Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis

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  Without doubt, this is an extremely intelligent text, presenting a comprehensive and coherent argument for the underlying layers of the Narniad.

  Initially I was quite disappointed by the style of the book, but once I had got the idea that it was written in a more academic style, I found it much more enjoyable. I have taken my time, and now find I need to bolster my understanding by reading some other works from the Lewisian corpus.

  If I had one criticism, it would be that I felt it should... (show more)

  Without doubt, this is an extremely intelligent text, presenting a comprehensive and coherent argument for the underlying layers of the Narniad.

  Initially I was quite disappointed by the style of the book, but once I had got the idea that it was written in a more academic style, I found it much more enjoyable. I have taken my time, and now find I need to bolster my understanding by reading some other works from the Lewisian corpus.

  If I had one criticism, it would be that I felt it should have an explanatory chapter on basic astrological principles and it is for this reason that I gave it 4 1/2 stars and not 5. I am well aware that there are many other texts covering this subject and I do perhaps need to engage with some of those.

  A good dictionary is a distinct advantage, as some rather obscure words do litter the text (ichneutic?). Having a theologian in the house is also very helpful! I also feel that it does not detract from the romance of the Narniad and Ward does answer such criticisms in an eloquent way in the closing chapters of the book.

  I would like to submit this question to the world of literary criticism: Donegality; Discuss. (show less)

   

   

  by Simon Pudsey on Oct 24, 2009 at 11:14AM

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  It wouldn't be strictly accurate to say I had read this book. I read pretty carefully until halfway through, then pretty much skimmed the rest. The heart of the book is the "discovery" by author and Lewis specialist, Michael Ward, that each book in the Narnia Series corresponds to one of the seven Mediaeval planets (which includes the Sun and Moon). He makes an interesting case, one in which Lewis' intense interest in the Mediaeval world (he was after all professor of Mediaeval and ... (show more)

  It wouldn't be strictly accurate to say I had read this book. I read pretty carefully until halfway through, then pretty much skimmed the rest. The heart of the book is the "discovery" by author and Lewis specialist, Michael Ward, that each book in the Narnia Series corresponds to one of the seven Mediaeval planets (which includes the Sun and Moon). He makes an interesting case, one in which Lewis' intense interest in the Mediaeval world (he was after all professor of Mediaeval and Renaissance Literature) is brought to the fore. I left the book wanting to read Lewis more (it's about time I did) but not I think gaining in admiration for the Narniad (which I already thought was fantastic anyway).

  The book is clearly modelled on (if not actually a reproduction of) Ward's PhD thesis. As with all good PhD theses he has even invented a new word, Donegality, but you will need to read the book to find out what it means.

  In summary, an interesting idea, well laid out, but perhaps stretched just a fraction beyond the bounds of credulity at least for a layman like me. (show less)

   

   

  by Andrew Gosden on Sep 27, 2009 at 01:50PM

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