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27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Into the "Wardrobe", November 6, 2005
In December of 2005, the movie adaptation of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" will land in theatres. And as a prelude to that, there's "Beyond the Wardrobe: The Official Guide to Narnia." And no, not just the movies -- E.J. Kirk explores the entire series, and beyond.
He kicks things off by exploring the background of Narnia and its creation, and the life of its author C.S. Lewis. Kirk also studies his shaping influences like Malory, Plato, Homer, George MacDonald and Norse legends, and the themes of friendship and creativity in his work. Interesting tidbits are sprinkled around, such as the fact that "Aslan" is a Mid-Eastern word for (surprise surprise) "lion."
And then there is Narnia itself: Kirk includes detailed summaries of the seven books, information on lion-god Aslan, biographies of the various characters (major and supporting), villains, a timeline, important places in Narnia, and the ancient myths and folklore that fueled various characters in the series. Finally, Kirk wraps it all up with a chapter about production on the big-screen movie. And yes, more lovely pictures.
I personally read the Chronicles of Narnia when I was eight years old, and have revisited the series periodically ever since then. So I can say with confidence that "Beyond the Wardrobe" might be of mild interest to those that have already read the series, but is more for people who are checking out the Narnian world before the movie comes out.
There are also a number of movie photographs, including Susan and Edmund in battle, various monsters, the Witch, the petrified Narnians, Tumnus the Faun, and Lucy and Susan hugging the slain Aslan. For the books that have not been adapted, there are paintings, ranging from Pauline Baynes to elaborate, dazzling paintings.
What flaws are there? While the Christian symbolism of things like "Magician's" apple is touched on, Kirk really doesn't devote much space to the overwhelming religious influence on the series. And it feels a wee bit stretched in places, such as devoting an entire chapter just to getting and in out of Narnia.
Fans of C.S. Lewis's classic fantasy series won't find much that is new, but people who are just starting to get into the world of Narnia will find "Beyond the Wardrobe" an excellent resource.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Info on Lewis, the Books, the Movie and Other Adaptations, January 13, 2006
"Beyond the Wardrobe: The Official Guide to Narnia" is a complete and detailed companion book for major fans of Narnia, or those who just want to know more.
In this book, you'll get a detailed look at C.S. Lewis and his life. You'll learn not just about Narnia, but also about some of his background and a little about his other works. You'll learn what influenced him, who his friends were and his family.
The exploration of the books is wonderful --- but be warned, if you haven't read the entire Chronicles yet and have only read "Wardrobe" / seen the movie, then probably don't wanna read this yet. This is a complete exploration of all the characters, locations and details of the plot from all seven works in the "Chronicles."
These are all very detailed, with subsections and sidebars featuring additional info. There are various pictures --- from the movie, classic illustrations, photos, you name it.
There is also a brief look at various past television projects related to "Narnia" and thoughts on what's coming.
Overall, a great book to read if you want more background on this excellent series of works.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another excellent Narnia movie tie-in book..., April 17, 2006
I have yet to be disappointed with any of the recent "Chronicles of Narnia" movie tie-in books. This book, published to coincide with the film's theatrical release, delves into the seven books written by C.S. Lewis. Hence, the title, "Beyond the Wardrobe: The Official Guide to Narnia."
"Beyond the Wardrobe" is an excellent book that covers the book's gifted author, C.S. Lewis, and gives an excellent background into the various characters, storylines and locations from the seven Narnia books. It doesn't only cover "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" so readers who want to learn more about the other Narnia books are in for a treat. What is great about this book is that it appeals to kids as well as adults. There are some great color illustrations and photographs; nice presentation; and just enough information to make it entertaining and worthwhile but not too scholarly.
The book's chapters are:
- Entering the Wardrobe: the origins and roots of the Narnia story
- The Tale Teller's Secrets: background on C.S. Lewis
- The Great Tale: summary of the 7 books
- The Magical Lands of Narnia: landscapes and locations
- Getting There and Back: travelling into and out of Narnia
- Narnia's Royal Visitors: background on the young visitors of Narnia
- The People and Creatures of Narnia: just that...the magical and not so magical creatures and humans in Narnia
- The Story Continues: the future of the Narnia story and film adaptations
I highly recommend this book to Narnia film fans. It is not a Narnia encyclopedia by any means, but it does give an excellent background to the world of Narnia.
Like the "The Lord of the Rings" movie tie-in books, the "Narnia" books are all equally excellent. I would also recommend "The Official Illustrated Movie Companion" of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe which gives an in=depth look at the making of the film. These are books that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed.
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