The Complete Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, Pauline Baynes (1998, Hardcover, Illustrated)

I had been looking for the books on Narnia but did not know they had published them all in one book. This was truly a great idea. I can't wait to start reading it........

I'm sure I would love this product if I could ever receive it. I placed the original order 12/17, it was returned to the shipper due to damaged conditions, then re-shipped on 1/8. It is now 2/3, and I still have not received my order. The customer service has been poor at best as I have been unable to obtain any kind of reliable tracing information.

Excellent quality book with all the stories published in one hard back novel. The pages are large and delightful; the hand drawn pictures are abundant and a delight to look at while reading. This is a must have for any parent looking to read Chronicles to their kids.

This is a treasured COMPLETE set of The Chronicles of Naria by C.S. Lewis, ordered CHRONOLOGICALLY as the author intended. As can be seen by the cover, the illustrations by Pauline Barnes are full color and beautiful. They continue throughout the book.

Item Description:

"The Chronicles of Narnia have enchanted millions of readers over the last fifty years, and the magical events described in C. S. Lewis's immortal prose have left many a lasting memory. For here is a world where a witch decrees eternal winter; where there are more talking animals than people; and where battles are fought by Centaurs, Giants, and Fauns.

Now all seven Chronicles are bound together in this one magnificent volume with a personal introduction by Douglas Gresham, stepson of C. S. Lewis. Pauline Baynes' original and much-loved illustrations have been made even more memorable by the addition of color. This spectacular gift edition will guarantee that C. S. Lewis's timeless world of Narnia will catch the imagination of yet another generation of readers."

Amazon used to offer this for the retail price of $49.99, but it is currently unavailable (as of 11/2008). Other sets use the same illustrations, but many come only in black/white and are smaller than this version. I believe it will likely become harder and harder to find.

The pages are a good size (about standard letter 11x8) with sizable enough text for easy reading, even for young children. The layout of this book is terrific for engaging young children as well as the young at heart (:. Highly recommended.

P.S. As the order of reading is such a hotly argued issue among avid fans, here is the full original script (from Wikipedia):

To make the case for his suggested order, Gresham quoted Lewis' reply to a letter from an American fan in 1957 who was having an argument with his mother about the order:

"I think I agree with your order [i.e. chronological] for reading the books more than with your mother's. The series was not planned beforehand as she thinks. When I wrote The Lion I did not know I was going to write any more. Then I wrote P. Caspian as a sequel and still didn't think there would be any more, and when I had done The Voyage I felt quite sure it would be the last, but I found I was wrong. So perhaps it does not matter very much in which order anyone read them. I'm not even sure that all the others were written in the same order in which they were published."

Here C.S. Lewis verifies his preferred order to be CHRONOLOGICAL though I believe the confusion derives from a misinterpretation of his statement "So perhaps it does not matter very much in which order anyone read them.". The most important part of this 1957 statement to note being that the word 'read' is in the past tense. His fans at the time would have read and might even prefer his series in the order it was published. However, I agree with the author.

(From Wikipedia) In the Harper Collins adult editions of the books (2005), the publisher asserts Lewis' preference for the [chronological] numbering they adopted in a notice on the copyright page: "Although The Magician's Nephew was written several years after C. S. Lewis first began The Chronicles of Narnia, he wanted it to be read as the first book in the series. HarperCollins is happy to present these books in the order which Professor Lewis preferred."

Peace, Ben

Eph 3: 17-21

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fascinating series of books by C S Lewis. Though they were written before his reawakening as a Christian, they are full of spiritual imagery. Recommended.

Well kept,an amazing series put into one wonderful piece. Thank you for sharing this treasure.Aa story that will please children for generations to come

It was in great condition and it is a great book. I love the movies so i was very anxious to get the book! I got within the first three days i purchased it. the was very well keep and it has no marking of any kind! I would definately recommend this book, it is great to read when you want your imagination loose and a great book to read to your kids or just anyone who will listen.

The Chronicles of Narnia are perfect books. They are wonderful and can be read time and again. C. S. Lewis was a great author and theologist. I've been reading these books since I was young. Reading If you're going to read them, please read them in the correct order: 1) The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, 2) Prince Caspian, 3)The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 4) The Silver Chair, 5) The Horse and His Boy, 6) The Magician's Nephew, and 7) The Last Battle

This is a lovely book that includes the "foresight" and imagination that wows people still today. It is well written and survived the test of time.

Years ago my husband gave me a copy of this book. An occasion came up for a friend needing a gift, she's mentioned she wanted the Chronicles of Narnia. I'd so much enjoyed the illustrations along with the stories in this edition I located it online in good used condition. Great edition for children or others interested in the stories.

Great collection of a classic series all in one book!! It's great to have all of the stories in one book to read to the kids, who love the stories!! A real treasure!!

I love this hard-bound edition of the Chonicles of Narnia. They are all together in one beautifully bound book, with pictures that all can love!!

this is the most wonderful book that i have ever read in my entire life. it is great for children, great for adults and more than wonderful for a grandma like myself. it is fantastic how a writer can link together God and fantasy. it makes fantasy seem real and makes the whole world seem better at peace.
brenda

What a trip down memory lane for me. I enjoyed the books over and over again years ago, and now to have such a nice, well-illustrated volume is very nice. The book was better than as-advertised condition, I am well pleased with my purchase.