A Book of Narnians: The Lion, the Witch and the Others (Hardcover)

~ C. S. Lewis (Author), Pauline Baynes (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-This who's who presents 33 mostly nonhuman characters or groups that appear in Lewis's classic series. They are briefly described and some of their stories related. The words are largely Lewis's own, though plucked selectively, and omitting much, from the originals. The selection is skillfully done, but transitions between description and storytelling are sometimes awkward. The full-color paintings retain the liveliness and expression of the originals, but their scale and perspective make them grander all around. Whereas the original pen-and-ink drawings were often seen from a distance and punctuated the text only occasionally, these bordered and decorative landscapes and closeups present constant and considerably fleshed-out vistas and creatures. Though the new art is impressive, and often lovely, readers may miss the smaller-scale charm and sharply etched detail of the black-and-white originals. Those who've read the books will find the most to enjoy here, seeing old friends and enemies in fuller garb. The sheer numbers will confuse Narnia neophytes, and despite the attempt to provide context in the descriptions, some knowledge of characters is assumed. Lewis's outline of Narnian history appears, as does a succinct annotation of each title. Brian Sibley's Land of Narnia (HarperCollins, 1990) also includes a few new paintings by Baynes (different from these), but, with its biographical and literary angles, adds new information. The art is the draw in the Book of Narnians, and it is fascinating to see the artist take on things these many years later, but the originals are still quite wonderful enough.
Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

‘Elegantly painted pictures by the original illustrator of the Chronicles of Narnia are the hallmark of this book.Excerpts from the original text accompany each illustration. A descriptive cast of characters, a synthesis of each of the chronicles, Lewis’ Outline of Narnian History and an index of illustrations are included. A must for admirers of the series, a valuable resource for teachers and librarians, and a motivator for those who have not ventured into Narnia.’—CR.

1995 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060250097
• ISBN-13: 978-0060250096
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,994,608 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is a reference, not a novel, April 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Book of Narnians: The Lion, the Witch and the Others (Paperback)

This book seems to have been mistunderstood by some to be a novel. It is not a novel but instead a type of reference for use before, during or after you read the actual novels included in the "Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis himself. This book includes lovely illustrations of main and secondary characters and gives some specifics that would otherwise have been missed by some readers when reading the novels.

This book may not be for all, but a definate "must" for any fan of the "Narnia" series who would like a deeper look into the inhabitants of the land created by Lewis. This is also a good reference book to use when discussing the novels in a small group/classroom setting.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource for all Narnia readers, July 21, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A Book of Narnians: The Lion, the Witch and the Others (Paperback)

A book of Narnians is a must-have for all Narnia fans. Pauline Baynes's illustrations put all the Narnians right in your hands. Even though the map in the back is not completely accurate, (I'm very picky) the references and drawings, along with short summaries of the characters are wonderful to have. Though nothing is as fantastic to read as the Chronicles, this is a well written easy read book for all those who want a deeper view of the Narnians and their world. Keep it close by while reading the Chronicles, so you can "zoom in" on the characters and their personalities!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good reading for children and adults, May 31, 2000

By	Michel Berczeller (Santiago, Chile) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Book of Narnians: The Lion, the Witch and the Others (Paperback)

This is a beautifully written book, probably written for children, but totally enjoyable for grown ups.