The Narnia Code : C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens

Millions of readers have been captivated by C. S. Lewis’s famed Chronicles of Narnia, but why? What is it about these seven books that makes them so appealing? For more than half a century, scholars have attempted to find the organizing key—the “secret code”—to the beloved series, but it has remained a mystery. Until now. In__The Narnia Code__, Michael Ward takes the reader through each of the seven Narnia books and reveals how each story embodies and expresses the characteristics of one of the seven planets of medieval cosmology—Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus and Saturn—planets which Lewis described as “spiritual symbols of permanent value.” How does medieval cosmology relate to the Christian underpinnings of the series? How did it impact Lewis’s depiction of Aslan, the Christlike character at the heart of the books? And why did Lewis keep this planetary inspiration a secret? Originally a ground-breaking scholarly work called__Planet Narnia__, this more accessible adaptation will answer all the questions. Millions of readers have been captivated by C. S. Lewis’s famed Chronicles of Narnia, but why? What is it about these seven books that makes them so appealing? For more than half a century, scholars have attempted to find the organizing key—the “secret code”—to the beloved series, but it has remained a mystery. Until now. In The Narnia Code , Michael Ward takes the reader through each of the seven Narnia books and reveals how each story embodies and expresses the characteristics of one of the seven planets of medieval cosmology—Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus and Saturn—planets which Lewis described as “spiritual symbols of permanent value.” How does medieval cosmology relate to the Christian underpinnings of the series? How did it impact Lewis’s depiction of Aslan, the Christlike character at the heart of the books? And why did Lewis keep this planetary inspiration a secret? Originally a ground-breaking scholarly work called Planet Narnia , this more accessible adaptation will answer all the questions. Many Have Wondered About The Chronicles Of Narnia, Unable To Answer Questions That Arise From Their Reading: Why Are There Seven Books? Why Are Only Three Of Them Obviously Biblical Allegories? Does The Series Lack Coherence? Many Have Attempted To Find The Organising Key, But Failed. However, In The Narnia Code Michael Ward Presents An Astonishing Literary Discovery. Drawing On The Whole Range Of Lewis' Writing, Ward Reveals The Single Subject That Provides The Link Between All Seven Novels In The Chronicles Of Narnia. He Explains How Lewis Structured The Series, Why He Kept The Code Secret, And What It Shows About His Understanding Of The Universe And His Christian Faith.--publisher's Description. Michael Ward. Rev. Ed. Of: Planet Narnia. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "Many have wondered about the Chronicles of Narnia, unable to answer questions that arise from their reading: Why are there seven books? Why are only three of them obviously biblical allegories? Does the series lack coherence? Many have attempted to find the organizing key, but failed. However, in The Narnia Code Michael Ward presents an astonishing literary discovery. Drawing on the whole range of Lewis' writing, Ward reveals the single subject that provides the link between all seven novels in the Chronicles of Narnia. He explains how Lewis structured the series, why he kept the code secret, and what it shows about his understanding of the universe and his Christian faith."--Publisher's description