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

Just finished reading this - I'm probably way behind all the Lewis scholars out there. I found it quite interesting - like when you go to the optometrist, and he clicks through all the lens combinations, and suddenly everything snaps clearly into place. Not that there aren't other ways of reading the Narniad -- to stretch the metaphor to the breaking point, sometimes a microscope or a telescope would be a more appropriate tool than prescription lenses -- but he makes a pretty good case for reading each book as under the influnce of the medieval imagery of one of the seven planets. The author supports his theory by bringing in Lewis's planetary references from other works, particulary the Space Trilogy and the poetry, which strengthens his argument by showing Lewis's long-term artistic interest in using planetary imagery and medieval astrology allegorically. There's a lot to think about here, and I look forward to re-reading the Narniad again with this close at hand.

As a lover of all of Lewis's works, and especially the Narniad, I was enthralled by this scholarly work that explains some of the apparent contradictions of the Chronicles of Narnia. I have always accepted the books just as they are, as great stories with Christian themes interwoven with myth. Not being a great critic of literature, I was happy to leave it at that. I am glad, though, to see some structure and meaning behind them that gives them an even deeper meaning, both for their literary value as well as their Christian value.

The word choices in the book made it a difficult read for me (and I have a Bachelor's degree in English lit. and consider myself to have a rather large vocabulary for my age/education). I wish he had tried to write for a less scholarly audience, but I was able to follow the argument pretty well, considering I was not willing to look up words in the dictionary as I went along.

To me, this book felt like a rebuttal to all of Lewis's critics, giving the Chronicles of Narnia more strength to stand up as great literature, and supporting my love of the books. A wonderful, worthwhile read.

This has been fascinating, picking up on all sorts of apparently trivial bits of different Narnia books and showing how they link in with each book's theme. The author makes an unarguable case for his thesis - my biggest question is why Lewis didn't leave more indications that there was an underlying link between all the books. The identification of each book with a planet, each with its own atmosphere or flavour, accounts for the different feel of each book, which previously left one with a sense that there was no coherence within the series. Almost more than the insights into Narnia, I was fascinated by the insights into That Hideous Strength, which I want to go back and re-read.

There is an element of showing-off by the author, in a way that I think Lewis would not have approved. He rarely uses a lay term when he can use a scholarly one or a monosyllable where he can be polysyllabic. And his invention of the word "donegality" can only be described as bizarre - he implies that it is a word that Lewis used but I don't recall it and he doesn't evidence its source in the notes at the back. Lewis did not even come from Donegal but from the other coast of Ireland.

But definitely a book for anyone interested or intrigued by the works of Lewis

A dense read. Only for serious Narnia geeks (like myself), but it casts a whole new light on the Narnia books. I think that Ward proves his thesis pretty comprehensively.

Yes. Went to hear Dr. Ward at Seattle Pacific University, and yes. Found his arguments irrefutable. Got the book and am just finishing it. Meticulous research and compelling evidence! Michael Ward has thoroughly done his homework and written an instant classic.

God will bless you with insight and understanding as you assimilate this definitive study of Lewis's thought and work by a humble, brilliant, and God-fearing Lewis scholar. Know the truth behind Narnia, and the truth will set you free to appreciate the Chronicles at a deeper level the very next time you enjoy them.

When Michael is gathered to his people and arrives in heaven I imagine a very booming and happy "Well done, good and faithful student!" from Lewis. Then Reep, the Bulgies, Puddleglum, Fledge, Bree and all the gang will gather 'round for a noisy and joyful welcome into glory. :)

P.S. Reading this book was like sipping on a pint of Guinness. Take your time, enjoy the density, and you'll feel great when you're done.

A very good book exploring insights into the seven books and revealing Lewis' love for and incorporation of medieval literary themes. He also shows how those themes were explicitly used in the Space Trilogy, which may inspire many of us to reexamine those three books and find a new appreciation for them.

The reading of the first two chapters is a bit laborious, but once you get to the third chapter, where the real analysis begins, the book flies.

The author was recently in Seattle for a podcast recording on www.thekindlings.com. Here's the link to that podcast: <a href="http://www.thekindlings.com/2008/12/14/dr-michael-ward-author-of-planet-narnia-podcast-live-at-cs-lewis-center-segment-1-of-1/">click here</a>

Fascinating and very plausible theory for the foundational symbolism in Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. Many different "odd" elements in the Chronicles made sense to me after reading this book. Ward seems to truly understand Lewis's writings and thoughts.

OK, I am reading this now and it makes me feel like I have "met" C.S. Lewis for the very first time...again. It is like eating a wonderful meal -- some chewing required but every bite fills you with a "wow" factor. I STRONGLY recommend this book.

if you are looking for a different, unique view of the connections of the Narnia series by CS Lewis,...this is the book. THe author is a great speaker, the parallels he pulls out are a fresh look at trying to piece together the pieces of Narnia. Definitly a read for tru CS Lewis fans!

Despite its awful title, this book really is remarkable. It is a beautiful read; the poetry and imagery that so moved Lewis fills the pages of this convincing and exciting book! I hope that this book marks a turnabout and that Lewis starts to gain more scholarly attention because, as Ward shows time and again, the depth of Lewis' thought and his creative vision is unparalleled.