From the Introduction: 'I am not out to decode images or to uncover a system; but I do hope to show how certain central themes hang together - a concern to do justice to the difference of God, the disturbing and exhilarating otherness of what we encounter in the life of faith; a relentless insistence on self-questioning. . . I want to capture something of what Lewis is trying to do in communicating - to a world that frequently thinks it knows what faith is - the character, the feel, of a real experience of surrender in the face of absolute incarnate love. Because that is what matters most: the possibility Lewis still offers of coming across the Christian story as if for the first time.'

Rowan Williams

Cover page

About the author

Title page

Full imprint

Dedication

Epigraph

Preface

Introduction

1 The point of Narnia

2 Narnia and its critics

3 Not a tame lion

4 No story but your own

5 The silent gaze of truth

6 Bigger inside than outside

Conclusion

Notes

Williams, Rowan

A compelling account of the Narnia novels, unlocking their Christian symbolism and exploring the moral and spiritual wisdom that C. S. Lewis intended to convey. Answers contemporary critics of Lewis (such as Philip Pullman) over charges of sexism, violence and racial stereotyping.

A compelling account of the Narnia novels, unlocking their Christian symbolism and exploring the moral and spiritual wisdom that C. S. Lewis intended to convey. Full of fresh insights into the thought world of Lewis, drawing on his life, his beliefs and themes in his other works - both fiction and non-fiction. Answers contemporary critics of Lewis (such as Philip Pullman) over charges of sexism, violence and racial stereotyping. Containing specially commissioned illustrations, this is an arresting, illuminating and ultimately joyful book for believers and non-believers alike.

Rowan Williams is the Archbishop of Canterbury. His most recent books include A Silent Action: Engagements with Thomas Merton (2011), Dostoevsky: Language, Faith and Fiction (2011), Tokens of Trust: An Introduction to Christian Belief (2007), Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love (2006) and Silence and Honey Cakes: The Wisdom of the Desert (2004).

‘The Lion’s World’ gives you all the insight and spiritual wisdom of a man who has read, re-read and loved C. S. Lewis’ Narnia books since his teenage years. The parallels with the life of Christ and the Christian life are explored and explained with the gentle sensitivity of a man in tune with Lewis’ heart, mind and soul.

Rowan Williams gives a thoroughly engaging account of the Narnia novels opening up their Christian ideas and pictures to reveal the moral and spiritual wisdom of a great Christian thinker and story maker. The 104th Archbishop of Canterbury gives you a new perspective on the life, the beliefs and concerns of the 20th century’s greatest novelist in the cause of Christ. ‘The Lion’s World’ will help you get even more from the world’s best loved faith based stories – still in print after more than half a century.

For Christian readers, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is clearly a book about the life of Christ, but exactly why is that, and how do you explain it to others, and use the tale to help others find Christ? With spirit and conviction, Rowan Williams gives you the answers to attacks on Lewis from contemporary critics over charges of sexism, violence and the racial attitude common in his day and age.

From the beginning of the Narnia Chronicles series in 1950, C. S. Lewis words have equally captured the hearts and minds of children and adults. In ‘The Lion's World’, Rowan Williams gives you instant access to the hidden moral and spiritual hints and clues of the seven novels.

Whether you’ve read the whole Narnia cycle, just one book or simply fallen in love with the films, ‘The Lion's World’ will give you a renewed appreciation of their subtle literary artistry, and the powerful spiritual content. This beautiful book belongs on your bookshelf alongside your loved collection of C S Lewis novels to which it holds the key, delightfully revealing the meaning of the land beyond the wardrobe.

Praise for 'The Lion's World'

"Reading Rowan Williams on C. S. Lewis is like watching two old friends in animated discussion of great, powerful themes… Those who have loved Narnia since childhood will here discover fresh and sometimes disturbing depths of meaning and power. Those who don't know it will be stimulated to read the stories for themselves." -Tom Wright, Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, University of St Andrews.

"I have often thought there was more to Lewis than is often noticed by his enthusiastic readers. Now he has Rowan Williams, who helps us see that Lewis, who certainly had his limits, was an extraordinary imaginative mind who was able to 'rinse out what is stale in our thinking about Christianity'." - Stanley Hauer, former Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School, North Carolina.

"Like the Wardrobe, this book opens a door into another world. It takes the reader further up and further in to that world, a world that deepens the imagination and warms the soul. In the company of Rowan Williams, the already rich world of Narnia becomes a theological feast of delight." - Paula Gooder, Canon Theologian of Birmingham and Guildford Cathedrals.

"The Lion's World is a brief but immensely thought-provoking exploration of Lewis and his imaginative world, so full of paradox and passion beneath the conservative tweed, and a thoroughly convincing defence of one of the greatest works of children's literature." - The Sunday Times.

The Good Book Stall

Following the appearance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950, C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia have enchanted children and adults alike for over half a century.  
In The Lion’s World Rowan Williams explores the moral landscape of all seven novels in the series, and offers an astute guide to their spiritual subtext. He draws on significant aspects of their author’s life and thought, and on key themes in his other novels, painting a richly textured picture of his aims and achievements. At the same time, Williams gently but firmly rebuts those critics who have charged Lewis with sexism, racial stereotyping and the glorification of violence.  
Whether you have read the whole Narnia series or simply enjoyed one of the films, The Lion’s World is a rewarding and ultimately joyful read – one that will send you back to the novels with a deeper sense of their subtle literary artistry, and the powerful spiritual insights they contain. Publisher   
  
Clarity and creativity are fused with imagination and interpretation in this sweep of Narnia. Rowan William’s insight &amp; writing are majestic. There is freshness and warm humanity to the underbelly of this beautiful new work. The lightness of touch must not disguise the depth of incision, with a poetic and gracious twist:-‘Being told your story doesn't compel your assent!’ Themes are movingly gathered and wisely explored here.  
In The Lion’s World, Aslan is taken as an orthodox read-across from Jesus. The depiction of Aslan the Lion lets us sense afresh ‘what the experience of God is like’, shedding delusion &amp; falsehood. Transcendence is the wildness of joy; and the truth of God becomes a revolution against what we have made of ourselves.’  
This will certainly become a classic for lives enriched by the power of Narnia. This is brought together attractively in a new format SPCK volume with enhancing artwork by Monica Capoferri. Probing, provocative &amp; a sheer pleasure!

The Lion’s World

Following the appearance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950, C. S. Lewis&#146;s Chronicles of Narnia have enchanted children and adults alike for over half a century.  
In The Lion&#146;s World Rowan Williams explores the moral landscape of all seven novels in the series, and offers an astute guide to their spiritual subtext. He draws on significant aspects of their author&#146;s life and thought, and on key themes in his other novels, painting a richly textured picture of his aims and achievements. At the same time, Williams gently but firmly rebuts those critics who have charged Lewis with sexism, racial stereotyping and the glorification of violence.  
Whether you have read the whole Narnia series or simply enjoyed one of the films, The Lion&#146;s World is a rewarding and ultimately joyful read &#150; one that will send you back to the novels with a deeper sense of their subtle literary artistry, and the powerful spiritual insights they contain. Publisher   
  
Clarity and creativity are fused with imagination and interpretation in this sweep of Narnia. Rowan William&#146;s insight &amp; writing are majestic. There is freshness and warm humanity to the underbelly of this beautiful new work. The lightness of touch must not disguise the depth of incision, with a poetic and gracious twist:-&#145;Being told your story doesn't compel your assent!&#146; Themes are movingly gathered and wisely explored here.  
In The Lion&#146;s World, Aslan is taken as an orthodox read-across from Jesus. The depiction of Aslan the Lion lets us sense afresh &#145;what the experience of God is like&#146;, shedding delusion &amp; falsehood. Transcendence is the wildness of joy; and the truth of God becomes a revolution against what we have made of ourselves.&#146;  
This will certainly become a classic for lives enriched by the power of Narnia. This is brought together attractively in a new format SPCK volume with enhancing artwork by Monica Capoferri. Probing, provocative &amp; a sheer pleasure!

The Lion&#146;s World

A Journey Into the Heart of Narnia

The Lion's World

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