A Reader's Guide to Caspian: A Journey into C. S. Lewis's Narnia [Paperback]

Leland Ryken (Author), Marjorie Lamp Mead (Author)

Book Description

Back into Narnia "Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, and it has been told in another book called The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe how they had a remarkable adventure." So begins C. S. Lewis's Prince Caspian and the children's second remarkable escapade into Narnia--a Narnia known but unknown, looking much different than it did in their first adventure. C. S. Lewis scholar Marjorie Lamp Mead and literary specialist Leland Ryken work their own magic to take you deep into Narnia once again, providing a guided tour of Prince Caspian that highlights characters, setting and framework, with rich background details to enhance your reading of the story. The authors also shed light on Lewis's imagination and literary forms, and include a brief biography of Lewis himself. Added questions for discussion and reflection make this the perfect companion to Prince Caspian for book discussion groups. Following the pattern set in their Reader's Guide Through the Wardrobe, Mead and Ryken help you, like the Pevensie children, enter Narnia again in a new way and find it to be an even more surprising place than you ever imagined.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Like its predecessor, A Reader's Guide Through the Wardrobe, A Reader's Guide to Caspian . . . help[s] the reader to interpret their experience through an explanation of the literary art of the author, at the same time expanding and enhancing the reader's understanding through thoughtful commentary and reflection. In other words, Mead and Ryken have succeeded in getting themselves out of the way of the reader's encounter with the story while helping to broaden and deepen their own experience of reading the text." (Christopher W. Mitchell, director, Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College )

"This book isn't necessary to the enjoyment of Prince Caspian, but it is necessary if you want to get to the rock-bottom truths of that story. It throws more light on Prince Caspian than anything I've ever read." (Walter Hooper, author of C. S. Lewis: A Companion & Guide )

"A Reader's Guide to Caspian is the best kind of literary companion, and one which Lewis himself would approve, always keeping readers focused on the primary narrative. It is perfect for a reader's group or college classroom study of Narnia, providing insight and inspiration on every page." (Bruce L. Edwards, general editor of C. S. Lewis: Life, Works, and Legacy )

"Many books have been written about the writings of C. S. Lewis. This is one that would please Professor Lewis. Mead and Ryken are superb tour guides through Prince Caspian. Long live A Reader's Guide to Caspian." (Lyle W. Dorsett, author of Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis )

About the Author

Leland Ryken (Ph.D., University of Oregon) is Clyde S. Kilby Professor of English at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of more than one hundred published articles and essays, and he has written, edited or contributed to (so far) twenty-five books, including The Word of God in English: Criteria for Excellence in Bible Translation (Crossway), The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing (Shaw), Dictionary of Biblical Imagery (InterVarsity Press), The Discerning Reader: Christian Perspectives on Literature and Theory (Baker) and A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible (Zondervan).

Marjorie Lamp Mead (M.A., Wheaton College) has been associate director of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, since 1977. She is editor (with Clyde S. Kilby) of Brothers and Friends: The Diaries of Major Warren Hamilton Lewis and (with Lyle W. Dorsett) of C. S. Lewis: Letters to Children. She has also written many articles and contributed numerous chapters to books--primarily on topics related to C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers. She is managing editor of Seven: An Anglo-American Literary Review.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (February 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830834990
• ISBN-13: 978-0830834990
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #536,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Leland Ryken (PhD, University of Oregon) is Professor of English at Wheaton College. He has authored or edited several books, including The Word of God in English, The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, and The Complete Literary Guide to the Bible. He is a frequent speaker at the Evangelical Theological Society and served as literary stylist for The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource!, December 15, 2008

By 

The Professor (Arlington WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Reader's Guide to Caspian: A Journey into C. S. Lewis's Narnia (Paperback)

I have taught the Chronicles of Narnia both as literature and the basis for a Research Paper writing class. Ryken and Mead's first book on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is outstanding. I have read many good books on Lewis, from Hooper to Schakel to Edwards, but Ryken and Mead bring a unique depth and refreshing literary critical analysis (making it one of the few trade paperback texts fit specifically for college-level writing and study). They balance this with insight into Lewis's beliefs and biographical information, interesting tidbits of facts and trivia, and excellent discussion questions. A Reader's Guide to Caspian follows the same format, depth, and standard of excellence. I whole-heartedly recommend this book - it will greatly enrich your understanding and appreciation of Prince Caspian.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Narnia Fans!, April 8, 2008

By 

BookBargainsandPreviews.com "www.bookbargains... (New York) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Reader's Guide to Caspian: A Journey into C. S. Lewis's Narnia (Paperback)

With the new Disney Movie Prince Caspian coming out, you will want to get this guide to walk you through the literary details of C.S. Lewis book on which the movie was based. The authors help you understand the story and how it relates to the other books in the Narnia series as well as pointing out the underlying spiritual themes.

It also gives the reader a lot of insight into author C.S. Lewis.
Definitely worth the read.