The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens

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The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens

4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 · rating details · 97 ratings · 31 reviews

Millions of readers have been captivated by C. S. Lewis's famed Chronicles of Narnia, but why? What is it about these seven books that makes them so appealing? For more than half a century, scholars have attempted to find the organizing key--the "secret code"--to the beloved series, but it has remained a mystery. Until now. In "The Narnia Code," Michael Ward takes the read...more

Paperback, 208 pages

Published October 25th 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers (first published January 1st 2010)

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Apr 08, 2013 Anne Hamilton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Despite the fact I think Michael Ward caught the ball and then dropped it on this one, I'm still giving it five stars.

The premise - that Lewis deliberately encoded each both in the Narnia series with attributes of the seven medieval planets (not the same as our present solar system) - is an intriguing one.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe according to Ward is encoded around the medieval planet Jupiter. As I read this with an open mind, I thought, 'Possibly.'

Prince Caspian according to Ward is...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Haley rated it 4 of 5 stars

In short: If you love Narnia, are fascinated by the brilliance of C.S. Lewis, and want to learn what could be the “secret code” behind the Narnia books, you should read this book. It’s definitely worth your time!

Ward explains his “Narnia Code” in a way that everyone can understand. He does his best to keep it exciting and to the point. It’s a fascinating way of looking at the Narnia books. Ward shows how Lewis presents the many different sides of Jesus and Christianity through the pre-Copernican...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Evelyn Puerto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-nonfiction

Did CS Lewis have a grand plan in mind as he wrote The Chronicles of Narnia? Was there some underlying theme that guided him as he created characters, scenes and details? And why did he have Father Christmas appear in a world that would not know the nativity story?

Intriguing questions, all of them; some pondered by Lewis scholars, others by fans of the series. Michael Ward, in his book The Narnia Code: CS Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens, offers fascinating answers. Written as “the litt...more Did CS Lewis have a grand plan in mind as he wrote The Chronicles of Narnia? Was there some underlying theme that guided him as he created characters, scenes and details? And why did he have Father Christmas appear in a world that would not know the nativity story?

Intriguing questions, all of them; some pondered by Lewis scholars, others by fans of the series. Michael Ward, in his book The Narnia Code: CS Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens, offers fascinating answers. Written as “the little brother” of Planet Narnia, Ward takes his doctoral dissertation and condenses it into a very readable and informative book.

Ward explains that Lewis, as a scholar of medieval literature, was well versed in classical mythology. Lewis loved the idea of the planets as influencers over men, each with its own character and images. Ward proposed that each of the Chronicles are inspired by one of the planets included in the ancient understanding of our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the sun and the moon.

Chapter after chapter, Ward makes his case. It is a compelling one. The writer in me delights in learning that seemingly meaningless details, like the redness of a robin’s breast, ties into the symbolism of the planet inspiring that particular chronicle (in this case, red being the color associated with Jupiter.)

Some might think that use of classical mythology can hardly be fitting for a Christian author. Lewis takes the old myths and uses them for his own purpose. Each Chronicle either shows a different aspect or facet of God, or teaches a lesson about faith in Him.

As a reader who has long loved The Chronicles of Narnia, I was fascinated by The Narnia Code and read nearly all of it in one sitting. As a writer, I was stunned by the layers Lewis used to construct the Narnian world and the stories he told, all working in harmony with the myths and images from classical and medieval literature. Understanding the meaning behind some of Lewis’ images add even more to an already rich and enjoyable series.
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Jul 01, 2011 Karie Hall rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ward claims to have unraveled a secret code pertaining to all the Narnia books-something that Lewis put in on purpose, and which, very subtly, holds the whole series together while subconsciously working on the reader's mind. No, it's not like one of those "Bible codes" that tells you Leviticus 4:14 secretly predicts who will win an Oscar next year. It's more in the nature of a hidden theme, deliberately concealed by C. S. Lewis, to heighten the impact of his art. So the title is a bit misleadin...more

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Dec 27, 2010 Bob Hayton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, tyndale-house, literature, favorites

Do you remember when you first read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis? Many people, like me, trace their love of fantasy fiction back to that moment. As I gobbled up each of the seven books of the Chronicles of Narnia series, I entered a world of knights, chivalry, valor, magic and wonder — that awakened in me a fresh wonder at the divine influence in all of life.

As I went on to other fantasy tales, largely by Christian authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen Lawhead, I encou...more Do you remember when you first read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis? Many people, like me, trace their love of fantasy fiction back to that moment. As I gobbled up each of the seven books of the Chronicles of Narnia series, I entered a world of knights, chivalry, valor, magic and wonder — that awakened in me a fresh wonder at the divine influence in all of life.

As I went on to other fantasy tales, largely by Christian authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen Lawhead, I encountered more intricate worlds and elaborate tales than what I found in Narnia. But the overt symbolism in the first Narnian tale, hinted at so much more beneath the surface of the Narnia tales. Reading Lewis’ space trilogy I once again encountered symbolism that I couldn’t quite grasp, but that was alluring and powerful nonetheless.

So a few years ago, when I learned of a new book by Michael Ward entitled Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis, I was captivated and just had to get it. That scholarly tome, whose hardback edition boasted 347 pages and almost 60 pages of endnotes, was a delight to work through. Bit by bit, Ward shared the thrill of his discovery — the long sought after, unifying key to the Narnia stories. It was a bit of a chore to go through all the scholarly citations, but along the way I learned a great deal about all of Lewis’ works, not just the Narnian chronicles.

Now, however, the fruit of Ward’s scholarly research is available for a wider, general market audience. Based on an earlier documentary/DVD, Tyndale House has published an accessible paperback entitled The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens.

I was able to pick up this smaller book from Tyndale. It’s only 191 pages with an easy to read font. To be sure, some of the finer points from Planet Narnia don’t find their way into the condensed edition. Still, one will find all the joy (and significance) of Ward’s discovery, a fascinating explanation of the pre-Copernican planetary model, and a detailed exposition of each Narnian chronicle according to the new insights gained from Ward’s study. The interested reader could certainly move on from The Narnia Code to Planet Narnia if he or she so chose, but most will be satisfied by the tale as told in the smaller work.

I don’t want to ruin the book by explaining in detail all of Ward’s discoveries. I will just note that he finds a planetary connection between Lewis the scholar’s appreciation for the pre-Copernican view of the planets as influencing mankind in various ways, and Lewis the author’s intricate method of creating a unique atmosphere that permeates each of his seven Narnian tales.

I can say this, however, you will be convinced by Ward’s discovery. And it will give new life to the Chronicles of Narnia. You’ll never read them the same way again. And Christ’s glory will be seen anew in all its wonder, illuminated in many small yet wonderful ways by Lewis’ intricate crafting of these wildly popular stories.

An expanded version of this review, with additional content and resources, is available at CrossFocusedReviews.com.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.(less)

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Nov 19, 2010 Kevin rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was excited to read The Narnia Code as I had heard good things about the larger more academic volume it is based on (Planet Narnia). And those interested in a sort of Cliff Notes version that outlines the connection between the "Seven Plantes" and Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia will enjoy this short book.

And Ward's insights into Lewis and Narnia are substantial and he makes a strong case for his key being the underlying map for the famous books. But I also felt like this volume suffered from try...more

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Jan 09, 2011 Digna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

C.S. Lewis still very much alive, as if by some unfinished business has enlightened Ward into clarifying the Chronicles for those of us who find much confusion in the Narnia tales.
Millions of readers have been captivated by C. S. Lewis’s famed Chronicles of Narnia, but why? What is it about these seven books that makes them so appealing? For more than half a century, scholars have attempted to find the organizing key—the “secret code”—to the beloved series, but it has remained a mystery. Until n...more C.S. Lewis still very much alive, as if by some unfinished business has enlightened Ward into clarifying the Chronicles for those of us who find much confusion in the Narnia tales.
Millions of readers have been captivated by C. S. Lewis’s famed Chronicles of Narnia, but why? What is it about these seven books that makes them so appealing? For more than half a century, scholars have attempted to find the organizing key—the “secret code”—to the beloved series, but it has remained a mystery. Until now.

In The Narnia Code, Michael Ward takes the reader through each of the seven Narnia books and reveals how each story embodies and expresses the characteristics of one of the seven planets of medieval cosmology—Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus and Saturn—planets which Lewis described as “spiritual symbols of permanent value.”

I have always been interested in the Narnia books and movies, however have never read the books or watched the films, the story always looking so confusing to me. This is a logical excuse, I have adult ADD and even on my medication I tend to get frustrated if I cannot understand something easily. For me Parables + Puns = I want to scream.

As a person who does everything backwards I took the chance to read The Narnia Code because I wanted to know how everything fell into place. This to me equals less frustration and more enjoyment when it comes to the Narnia movies. With this in mind I truly want to thank Michael Ward for all his research into C. S. Lewis and Tyndale Home Publishers for letting me review this book.

From the first chapter I was fascinated to learn how Ward cracked the code and how it came to him. I know others as myself have had insights like this and it makes you wonder where they come from. Ward explains the early planetary era which was a fascination to C.S. Lewis and I could see the reasons why Lewis would use it in his Chronicles. We as a society have lost and forgotten that era, the rapid advancement of science and our fascination with outer space has left us to rely on the breaking news headlines. Ward explains the connections, how it all fits together and it all makes sense. Critics need to lay low on this one, this is not "The Da Vinci Code", which is a bunch of total nonsense thrown together. Ward devoted years of study and reevaluations of C.S. Lewis, his personality, his literary and theological passions and his pre-Copernican obsessions with the planets. I can now say I look forward to reading the books and watching the films without hesitation.

Michael Ward is an ordained minister in the Anglican Church who works as a chaplain of St. Peter's College in Oxford as a tutor and lecturer. and was born in Cuckfield, Sussex County England. Having loved the Narnia Chronicles since he was a young boy Ward wrote about C. S. Lewis for the first time while working toward his English Degree at the University of Oxford.. He was a resident warden at the late professor's home from (1996-1999) and slept in C.S. Lewis's bedroom and studied in his study. Read more.

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Dec 13, 2010 Kara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-christian, fall-reading-challenge-2010, reviews-all, reviews-tyndale

I'm a lifelong Chronicles of Narnia fan. I first read the series when I was only about seven years old. But I have to admit I wasn't sure what to expect when I received a copy of The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens by Michael Ward to review. It all sounded too mysterious and sensational...I was skeptical.

It turned out to be fascinating! Dr. Ward makes his case convincingly, and the book reads almost like a mystery novel as he uncovers more and more clues and evidence...more I'm a lifelong Chronicles of Narnia fan. I first read the series when I was only about seven years old. But I have to admit I wasn't sure what to expect when I received a copy of The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens by Michael Ward to review. It all sounded too mysterious and sensational...I was skeptical.

It turned out to be fascinating! Dr. Ward makes his case convincingly, and the book reads almost like a mystery novel as he uncovers more and more clues and evidence to support his theory. The Narnia Code is a popular level treatment of his earlier, more scholarly work on the same theory called Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis. There's also a documentary available on DVD.

The books have been criticized as being a hodgepodge, and there has always been speculation about a unifying theme to the series, but none has ever been found. Certain "out of place" things in the stories had always bothered Dr. Ward...he knew enough about Lewis to realize that he never did anything unintentionally! So, why does Father Christmas appear in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Shouldn't it be "Father Aslanmas"? Why does the Roman god Bacchus appear in Prince Caspian? These and several other things just don't seem to fit.

Well, I think that Michael Ward has convinced me that he's found that unifying theme! Dr. Ward, an expert on C.S. Lewis, asserts that the seven Chronicles of Narnia are structured around the seven medieval planets. Lewis loved all things medieval, and of course his academic field was in the literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The key to "cracking" the "Narnia code" came in the form of a long poem C.S. Lewis wrote in 1935 (fifteen years before The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was written) called "The Planets". The poem is all about how the planets were understood in medieval times, when it was believed there were only seven planets and that they exerted influences over the Earth, affecting people, events, etc.

I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that I've read quite a bit of Lewis' work and several biographies in preparation for a junior high literature class I taught about the Chronicles, and Dr. Ward's theory seems very convincing to me. I found his explanations and knowledge of how C.S. Lewis thought to be spot on! The way Lewis' mind worked was truly extraordinary!

This book was a real treat to read for this Narnia fan! I'm looking forward to watching the DVD.

Thanks so much to Tyndale for providing my review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/#...
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Oct 01, 2010 Davestuartjr rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copies

This was the most surprising review that I've been assigned yet this year. I get the book, and I'm thinking, "Great, someone went and pulled some weird astronomy horoscope scheme out of the Chronicles of Narnia, and now I'm going to have to write my first scathing review." But then I saw that N. T. Wright, Books & Culture, and various other reputable sources praised the book in its blurbs.

Maybe it's because I'm an literature guy, or maybe it's because it's just that interesting, but here's t...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Bill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-about-books

An unexpectedly good book! With a title that sounds like a conspiracy theory crossed with a new age spirituality (I would never have bought had it not been on sale for $2.50), in fact it's a convincing and enjoyable literary discussion of the unifying theme behind C.S. Lewis' classic Narnia series. Ward argues that C.S. Lewis based the seven Narnia books on the seven planets of medieval astronomy (the kind of thing C.S. Lewis loved, as a scholar of medieval literature), each book themed around t...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Sarah Bringhurst Familia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: literary-commentary, christianity

I went into this book fairly skeptically, because really, in the post-The Da Vinci Code era, who could possibly take seriously a book with a title like this? However, forty pages or so into the book, I found myself wishing that the author had written a real, scholarly book, since his theory was sounding fairly plausible. And then a few pages later he admitted that The Narnia Code is the popularized version of his published phD thesis, Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. L ...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Helen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Simply wonderful book in which the author recounts the process by which he became convinced that the Narnia books were based on mediaeval cosmology and each one contains symbolism related to the seven planets (Moon, Sun, Saturn, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn) which were then known and believed to occupy their own "spheres". Michael Ward makes an entirely convincing case, and also contrives an element of the detective novel as he unravels the evidence.

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Jun 14, 2011 Jenni rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is fantastic! A must-read for any true Narnia fan. The writer is obviously an expert on Lewis and his writing. He delves into the "secret code" behind all seven books in the Chronicles, and what ties them together. Lewis' inside jokes and plays on words become much clearer. I never made the connection before, but it's very interesting! Nice, quick read. It makes me want to check out his other book on the subject for more detailed information.

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Mar 10, 2013 Douglas Wilson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Planet Narnia, by the same author, is one of the best books I have ever read. This is a shorter version, arguing the same thesis, and written at a more popular level. Just fantastic. If you are a Lewis junkie, then read Planet Narnia. If you are a Lewis fan, read this one. Or you could read them both, I suppose.

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Jan 02, 2013 Josiah added it

Good work. I'm not sure I buy the overall thesis. The time lag in the release of the books, and Lewis' statements that he didn't have the idea of a complete series in mind when he wrote the first few books seem to weaken the argument. But nevertheless it analysis of the major themes throughout each book is very good.

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Jul 16, 2011 Anna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just when I thought C.S. Lewis couldn't get any cooler, he just did. C.S. Lewis was often asked to divulge on the deeper intricacies of the Naria series, but answered that there was somethings he would leave hidden, so that the reader would have to dig deeper on their own. Comparable to 'Planet Narnia,' this book give some interesting facts while leaving some secrets only half hidded, beckoning the reader to re-enter the wardrobe and rediscover the world they entered with childlike wonder again...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Jazzo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm only in the third chapter of the book how his talking about his life finding the Narnia code and talking about some things about C.S.Lewis

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Feb 12, 2011 Marcus rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was a quick read, and it was fun to see the puzzle pieces falling in to place as I learned about the medieval view of the planets and the things that Lewis had written about them in his other works.

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Jun 14, 2011 Terri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Definitely interesting. Michael Ward makes a pretty good case for his interpretation which I'm surprised others hadn't really grasped onto before.

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May 15, 2013 Christiana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I haven't read Planet Narnia yet, but I've been wanting too. And this little book just made me want to even more.

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Feb 07, 2011 Rai marked it as want-to-read

I love these kinds of books, studying the underlying elements of what makes a beloved book/series mean so much to us...

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Apr 25, 2013 Titi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Read this book about a week ago. It was very interesting. Gotta love Narnia.

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Jul 12, 2012 John rated it 5 of 5 stars

Re-reading again, it's THAT good!

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Mar 10, 2013 Gary Paulson marked it as to-read

Recommended by Doug Wilson

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May 14, 2011 Elena rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love,love,love this book! It gives you all keys to open the symbolism in Chronicles of Narnia — the same as The Silmarillion of Tolkien opens door to the symbolism of "Lord of the Ring". It also shows how Lewis bring Christ theme in each of seven books.
For a long time I didn't get as mush enjoyment of reading as I get form the Narnia Code.
This book better to read slow — to have time to think of the new things you learn and compare it to the Bible.
Enjoy!

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Jul 23, 2012 James Prothero rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful and convincing

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Apr 29, 2011 Libby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: religious-non-fiction

Amazing! I would have never seen these things. But I am certain it is all correct!

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Jan 23, 2012 Colin Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Astounding to discover another layer of meaning within the well read Chronicles of Narnia that opens up an entirely more expansive and elaborate world of wonder to the adult reader. Spellbinding.

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Jan 06, 2011 Lotzastitches rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very interesting.

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Jun 02, 2013 Ann-Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-on-books-and-or-reading, christian-spiritual, 2013

Wonderful! This is the short version. A must read for anyone loving C S Lewis and especially the Chronicles of Narnia. You´ll want to read the chronicles all over (again) but this time you´ll see clearly...

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