the life of Lewis, as well as his work on Lewis’ influences, Tolkien and Chesterton. Both are companions not just of Lewis, but of the reader here, as the three dwelt in the same moral and literary universe.
Most anyone who has visited Narnia in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe realizes its Christian connection. Aslan’s deliberate self-sacrifice to destroy the power of Death and revive not only Narnia, but redeem the withered soul of young Edmund, makes that obvious -- as does the Garden of Eden story seen in The Magician’s Nephew where the same white witch leads to the corruption of Narnia seven hours into its creation. And if anyone was missing the point, then in Voyage of the Dawn Treader Aslan explicitly tells the children that he is known by another name in their world, and that they were brought to Narnia so that they would know him better there.
Although Pearce expands on the multitude of links to Christian culture -- Aslan’s repeated use of “I am”, a la God’s reply to Moses in the desert, his treble use of the same phrase and other sets of three to bring to mind the Trinity, and so on -- Pearce also understands Lewis as a man deep in history, and particularly in medieval history. He points out Lewis’ allusions to other figures, like El Cid and Charlemagne, based not on dry history but on legends about these men, like “The Song of Roland”. Commentary stretches to the modern age, too, as Pearce points out how Eustace Scrubbs’ parents are caricatures of George Bernard Shaw, who loved “humanity” but disliked most people, and believed in progress for its own sake, rather than people for theirs.
More than anything else, Pearce shines a light on the moral universe that was Lewis’ made ‘physical’ in the land of Narnia. There delivered were his convictions about heroism and temptation, of the self-defeating nature of evil, of the dignity of creatures both great and small, both simple and clever. In The Magician’s Nephew we see condemned the will to dominate; in Voyage of the Dawn Treader we experience again Tolkien’s “dragon sickness”, the madness brought on by fixating on materials -- gold, in Eustace’s case, and secret knowledge in Susan’s. Each book has its lessons, and those who have experienced Narnia’s story and loved it will almost surely appreciate his look deeper into the wardrobe.
October 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this unique book which is a Catholic analysis of C. S. Lewis’s (an Anglican) Narnia series. I do feel like Pearce maybe read too much of his Catholic theology into and out of Lewis’s writings throughout this book, but this served as a cautionary note for me not to read Protestant ideas into non-Protestant literature that I read.
Each chapter is dedicated to a book in the series, and there are two beginning methodological chapters on how to read the Narnia stories and Fairy stories in general. Pearce distinguishes between being “child-like” and “childish” (a motif that also shows up in Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”), and why children’s stories are for adults as well. Pearce does a good job of showing and examine the historical and intellectual influences that may have shaped Lewis’s writing in the books, as well as the religious, philosophical, or political messages in the stories and events of Narnia.
Of particular interest to me was also the comparison of themes between the Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkien’s Hobbit/Lord of the Rings series. Pearce shows, as Tolkien also taught us, that we are drawn to story-telling and story making (Tolkien: subcreation) because we are made by the ultimate Story-teller and we live in his unfolding story of history. I have attached a few memorable quotes from the book below:
“The materialist blunders because he never wonders.”
“A good fairy story is not merely a diversion from reality, but a reversion to reality.”
“Story is in a way real and true, but different from the reality and truthfulness of concrete things.”
“Scientism moves the physical sciences out of the realm of the love of wisdom.”
“Aslan weaves the Trinity of himself into the very fabric of his world.”
Each chapter is dedicated to a book in the series, and there are two beginning methodological chapters on how to read the Narnia stories and Fairy stories in general. Pearce distinguishes between being “child-like” and “childish” (a motif that also shows up in Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”), and why children’s stories are for adults as well. Pearce does a good job of showing and examine the historical and intellectual influences that may have shaped Lewis’s writing in the books, as well as the religious, philosophical, or political messages in the stories and events of Narnia.
Of particular interest to me was also the comparison of themes between the Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkien’s Hobbit/Lord of the Rings series. Pearce shows, as Tolkien also taught us, that we are drawn to story-telling and story making (Tolkien: subcreation) because we are made by the ultimate Story-teller and we live in his unfolding story of history. I have attached a few memorable quotes from the book below:
“The materialist blunders because he never wonders.”
“A good fairy story is not merely a diversion from reality, but a reversion to reality.”
“Story is in a way real and true, but different from the reality and truthfulness of concrete things.”
“Scientism moves the physical sciences out of the realm of the love of wisdom.”
“Aslan weaves the Trinity of himself into the very fabric of his world.”
November 20, 2023
194 pages of religious polemic thinly disguised as an analysis of the Narnia series. Obviously, discussing the Christian themes of Narnia is more than okay, as Lewis intended it to be a Christian story. But here, the Narnia books seem to be a mere framing device for the author to rant about modernism, secularism, progressivism, atheism, materialism, Marxism, relativism, and other similar -isms. Lewis could be argumentative, but he also made the world of Narnia joyful and imaginative and fun, which is why so many non-Christians love the books. Joseph Pearce seems to miss this aspect of Narnia, and instead discusses it as a morality play which affirms his reactionary political views. When he does attempt literary criticism, the best he can do is to point at a Narnia character and then point at a character from Tolkien or Shakespeare and say "Hey, aren't they sort of similar?"
I made it about 60 pages in, then leafed through the rest and saw it was all more of the same. Perhaps those who see Narnia as a vehicle to promote certain opinions will enjoy it. But for those who see Narnia as a living, breathing work of art, and want to see it analyzed properly, this isn't for us.
I made it about 60 pages in, then leafed through the rest and saw it was all more of the same. Perhaps those who see Narnia as a vehicle to promote certain opinions will enjoy it. But for those who see Narnia as a living, breathing work of art, and want to see it analyzed properly, this isn't for us.
September 24, 2023
This was an EXCELLENT literary/contextual/theological analysis of the seven Narnia books. It started off very different to what I expected- a critical literary theory of fairytales. However, as soon as I started to despair of "where's God in this?", I hit the main sections of the book. Pearce goes through each of the Narnia books one by one, providing admirable depth in his analysis of Lewis' writing, influence, literary/historical context, philosophy and theology. Though there were some bits I minorly disagreed with (and some points which seemed a big presumptuous/far fetched), this was an enjoyable and stimulating read both intellectually and theologically. I would recommend that anyone loving the Narnia books read this one through!
April 4, 2018
This is a fantastic look at the Chronicles which really ties together their united message. It makes me want to read them all again! I particularly love how Pearce develops the spiritual theme of “childlikeness” as opposed to “childishness” and explores its representation in various characters throughout the Chronicles. I also appreciate that he points out important influences in Lewis’s works, such as G. K. Chesterton. Pearce’s scholarship on Lewis, Tolkien and Chesterton contributes to this tremendously thought-provoking read!
March 3, 2019
It's not very often that one can find a scholarly/spiritual book about
The Chronicles of Narnia
that is written from a Catholic perspective, so when I found this book in my Easter basket last year, I was incredibly excited to read it. Reading C.S. Lewis's original series helped me to feel so much closer to God, and I hoped that this book would add new depth and meaning to my initial reading experience.
Further Up and Further In
fulfilled that desire in some ways, and disappointed in others.
I'll save the positive stuff for the end, so here are my main criticisms:
1) Pearce is sometimes too lofty for the average reader. He's a highly educated man, and that's not a bad thing, but I feel that he has a problem in wording his theories and arguments. Unless you've studied Thomas Aquinas, J.R.R. Tolkien, and a number of obscure authors in an extensive manner, you might get lost in the weeds. I found myself re-reading certain sections because Pearce didn't really explain things so the everyday person could understand it. I felt he needed to work on striking a balance between making his information more relatable in terms of its wording, while not watering down the facts to the point of making the argument "babyish" and dumbed down.
2) This one is a semi-personal gripe. It is difficult to speak of C.S. Lewis and his work without mentioning, in some capacity, J.R.R. Tolkien. After all, the two were great friends, and Tolkien was definitely instrumental in Lewis's conversion to Christianity. However, I have noticed the subtle habit among several critics, of acting as if Tolkien's work is superior to Lewis's. Pearce, unfortunately, is no exception. He repeatedly brings up Tolkien, almost as if that is the standard to which The Chronicles of Narnia must be measured. As an ardent fan of Lewis and his style of writing, it bothers me that this author (among others) seems to insinuate that Tolkien is one of the primary reasons that Lewis amounted to any kind of prestige as an author. Tolkien is much more cerebral and complicated in his style, while Lewis, I believe, has the unique talent of taking complicated issues and explaining them, or telling a story, in which readers without an Oxford degree can actually comprehend on the first try. Lewis's love for childlike simplicity and the intricacy of the human soul are blended perfectly on every page of his work, and I felt let down that Pearce did not see that to the fullest extent.
However, this is still an interesting book if you want to know about the mythological, fantasy, and Christian elements that lie in the deeper layers of Narnia. For instance, in The Magician's Nephew , Uncle Andrew's sinister godmother goes by the name of "old Mrs. Lefay." Pearce explains that her name is a direct link to the evil Morgan Lefay of Arthurian legend. In The Horse and His Boy , the name of Aravis is a spin on the word avarice. Aravis chooses to give up a life of glittering splendor in order to be free, and thus embodies the spirit opposed to greed. The best chapters in the book, in my opinion, are those discussing The Last Battle . There is a lot of symbolism there, and I feel that Pearce does his best work in that section.
Pearce is a bit lofty and biased towards Tolkien, but it's also a really informative book, full of "fun facts" and trivia.
I'll save the positive stuff for the end, so here are my main criticisms:
1) Pearce is sometimes too lofty for the average reader. He's a highly educated man, and that's not a bad thing, but I feel that he has a problem in wording his theories and arguments. Unless you've studied Thomas Aquinas, J.R.R. Tolkien, and a number of obscure authors in an extensive manner, you might get lost in the weeds. I found myself re-reading certain sections because Pearce didn't really explain things so the everyday person could understand it. I felt he needed to work on striking a balance between making his information more relatable in terms of its wording, while not watering down the facts to the point of making the argument "babyish" and dumbed down.
2) This one is a semi-personal gripe. It is difficult to speak of C.S. Lewis and his work without mentioning, in some capacity, J.R.R. Tolkien. After all, the two were great friends, and Tolkien was definitely instrumental in Lewis's conversion to Christianity. However, I have noticed the subtle habit among several critics, of acting as if Tolkien's work is superior to Lewis's. Pearce, unfortunately, is no exception. He repeatedly brings up Tolkien, almost as if that is the standard to which The Chronicles of Narnia must be measured. As an ardent fan of Lewis and his style of writing, it bothers me that this author (among others) seems to insinuate that Tolkien is one of the primary reasons that Lewis amounted to any kind of prestige as an author. Tolkien is much more cerebral and complicated in his style, while Lewis, I believe, has the unique talent of taking complicated issues and explaining them, or telling a story, in which readers without an Oxford degree can actually comprehend on the first try. Lewis's love for childlike simplicity and the intricacy of the human soul are blended perfectly on every page of his work, and I felt let down that Pearce did not see that to the fullest extent.
However, this is still an interesting book if you want to know about the mythological, fantasy, and Christian elements that lie in the deeper layers of Narnia. For instance, in The Magician's Nephew , Uncle Andrew's sinister godmother goes by the name of "old Mrs. Lefay." Pearce explains that her name is a direct link to the evil Morgan Lefay of Arthurian legend. In The Horse and His Boy , the name of Aravis is a spin on the word avarice. Aravis chooses to give up a life of glittering splendor in order to be free, and thus embodies the spirit opposed to greed. The best chapters in the book, in my opinion, are those discussing The Last Battle . There is a lot of symbolism there, and I feel that Pearce does his best work in that section.
Pearce is a bit lofty and biased towards Tolkien, but it's also a really informative book, full of "fun facts" and trivia.
April 26, 2025
Initially I wasn't excited about the narration of this audiobook, but I did appreciate the explanation of some things near the beginning, such as the differences between "child-like" and "childish". The analyses of the Narnia books themselves were entertaining, but I would've liked to have heard more about Susan in "The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe", as well as expanding more on "The Silver Chair". As entertaining as this title was- and I'm not sure *what* could be added- but this book could been longer.
April 2, 2020
This book was everything I wished Pearce's LOTR book had been. It was in-depth and gave searching insights into each Narnia book. It helped me understand the books in ways I couldn't when I read them as a kid. And, the greatest praise I think I can give this book, it made me want to reread the Narnia books, which I have yet to read as an adult. Thanks to Joseph Pearce for writing this beautiful little book.
December 6, 2020
This book starts very slowly, but don’t let that dissuade you. Chapter 3 is the beginning of the masterclass and worth the slog through chapters 1 and 2. Highly recommend a re-read of the Narnia books before reading this. The author did a great job of bringing in Lewis’s life and times to the explanations, this added a lot to specific lines and phrases in the books. I appreciate Narnia even more after reading this book!
July 8, 2023
I can't get enough of Joseph Pearce! He knows so much about the faith, CS Lewis himself, the history of the time during which CS Lewis was writing, and more and articulates it so well. This is a fantastic breakdown of the Narnia series. The only reason I can't give it a full five stars is because it's written in chronological order instead of the order that really makes sense for the plot of the books in all.
July 13, 2019
Thanks indeed for this careful and intriguing analysis of Lewis’ great gift to Christianity in an age of determined scepticism and self-interest. P. shows how the Narnia series speaks into the difficulties and dilemmas of our times. Almost unbelievably I find myself saying that this analysis has revealed the workings of my own thinking to me. I am truly grateful.
August 12, 2020
Very readable and wonderful. Joseph Pearce has the same literary heroes I do so I love everything he writes! A true understanding of the real Narnia. I loved how he tied it in with so many other authors and ideas (that I think is the true essence of literary commentary). I will be seeing Narnia with different eyes from now on!
July 9, 2021
I read this book as a companion to the Narnia books. While I could've read in one sitting, I enjoyed reading it along with each book. Each section corresponds to each book - and Pearce does a deep dive into Lewis's intent, theology and scriptural references. As many times as I have read the Narnia books, this was a great road map.
March 5, 2022
Some interesting points. Overall, one of the better books on Narnia.
However, Pearce is a Roman Catholic, and he added more RC teaching than the Narnia books allow for. For example, he identified the signs in the Silver Chair with the “magisterial teaching of the church” and with the sacraments. Also, he identifies Peter with Simon Peter as the first Pope.
However, Pearce is a Roman Catholic, and he added more RC teaching than the Narnia books allow for. For example, he identified the signs in the Silver Chair with the “magisterial teaching of the church” and with the sacraments. Also, he identifies Peter with Simon Peter as the first Pope.
July 8, 2025
This book is the perfect read for everyone wondering what’s so Christian about Narnia and for anyone fascinated by the deep meaning of this timeless story. A perfect reminder that Narnia is not only for children and is yet, in a way, a children’s Bible. I also loved the comparisons with Tolkien, because those two might be my favourite literary duo.
November 14, 2019
I love the Narnia books and just about everything CS Lewis wrote. This book enriched my understanding of the Narnia books and of the influences that worked upon Lewis to develop his grand and insightful view of beauty and Christianity.
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