The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set
by C. S. Lewis
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Book Summary Information
Author: C. S. LewisEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Box set
Published: 1994-07-01
ISBN: 0064471195
Publisher: HarperCollins
Product features:
- This collection includes all seven of the novels-
- 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.
Book Reviews of The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set
Book Review: The Chronicles of Narnia
Summary: 4 Stars
THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW
Sixth book printed, first book chronologically.
I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.
"The Magician's Nephew" is more clearly a children's tail than any of the other stories. In terms of construction is it relatively formulaic compared to the other novels, beginning with the children discovering strange rings which transport them to Narnia in its period of creation.
This is where the book differs from the others in the sequence. We get to see Narnia created from almost nothing, the birth or "arrival" of the godly Aslan, and the seeds of "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" in particular. The Christian metaphors are laid on a little thickly here, but a child wouldn't notice them, nor would the allusions to Christ or Adam and Eve spoil their enjoyment. As an adult I found the story very readable, but sadly insubstantial compared to "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" or "Prince Caspian".
7/10
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE
First book printed, second book chronologically.
I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.
This is, of course, the most recognisable title of the series as well as being the first written/published. Most readers will pick up the book hoping for a written account of the events in the recent film, or perhaps the BBC drama series if your memory goes back that far! For the most part the events are the same, although elements are extracted and expanded upon in the films making the novel a little pale in comparison.
It is not however lacking in terms of character or charm, and is an alluring tale that sucks the reader in instantly despite the intrusion of the narrator at times. The protagonists, places and events are described straight-forwardly with insightful touches that enhances the specific element that brings the scenes to life. Even as a "grown up" who was only mildly interested in the story to begin with, I found the story absorbing and even inspirational.
8.5/10
THE HORSE AND HIS BOY
Fifth book printed, third book chronologically.
I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.
"The Horse and His Boy" stands out from the rest of the series, having little or nothing to do with any of the other characters. The great Aslan makes a few appearances, and his scarcity accentuates the presence that Lewis no doubt felt strongly in his heart. As a total atheist and condemner of religious analogies, even I felt a touch of wonder at each of his appearance!
The story is sound despite being removed from the over-arcing story of the Chronicles. The main character and his companion horse are well drawn and interesting. The features of the countries outside Narnia are bright and interesting, particularly if you've read the other books in the series. The book manages to carry its own weight, which some of the sequels to "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" fail to do. An achievement, and worth picking up!
7/10
PRINCE CASPIAN
Second book printed, fourth book chronologically.
I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.
As the first real sequel to "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe", this manages to draw out the story and history of Narnia so that Lewis' creation reaches its full potential. The character of Caspian is readable although a little stiff at times, and the dialogue does falter occasionally where elsewhere in the books it is very smooth. The description of the voyage and the encounters of the crew are imaginative and still feel very original, and the transformation of Eustace still brings a bit of a chill, even in hindsight!
Great for youngsters and very readable for grown-ups.
8.5/10
THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER
Third book printed, fifth book chronologically.
I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.
This one's a fine companion to "Prince Caspian" and feels more like the second half of that novel rather than a novel in its own right, but this doesn't stop the enjoyment of the tail despite the feeling of implausibility that the reader gets at times. The growth of the characters following previous instalments is tangible and feels authentic however, and the whole thing is as entertaining as the books set before it.
7.5/10
THE SILVER CHAIR
Fourth book printed, sixth book chronologically.
I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.
The series falters here a little with a fairly uninspired story, broken down into a series of events that give the reader the sense that Lewis was getting a little weary with the universe he had created. As though bored of Narnia, he takes us away from that and all familiar characters but one, an admittedly well-realised Eustace.
Although it opens very well, despite Lewis interjecting regularly with his own poorly-disguised opinions on the world in general and certain types of schools in particular. Unfortunately once the story kicks in it feels a touch rushed and uninspired, the return of Caspian unemotive, and the silver chair of the title almost totally inconsequential. It's not an awful read, but there's little hear for adults and probably not a great deal for youngsters, although I would admittedly be guessing about that.
5/10
THE LAST BATTLE
Seventh and final book.
This final book in the Chronicles of Narnia series thankfully returns to the early splendour of "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe". After "The Silver Chair", which seemed a little flat compared to other books in the series, "The Final Battle" restores some of the magic that made the first few novels so enjoyable and successful.
Lewis does well in beginning the novel from the point of view of the Narnians, specifically the last King of Narnia, instead of the from the childrens' perspective. We begin to see a particularly brave story develop from who is essentially a Christian author: A false Aslan has begun corrupting Narnia from within, who eventually comes under the thrall of the vicious realm adjacent to Narnia. Considering the powerful although admittedly insipid themes that Lewis is fond of, it seems a brave move to take his allegory so far. As a child the danger must read very real, and as an adult it is interesting to see the mythology of Lewis' realm with his potentially fully drawn.
Cracking characters and a smooth, compelling storyline make this one of the best of the series, as good as "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" and a fantastic, thrilling and emotional end to the book series.
8.5/10
Summary of The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set
Collection includes all seven of the novels in the series.
Narnia is the land of enchantment, glory, nobility--home to the magnificent Aslan, cruel Jadis (the White Queen), heroic Reepicheep, and kind Mr. Tumnus. All the magic of C.S. Lewis's Narnia, bewitching readers for almost 50 years, is captured for the first time in this splendid deluxe edition, including 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, and The Last Battle, with fabulous illustrations hand-colored by the original Narnia artist Pauline Baynes and an insightful introduction by Narnia authority Brian Sibley.
Lewis's work has cast a spell over countless readers over the years, so that once we pick up The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we don't want to stop until we've read the whole series. The Complete Chronicles makes it even easier to keep reading! The seven beloved stories have been arranged in the chronological order in which Lewis intended them to be read. Begin at the beginning, as Digory and Polly are tricked into a strange other world, which becomes, even as they watch, the great Narnia. Return again and again with four other children--Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy--who are to play such a vital role in Narnia's history. Finally, enter the whimsical land one last time to witness the end of Time, and the beginning of something new: "world within world, Narnia within Narnia." This gorgeous volume is absolutely a must-have for current and future Narnia lovers. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter
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