the Chronicles of Narnia in one book
353274
It is a great book to have instead of all the single books of the set.  It makes reading it in the order that the author wanted it to be read and that makes it better as well.
527764
Years after writing this review, I stumbled on it because I am looking to buy the series for yet another niece. I am suprised at the animosity I see in responses to my review, but I think I understand its source. A number of people will immediately dis you if you rate something special to them as a "1". (Other people will of course dis it as a form of religious activism.) Indeed there is no question that the STORIES rate a "5", but in my opinion this all-in-one published FORMAT of the book is not as enjoyable as boxed versions where every book is unique in itself. This is especially true for young readers, just imagine them holding each book in their little hands and you'll get the idea. Also, it feels bulky and the pages just don't turn as well. I like books - physical books - and this all-in-one is just not as enjoyable.
So, I still think this all-in-one format deserves a "1" in enjoyability, although I am sure it is a very efficient reference to the original stories if that's your thing. I am in fact going to buy the "The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set: Full-Color Collector's Edition [Paperback]" that is now available with Pauline Baynes' colorized drawings (I am not a purist) and I am very much hoping to give that published version a "5"!

Original review:
If you want to buy all the Narnia books at once, at the moment you generally face buying either the all-in-one book with the Lion on the cover or the seven separate books in one "boxed set". The problem with both offerings is that that they are numbered "wrong" (chronologically by Narnia time, which is not the published order and spoils the wonder of the series). However, at least if you buy the separate books in the boxed set, you can rearrange and read them in the published order, recommended by everyone but academics (and the order which the author never changed in his lifetime, despite the publisher's claim that he "preferred" them in Narnia chronology).

Another reason to buy the boxed set is that you do get the great pleasure of holding each individual book in your hand as you read them. I've done so as a young child, as a college student, and now in my middle age, and each time C.S. Lewis' wonderful tales transport me out of this world. It's a personal thing, but I also appreciate the original Pauline Baynes drawings, which the HarperCollins boxed set does have. Just be sure to do a favor for the next reader or the person you're giving this as a gift to - mark out the HarperCollins numbering on the cover.

By the way, if you are "not religious" like me, you will find the pedantic discussion of how the books correlate to religion or the christian bible to be obnoxious. Like other great artists, C.S. Lewis transcended religion and wrote 7 incredible books drawing from amongst the archetypes of his own culture and mythology. Do yourself a favor, turn off the incessant chatter, and just enjoy the books.
3154268
The Horse and His Boy (1954) is a children's fantasy novel, the fifth in C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. Here, an adopted lower-class boy, a young, independent girl, and two Narnian talking horses attempt to flee from Calormen into Narnia; on the way, they get caught up in international political intrigue.

While Lewis wrote this book fifth, it takes place during the original reign of the Pevensies during the last chapter of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The only reason for this chronological decision is so that Lewis can bring the Pevensies back in supporting roles, which he does (plus Mr. Tumnus). And it is nice to see them as adults, more mature but still distinctly the same characters.

I trust it will not be too great an affront to Lewis to say that this story reads like The Prince and the Pauper by way of Arabian Nights. Not that there's anything wrong with the story; it's well-told, but it doesn't feel particularly imaginative, and that's what separates the good Narnia stories from the great ones. The Horse and His Boy feels too much like Lewis took a number of trusty old story elements and gave them the Narnia treatment.

This is the only book in the series where children from Earth are not prominent characters (there's not much time spent in Narnia, either), and that alone gives The Horse and His Boy a different feel from the rest. But this isn't Lewis's best set of characters. Shasta is decent enough, but I feel like we've seen him before, in Twain and elsewhere. While the horses have their own personalities, they don't add much to the story. A highlight is Aravis (another character we've seen before), in whom Lewis has the strongest female character in the series. (Aslan, as usual, steals most of his scenes.)

Lewis offers lessons to be learned, of course. The most obvious theme is pride: the Calormenes are a prideful people in general, and several of the book's prominent characters have to learn to practice humility. Another is divine providence, which, thanks to Aslan, is present in all the books in a general way, but here is much more pronounced, culminating in Aslan explaining to Shasta how he has been present and involved at every key moment of the boy's life.

Some critics have pointed to The Horse and His Boy (as well as to The Last Battle) and cried "racism." In a book where most of the people who are good and right are light-skinned and the warmongering villains are dark-skinned, that's understandable, but, I think, taking it too far. Certainly Lewis has populated his other Narnia books with light-skinned enemies, and, while he has done Calormen in the style of the medieval Arab world and set this culture up as a rival to Narnia, there is nothing egregiously antagonistic on Lewis's part here, particularly since he portrays Aravis so sympathetically.

In short, while not Lewis's best, The Horse and His Boy is another quality adventure.
1317881
This has all of the Lord of the Rings books in one volume.  The illustrations are great and the book is easy to hold (in spite of its size) and read.
3626801
The Chronicles of Narnia has remained a classic ever since it was published, and it is no wonder why, once you read the series. It's a pity, though, that everyone compares Lewis's work to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Yes, both works are classic fantasies, and both of the authors were buddies. But the two works are much different in style, prose, and message. Lewis's book is a masterpiece by itself, and although I loved the Lord of the Rings as well, Narnia has its own excellent qualities that cannot be compared to Lord of the Rings.

There is a particular edition I want to recommend, and that is the one-volume hardcover Chronicles of Narnia book. It is beautifully bound, and its cover art is stunning. The one thing, though, is that the paperback edition has the same paper quality and cover art, and is a cheaper alternative to the hardback. But for those who want the sturdier, more enduring edition, the hardback is the way to go.
856270
The Mahician's Nephew is a wonderful and clear example of a Christian allegory. For throughout it we see many references that can help us understand the true meaning of the book when taken beyond the primary plot.

All in all, the book was good albeit slow and in many ways frivolous. It was interesting and enjoyable to learn about and better understand Narnia and how it came to be and in that sense this book was the best prequel / entry book to the series in my opinion.

I look forward to the other books in the series and hope that the plot gets better, or potentially just has more action.

At times I did wish it did not force it's message so strongly, for at times I felt it had no purpose other than to teach religious meanings but this could just be an "adult" (am I really?) issue where we read into things more than we are meant to.

I would recommend this book to many but I'm unsure who I could or would recommend it to for fear that it would encroach on their own personal beliefs.
1833155
I received a free copy of this book for my honest rating. I have long been an avid C.S. Lewis' The Narnia Chronicles fan. They were read to me as a child and re-read many times as an adult. After reading " The Librarian: Little Boy Lost ", I can say that there is another series of books that will delight children of all ages. I am 62 years old and I enjoyed this book very much, and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I love the way that it encourages the reading of other classics, and really look at the details that were probably overlooked in the first reading. I encourage parents to read these books to your kids. They will long remember the time spent with them and the love of a really good book.
467947
I bought the book with the intention of reading it to my 6 and 7 yr olds.  However I also got the audio CD (Family Radio).  After starting the CD ... we could not stop!  It was very entertaining.  I am now buying the entire audio CD set, but only after I read them "The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe" first.
3822280
This is one of those books that make you wonder how an authors mind works.  This book sets up the whold Chronicles of Narnia series.  The Magicians nephew is Digby (later Professor Kirke in The Lion, The Whitch, and The Wardrobe) who becomes the first human (along with his cohort Polly) to travel to Narnia, and other worlds.
We get to see how Narnia was in its ideal state, before the White Witch entered and wreked havoc on the ideal land.  This book also shows us the "structure" of the Narnia fantasy lands.  It shows us the difference between good and evil, bravery and cowardice, benevolence and destructiveness.
Read this one first, then move on to the rest of the Narnia books.
As far as age is concerned, this is great for adults or older children.  I have read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe aloud to my 4-year old.  He enjoyed about one chapter a day, but couldn't sit for any longer.  He has the World of Narnia book called "The Wood between the Worlds" which is based on this book, so he knew the characters (with pictures) coming in.  I plan to read this whole series to him in a year or two.
3001377
Sammons explores the themes and structure of the Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis.  The book is written simply, without obscure literary terminology; very accessible to the public or by Jr. High and High School students who want to expand their understanding of this critically acclaimed series.
The book is structured as follows: Chapter 1:  a discussion of Lewis's life
Chapter 2:  how Lewis wrote the series and exposition on Lewis's views on the genre
Chapter 3:  synopsis of each book in the series.  These summaries were very well written.
Chapter 4:  description of the land of Narnia
Chapter 5:  in-depth review of the character of Aslan.  One of the best chapters in the book, Sammons explores the symbol of Aslan in each book and His role as the moving force in the plot
Chapter 6:  discussion of the good/neutral characters of Narnia
Chapter 7:  discussion of the evil characters of Narnia
Chapter 8:  Christian concepts in the books
The book also includes an index of character and place names, but the reader would be advised to obtain a copy of "Companion To Narnia" by Paul F. Ford instead.
Sammons explores the question whether the Narnia Chronicles are allegory for Christian faith.  She is not "preachy" but seems to honestly describe the faith and the symbols within the novels.  She does a fine job in providing quotes from C.S. Lewis's writings to back her points.
3313391
I had read two of C.S. Lewis' works- Mere Christianity and the Chronicles of Narnia-and wanted to read more of his books.

This book is great in that it contains some of classics like the Screwtape Letters, Miracles, etc. in one edition.

I have not completed the entire work yet, but have enjoyed what I have read so far. C.S. Lewis is one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and you will see why when you read some of his literary masterpieces contained in this edition. I recommend it highly.
2719146
I really enjoyed this book!  I am a great fan of The Chronicles of Narnia and lots of other fantasy/adventure stories, and I really enjoyed reading this book.  This is exactly the kind of story that I loved to read with my children when they were younger!  The adventure in Arythia was mesmerizing.  And the way the kids found the entrance to Arythia reminds me of wonderful times spent on the beach near Minot Lighthouse climbing the rocks and finding hermit crabs.  I plan to buy this book as a gift for my nieces/nephews as it will be great summer reading for tweens.
3172340
A charming little book! A very informative behind-the-scenes look at The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. If you plan on rushing to the theater on December 9, 2005 to see "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," you might want to stop into a bookstore a few days before, so you can read Beahm's "Passport to Narnia." If you're unfamiliar with C.S. Lewis's work, "Passport to Narnia" is a fabulous introduction.

  Lewis's The Narnian Chronicles is a collection of seven novels, entwining fantasy and Christianity. I'm not a fan of "fantasy" myself, but I do plan on seeing the movie. One glance at the movie's trailer is enough to get anyone wanting to see it. I'm also an animal lover, so the fact that one of the main characters is a talking lion, I'll be there, sitting in the front row. However, my lack of "fantasy knowledge" is limited. I have not read any of the Lewis books, which is why I picked up a copy of Passport to Narnia during my last trip to the bookstore.  I wanted my own "preview" of the movie, and "Passport to Narnia" served me well! I can now walk into the theater feeling confident, knowing exactly what to expect.

  In "Passport" you're given a look at Lewis himself, his body of work as a whole - and also broken down, book by book. You'll also learn about the various characters, the making of the movie, and Narnia collectibles. Beahm also lists many [other] great books and websites for further explanations/studies on the subject of all things Narnian.

  It hasn't influenced my opinion on fantasy... I just don't care for that genre... but "Passport" is definitely an entertaining look into that world and what it takes to create it.

  Tim Kirk's illustrations are wonderful, and George Beahm's impeccable "fact collecting" skills make this book a MUST HAVE for all Narnia fans!
46176
I hate to take away one star because of the way the publishers currently number the books, so I won't. However, I would like to question the reason for the re-ordering of the books. I'd hate to think it's because the publishers thought it would be easier for kids to understand, because each book makes it pretty clear when each story occurs (and the original sequence worked for a good 30 or so years; if it ain't broke, etc). Also, the sense of mystery and discovery is taken away with the new sequence; the mystery of who the professor is, for example. For example, Narnia is discovered by Lucy. It is not mentioned, introduced or even described (initially)by the author. Thus, the reader's discovery and sense of wonder comes by way of Lucy's point of view. The word Narnia isn't even mentioned till the second chapter. In "Magician's Nephew," Narnia is mentioned on the very first page.

The original sequence just works better. I see it thusly: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe is the first book; it serves as the introduction and ends with the kids coming back to their reality. The original second book is the classic sequel, essentially giving the fans what they want by having the original four heroes go back to Narnia and help Aslan kick butt. Book 3, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is a changing of the guard, somewhat, introducing a new human protagonist, Eustace, to replace Peter and Susan Pevensie, apparently now too old to visit Narnia. Book 4, The Silver Chair omits Edmun and Lucy (like Peter and Susan, now also too old to go back to Narnia) brings back Eustace and introduces his friend Jill. Book 5, The Horse & His Boy is a break from the author's previous trend of having kids visiting or revisiting Narnia kids visiting & revisiting Narnia and instead tells a story that happened under the original 4 children's reign. Book 6, The Magician's Nephew goes back to the aforementioned trend of kids visiting/revisiting Narnia but tells the story of the first time it ever happened. NEPHEW is arguably the best book, but I think it's much better if read in its original place, which is 6th. The sense of discovery is just much stronger, in my opinion. Book 7, the only book that keeps its original place, wraps it all up, bringing back all the human protagonists (sans Susan).

So, in closing, I'll just say there's absolutely nothing wrong with the original sequence. It is, in fact, much superior. Heck, the movies are allegedly going to follow the original sequence (they at least started with the right book).
3143403
A fantastic beginning to the Narnia chronicles! It is very myth-like with new worlds discovered through magic rings and talking animals in the newly-created land of Narnia. I could definitely see the notes of biblical references to Genesis, God, Adam and Eve, even down to the forbidden apple tree. Many wonderful quotes of advice were included and I can see the book being a wonderful introduction and child-like explanation of God to young kids and plan to read it to my own when I have them. But, that is not to say it isn't a great read for adults, too! It's a nice escape from reality (as all books should be), a dip into another world for a time.
581944
The Chronicles of Narnia are probably my favorite books of all time. I have loved them since I was a young kid, and I have a box set with all the books. And as an adult I haven't stopped reading them over and over. Many people are fans of C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, and for decades readers and experts alike have tried to figure out what is behind these books. They have a sense of mystery and no one has been able to crack Lewis' "code". Michael Ward thinks he has done just that, and he documents his finds in The Narnia Code.

The Narnia Code by Michael Ward is a book that helps to shed light on the secrets that C.S. Lewis cleverly hid in his beloved Narnia books. Ward has studied Lewis' life for a long time, and after much research the answer dawned on him. He believes he has cracked the code that connects the clever and imaginative books. He outlines Lewis' connections to the seven planets of medieval cosmology- Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus and Saturn and how they play into each book of his series.

From a Christian perspective Ward takes us through each book from the Chronicles of Narnia to share his code breaking theory. I loved hearing his ideas and how detailed the stories are to each theme. It was fun to see a little bit into Lewis' life and love of medieval cosmology and how he used that to write one of the world's greatest children's tales.

If you've always been curious about the Chronicles of Narnia you will enjoy this book. I feel like it opened my eyes to so many great new wonders from these books. I just read through the entire series last year, and I'm ready to pick them up again. Michael Ward has opened a whole new view for me, and I believe it's made me even fonder of the Narnia books.<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Narnia-Code-C-S-Lewis-and-the-Secret-of-the-Seven-Heavens/dp/1414339658/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens</a>
3465539
As always, I somehow manage to get wrapped up in the Narnia stories.  I don't know how or why, but I'm always curious as to what the next chapter will be.
This felt to me more like a collection of short stories than anything else.  Each few chapters starts a new adventure, and there are very, very few plots lines that hold over.  And the few that do have little weight to the current "adventure."
Nonetheless, the adventures that are embarked on are beautiful and intriguing, and the various islands are described with incredible detail and each one is unique from the other.
Again, I felt (as I do with the other Narnia books I've read) that there is so much more that could be expanded on, that the worlds and the characters have so much more to offer than what is told.  But, in a way I suppose that is a compliment as well, because I'd want to know more.
And, as always, certain characters (most characters) are very delightful, each with his or her own personalities.  And, of course, there is always something most beautiful and touching about Aslan.