The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe question

Opinions vary! I recommend starting with the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as it was the first one written and probably the best introduction to the series. The others you can read either in publication order or chronological order; I don't think it matters much.

As far as the numbers on the spine go, some sets are numbered in publication order, others in chronological order.

I always think The Magician's Nephew must be the first book to read, if only because it explains the existence of the lamppost in TLTWATW, and Jadis.

Totally no right or wrong answer, although a lot of people have very particular feelings about it. XD

For myself, I'm very partial to reading them in the original order that they were written (publication order) for a few reasons.

First, simply because that's the way I grew up reading them and am most used to that.

Second, because Magician's Nephew is probably my least favorite in the series (which is not to say I don't still enjoy it), but as a result I also (personally) feel that the stories of the Pevensie sibs is a stronger start and introduction to what's at the heart of Narnia. I feel like Magician's Nephew is easier to enjoy when you've already fallen in love with the world and want to know more about it. BUT...some people also love Magician's Nephew all on it's own, and more power to them.

And third - just because there's very subtle things like...I forget in which book it is, but Lewis gives an authorial comment something along the lines of "if I ever find out about how Narnia was created and if it's at all an interesting story, then maybe I'll write about that as well" that only make sense in publication order.

So that's my personal preference. But I also get wanting to read things chronologically too - sometimes it's better for getting the complete scope of the story as a whole.


You can always read them through one way and try again another time with the other order!

Read the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe first.

I believe the Magician's Nephew is the first one in the chronicles. I remember really enjoying it but I think it can almost be read as a standalone; you don't lose anything by not reading it and going straight on to the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

I would recommend reading the Magician's Nephew first though as it sets the scene and introduces the beginning of Narnia's cycle :)

I prefer to read them in the order they were written.

The first time I read the books I began with the LTWATW. As a pre-teen it was a great book to get me into the series. As an adult, I have really enjoyed reading the books in chronological order: Beginning with the Magicians Nephew, TLTWATW, The Horse and His Boy, then Prince Caspian, etc. When read this way, the flow of events makes more sense, and it is easier to relate to the growth of the characters.

I would read The Magicians nephew first because it gives the history of Narnia's talking animals, Jadis, and Digory "Professor" Kirke.

I suggest The Sorcerer's Apprentice, then The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. after that follow the numbers. I love that series. :)

It's kinda like the Star Wars movies. The first in order of the series is The Magician's Nephew, but in order of publication date is The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. So basically it's your choice. I would suggest The Magician's Nephew first, because it tells you how Narnia came to be.

Hope this helps!