For over half a century, scholars have laboured to show that C. S. Lewis's famed but apparently disorganised Chronicles of Narnia have an underlyin...
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reviews
Aug 04, 2008
Melinda
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I LOVED THIS BOOK!
If you love CS Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia (deeply, not just casually, but DEEPLY), then you'll find this book very wonderful. Michael Ward, the author, brings in many of Lewis' other works and poetry, to explain his discovery (he says) of the underlying and unifying "theme" or "kappa element" in the Chronicles of Narnia -- the medieval cosmology of the planets. This cosmological theme in each book is the "kappa element" accord More...
If you love CS Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia (deeply, not just casually, but DEEPLY), then you'll find this book very wonderful. Michael Ward, the author, brings in many of Lewis' other works and poetry, to explain his discovery (he says) of the underlying and unifying "theme" or "kappa element" in the Chronicles of Narnia -- the medieval cosmology of the planets. This cosmological theme in each book is the "kappa element" accord More...
Aug 12, 2011
^
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Personally I found this book thoroughly absorbing and positively exciting. Once he had found his direction, Ward must have found his thesis exhilarating to write.
Having first read this book from cover to cover, barely putting it down, I am now enjoying using it as a reference book, whilst I read “That Hideous Strength (unabridged)” for the first time. For that purpose Ward’s text is (so far) proving exceedingly well-structured and enlightening.
CS Lewis clearly b More...
Jul 20, 2011
David
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I found this very illuminating. The Chronicles were some of my favourite books as a child and although I was aware of their Christian interpretation, Ward's book brings a whole new level of meaning to them. And it all fits. His argument that each novel represents one of the planets of the mediaeval cosmos is well researched and convincingly argued. He doesn't stop at simply examining the Narniad either, but traces the planetary influence in Lewis's other works, his poetry and apologetics as well
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Mar 04, 2011
Chris
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A most remarkable and very fine book by any standard! Michael Ward, chaplain of theological imagination at Oxford University makes a good argument for a "heavenly" pattern within C.S. Lewis's Narniad. Each book corresponds to a different planet--in a classic medieval sense. Ward goes so far to create a new term to describe Lewis's technique of hiding these things: He calls the form of a hidden Enjoyment, "Donegality." (Drawn from the actual seaside town of Donegal, Ireland wh
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Jan 05, 2011
Judith
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I have always been a huge fan of the Narnian chronicles. I read and reread them as a child, read them to my own children and now read them to my grandchildren. While I was a student of english literature I studied Lewis' academic work and enjoyed considering his not-so=very-hidden religious messages in Narnia, messages that passed over my head as a child reader. I was given this book for christmas and was at first a little sceptical but Michael Ward's argument, once he has pointed out his findi
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Aug 08, 2011
Sandi
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An interesting insight into Lewis's agenda for the Narniad. It has helped me a lot to see how the books can work together and I am more sympathetic towards him now than I was on my recent read of the series. He was not intending to have the coherent self-contained world of Middle-earth and Earthsea, so he should not be criticised for not achieving that type of sub-creative reality. As an adult, who does not really like allegorical fiction, I still prefer Tolkien and Le Guin even though Michael W
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Aug 14, 2010
Sarah
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There is a verse in Proverbs that says it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out. Well, since all creators of books are made in the image of a creative God, I think its safe to say that sometimes it is the glory of an author to weave a mystery in the symbols of his story. There is in some books, a unity, a power of image, a spiritual atmosphere that cannot easily be described, yet drives the wonder of the story. I believe it is the glory of a thoughtful,
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Sep 14, 2009
Abi
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I won't describe Michael Ward's theory, as many others have done it far better than I could. I loved the book. Ward makes a very, very convincing argument and even if it isn't true, the theory is so beautiful that it's worth reading just for that.
Ward's style is a little jargonistic for someone (like me) who hasn't studied Literature academically, but as long as you have a decent dictionary to hand it's not too hard going (though I must admit I found his term 'Narniad' to refer to th More...
Ward's style is a little jargonistic for someone (like me) who hasn't studied Literature academically, but as long as you have a decent dictionary to hand it's not too hard going (though I must admit I found his term 'Narniad' to refer to th More...
May 08, 2011
Carmen
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Other reviewers summarized this better than I could, but I will say that:
1) Ward has written an impressive, comprehensive, complex book. It is scholarly and challenging--I loved that! Loved all Ward's cross referencing, loved his vocabulary, loved his excitement. I wish the footnotes were at the bottom of each page--many are valuable and I was forever flipping to the back and either getting achy fingers from holding the book open in two places or losing my place consequently.
2) I knew More...
1) Ward has written an impressive, comprehensive, complex book. It is scholarly and challenging--I loved that! Loved all Ward's cross referencing, loved his vocabulary, loved his excitement. I wish the footnotes were at the bottom of each page--many are valuable and I was forever flipping to the back and either getting achy fingers from holding the book open in two places or losing my place consequently.
2) I knew More...
Jul 11, 2009
James
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Michael Ward argues that the unifying principle behind the 7 Chronicles of Narnia is the 7 planets of the medieval cosmology. Arguing from Lewis's poem "The Planets," his space trilogy, his book "The Discarded Image," and many other source documents, Ward weaves a persuasive, detailed proof. I came to "Planet Narnia" a lover of the Chronicles and a skeptic of the thesis, but found myself being convinced, chapter by chapter. Anyone who loves Lewis's books, especially
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Dec 21, 2011
Chad
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C.S. Lewis scholar Michael Ward claims to have found a secret that has eluded readers of 'The Chronicles of Narnia' for over 50 years.
When I hear claims like this, my 'conspiracy theory' warning bells immediately start going off. But after hearing several Lewis scholars and readers alike concede that fact that Michael Ward is indeed onto something, I decided to read the book for myself to see what all the fuss is about. After reading the book, I feel I can safely say that Michael Ward is right. More...
When I hear claims like this, my 'conspiracy theory' warning bells immediately start going off. But after hearing several Lewis scholars and readers alike concede that fact that Michael Ward is indeed onto something, I decided to read the book for myself to see what all the fuss is about. After reading the book, I feel I can safely say that Michael Ward is right. More...
May 01, 2011
Brian
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I picked up this book very shortly after it came out and I remember two things: 1. I often skipped over much insight due to the numerous footnotes and 2. I loved it. This may seem odd, but Ward made a case that satisfies me both logically and emotionally. I just cannot deny that someone as copious and learned as C.S. Lewis could be without detail. The seven planets truly illuminate the 'atmosphere' of Lewis's beloved books.
I'll even say this: If Lewis did not have this scheme at all i More...
I'll even say this: If Lewis did not have this scheme at all i More...
May 22, 2010
CJ
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“Intricacy is a mark of the medieval mind.” And Lewis' mind was nothing if not medieval. Michael Ward argues that what unifies the Chronicles of Narnia was Lewis' passion for the medieval cosmology, one that provided a living universe in direct opposition to the sterile naturalism and mechanizing tendencies of Lewis' own day.
Having discovered Lewis' unifying principle in the planetary scheme, Ward uses this to answer the three questions of composition, occasion, and reception that surroun More...
Having discovered Lewis' unifying principle in the planetary scheme, Ward uses this to answer the three questions of composition, occasion, and reception that surroun More...
Sep 22, 2011
Gwen
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Reading Michael Ward’s book Planet Narnia is like reading Jim Jordan for C. S. Lewis. Ward shows how the planets, which, as conceived by medieval astrology, had for Lewis “a permanent value as spiritual symbols," are a major driving force behind The Chronicles of Narnia. We have the complete set: Jupiter (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), Mars (Prince Caspian), the sun (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader), the moon (The Silver Chair), Mercury (The Horse and His Boy), Venus (The Magician’s
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Sep 09, 2009
Paula
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Well, to start: I'm convinced. Ward makes the case that each chronicle of Narnia takes its theme from the seven planets of medieval astronomy. (As you may have guessed, medieval astronomers were a little weak on the subject themselves, which is why the sun and the moon are classified as "planets.")
At first this seems like a fairly obscure reference, but Ward makes a strong case. He details Lewis's overall interest in the period, his use of planetary imagery in the "Pe More...
At first this seems like a fairly obscure reference, but Ward makes a strong case. He details Lewis's overall interest in the period, his use of planetary imagery in the "Pe More...
Jan 12, 2009
Kj
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As a work of literary criticism, Michael Ward has succeeded in CS Lewis' footsteps, exploring intellectual and theological insights, and managing continually to ignite the reader's imagination. In what will likely be a key text in Lewis scholarship from now on, Ward makes a detailed and convincing argument that Lewis wrote the Narnia septet through the lens of medieval cosmology, using the imagery, language and symbolism associated with each planet, (which includes the sun and moon at that time
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Dec 31, 2011
Sylvia
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I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia, and was always enthralled by the beauty and creativity of the series. With those books is the first time I remember consciously recognizing foreshadowing and symbolism on my own. As someone who is studying to teach English, it's with fondness I remember those experiences. When I saw that Ward had published a book about the seven books corresponding to the seven medieval planets, I avoided it for a while because I had some idea that it might taint those
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Feb 22, 2009
Diane
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This book looks at the installments of the "Chronicles of Narnia" as they relate to the seven planets of the traditional cosmology. The author argues that each book in the chronology relates to a different planet, and shows how elements of the book relate to the characteristics traditionally associated with that planet. In some cases, the language is a little hard to follow, but the book is well-researched and has a fascinating thesis. It should be well-loved by Narnia fans.
Nov 23, 2011
Judith
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Fascinating and convincing theory. However, the book is probably twice as long as it needs to be and is very heavy going for all except real Lewis devotees. Actually, should probably say "including real Lewis devotees". Very comprehensive overview of all Lewis fiction, showing how it hangs together in many ways. I would be interested to know other readers' views of the rather strange concept of "Donegality" which I thought was an unnecessary and confusing irrelevance.
Mar 10, 2010
John
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C.S.Lewis Narnia is a world described in seven books for children. This book explains much of the symbolism in the books. I loved insights like Lucy is the patron saint of vision, or Saturn, the ringed planet is featured in "The Last Battle"which brings the circle of stories to an end. But, ultimately, I am unconvinced that C.S. Lewis was concious of half of the concepts here as he wrote and this book will live on my shelf as a trivia mine rather than a full explanation.
Dec 30, 2009
Adam
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I read this one very slowly--about a chapter a week. I doubt many other readers will approach Planet Narnia like that, but it turned out to be a fine way to absorb Ward's wonderful research and argument.
My first reaction, on hearing about this book, was something along the lines of: "Oh, so each book of The Chronicles of Narnia is supposed to line up with certain symbolic cues and themes associated with the 'seven heavens' of medieval cosmology. Clever and sort of interesting, More...
My first reaction, on hearing about this book, was something along the lines of: "Oh, so each book of The Chronicles of Narnia is supposed to line up with certain symbolic cues and themes associated with the 'seven heavens' of medieval cosmology. Clever and sort of interesting, More...
Aug 14, 2008
Bob
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If you like C.S. Lewis, and especially if you've read both the Narnia series and his science fiction trilogy, you have to read this book. With an encyclopedic knowledge of everything C.S. Lewis, Michael Ward develops a fool proof case for a unifying theme to the Narniad. He takes Lewis' poem The Planets, and traces Lewis' understanding of the medieval concept of the 7 planets, throughout his works, and from this he builds a case that each Narnia book represents the themes of one of the 7 medie
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Sep 22, 2010
Ryan
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Absolutely fascinating theory Lewis had for The Chronicles Of Narnia. I went in skeptical...that's why I read his two books on the medieval view of the world before reading this. In the end, I was convinced, and my level of appreciation of The Chronicles of Narnia increased dramatically.
Jul 20, 2011
Sally
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Interesting premise: that the key to Narnia stories is the characteristics of the medieval planets, each of which is emphasized in a different novel. For instance, the Jovial spirit illuminates The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; the Martial influence is seen in Prince Caspian, etc. Interesting idea, yes, but this was not a very interesting book to read. My main enjoyment came in the mentions of the Space Trilogy books, since I had so recently read them. Unless you are interested in dry,
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Jul 26, 2009
Brittany
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I was skeptical when I heard this was an "original" interpretation of Narnia, as that usually is just a selling point, but this truly was! It's definitely a more-thorough view of how Lewis interpreted myth in everything. It would be a great companion to The Discarded Image.
Dec 10, 2010
Jean-françois
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Not only does this book provide an essential key to the "Narniad", it also opens a door into the pre-Copernican mindset that dominated the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, a mindset that is itself a source of wonder, even if it is scientifically obsolete. I like C. S. Lewis even more for having read this book.
Dec 08, 2008
I am dying to read this book! I think C.S. Lewis was a genius, and Narnia is my favorite work of his and I can hardly find reason for his best friend, Tolkien's dislike of them. He obviously had a love for the planets as well as fantasy and mythology.
Dec 15, 2011
Kyle
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While I don't know that this is truly what Lewis had in mind when he began his Chronicles, Ward has a firm understanding of mythology and medieval astrological concepts and makes an otherwise confusing and cumbersome topic extraordinarily interesting.
Jun 26, 2011
Rachel
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This is a thought-provoking book for anyone who grew up impacted by reading C.S. Lewis or the Chronicles of Narnia. There is more to him and the books than the obvious or easy explanation! I think next time around I'm going to be a medievalist...
Mar 11, 2010
James
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What if C. S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia" were the literary equivalent of Gustav Holst's "Planets" suite? Michael ward makes a compelling case that the Chronicles are under the influence (as it were) of the planets of medieval cosmology. Whoa.
