Skip to content

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Hardcover - 1983

by C. S. Lewis


About this book

First published in 1950 by Geoffrey Bles in the UK, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is the first published and best known of the C.S. Lewis' popular Narnia series.

The American edition was published later in 1950 by Macmillan. Due to labor union laws the type had to be reset so Lewis took the opportunity to make a few changes to the American edition: Edmund and Susan are interested in snakes and foxes instead of foxes and rabbits in chapter 1, the White Witch's chief of police is Fenris Ulf instead of Maugrim in Chapter 6, and the “fire-stones of the Secret Hill” is “the trunk of the World Ash Tree” in chapter 13 of the American Edition. MacMillan first edition, first printing states “First Printing”.

In 1994 when HarperCollins took over publication they reverted to the original British printing.

The original edition was illustrated by Pauline Baynes, and the British edition had 43 illustrations, while the American lesser. Subsequent American editions had significantly fewer; the most popular edition which was published between 1970 and 1994 by HarperCollins had only 17 severely cropped illustrations.

The story came together from a few pieces of inspiration. From the age of 16 onwards Lewis had in his mind an image “a Faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood.” Then in 1939, shortly before WWII, three school girls, Margaret, Mary and Katherine, were evacuated to Lewis' country home to escape the bombing in London, inspiring the characters of Susan, Peter, and Edmund, who go to live with the old professor. He began writing the story that year, and finished in 1949, multiple personal dreams about lions bringing the story together through the character of Aslan. Through his mixture of mythology and talking animals Lewis created the magical world of Narnia that appears to the children as they step through the wardrobe.

While writing the first novel Lewis was in a writing group called the Inklings with J.R.R. Tolkien who was working on The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien and Lewis were both professors at Oxford during the 1920s, and Lewis, who was an atheist at the time, was heavily influenced by Tolkien, who was Roman Catholic, so much so he eventually not only converted to Christianity but became known for his devout faith and Apologetic writing – using logic to defend his faith - in such works as Mere Christianity, and The Screwtape Letters. Tolkien was rumored to not have approved of Lewis' Narnia series, reportedly 'horrified' that he mixed so many difference mythologies together and that his world was not a cohesive and consistent imaginary world.

Tolkien wasn't alone in his disapproval of Lewis' works. Lewis' publisher, Geoffrey Bles, was concerned the Narnia novels wouldn't sell, and that they would damage Lewis' reputation. Others felt that the stories with their Christian themes were trying to indoctrinate children, and were too fantastical for older children. Today The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is one of the most popular children's books in print, and is included in many top 100 book lists.


The Narnia Series is comprised of seven books: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle. Chronologically The Magician's Nephew is the first book in the series, although The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe was written first. The series wasn't in chronological order until 1956 when a young reader named Laurence suggested it be read that way.  
-

From the publisher

The classic story of Narnia, the fantastic land that lies beyond an ordinary wardrobe door.

On the other side of that wardrobe door lies a world full of magic. A world frozen in the perpetual winter of the White Witch's enchantment. A world where Christmas never comes. Would you have the courage to stand shoulder to shoulder with Aslan, the Great Lion, and fight the Witch to free the land of Narnia? Are you brave enough to share the adventures that change the lives of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy forever.

This timeless novel provides many wonderful passages for the study of narrative, as well as complex characters and motivations ideal for class discussion.

First Edition Identification

First published in 1950 by Geoffrey Bles in the UK, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The original edition was illustrated by Pauline Baynes, and the British edition had 43 illustrations. The first edition will have "First Published 1950" on the copyright page. Publisher's original blue cloth. 

The American edition was published later in 1950 by Macmillan, and has "First Printing' on the copyright page.The American edition was published later in 1950 by Macmillan. Due to labor union laws the type had to be reset so Lewis took the opportunity to make a few changes to the American edition: Edmund and Susan are interested in snakes and foxes instead of foxes and rabbits in chapter 1, the White Witch's chief of police is Fenris Ulf instead of Maugrim in Chapter 6, and the “fire-stones of the Secret Hill” is “the trunk of the World Ash Tree” in chapter 13 of the American Edition. MacMillan first edition, first printing states “First Printing”.

Details

  • Title The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
  • Author C. S. Lewis
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition New edition
  • Pages 173
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Collins Educational
  • Date 1983-03
  • ISBN 9780003300093 / 0003300099
  • Weight 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.6 in (18.80 x 12.95 x 1.52 cm)
  • Ages 09 to 12 years
  • Grade levels 4 - 7
  • Reading level 940
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Collins Readers)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Collins Readers)

by Lewis, C.S.

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Spokane, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$15.07
NZ$6.74 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Condition: GOOD - Used with some wear from use. May include stickers on cover, missing or wear to dustcover, inside cover, spine, slight curled corners, stains, and wear to the fore edge. All orders ship via UPS Mail Innovations - can take up to 14 business days from first scan to be delivered.
Item Price
NZ$15.07
NZ$6.74 shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C. S. Lewis

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$19.17
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
HarperCollins Publishers Limited, 1983. Hardcover. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
NZ$19.17
FREE shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Inspire you students with this well-loved classic (Collins...

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Inspire you students with this well-loved classic (Collins Readers)

by Lewis, C. S.

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
1
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$24.58
NZ$18.26 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback. Good.
Item Price
NZ$24.58
NZ$18.26 shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Inspire you students with this well-loved classic (Collins...

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Inspire you students with this well-loved classic (Collins Readers)

by Lewis, C. S.

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
4
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$24.58
NZ$18.26 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback. Very Good.
Item Price
NZ$24.58
NZ$18.26 shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Inspire you students with this well-loved classic (Collins...

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Inspire you students with this well-loved classic (Collins Readers)

by Lewis, C. S.

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
3
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$24.58
NZ$18.26 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback. Acceptable.
Item Price
NZ$24.58
NZ$18.26 shipping to USA
Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

by Lewis, C. S.

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$27.25
NZ$21.30 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Harpercollins Publishers, 1983. Hardcover. New. new ed edition. 173 pages. 7.40x4.90x0.60 inches.
Item Price
NZ$27.25
NZ$21.30 shipping to USA
Collins Readers - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Collins Readers - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C. S. Lewis

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
10
Seller
Southport, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$29.89
NZ$21.20 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Hardback. New. The classic story of Narnia, the fantastic land that lies beyond an ordinary wardrobe door.
Item Price
NZ$29.89
NZ$21.20 shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C. S. Lewis

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
12
Seller
Uxbridge, Greater London, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$33.38
NZ$17.02 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Hardback. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; The classic story of Narnia, the fantastic land that lies beyond an ordinary wardrobe door.
Item Price
NZ$33.38
NZ$17.02 shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Collins Readers)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Collins Readers)

by Lewis, C.S

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used:Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$64.78
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
HarperCollins UK, 1983-03-01. Hardcover. Used:Good.
Item Price
NZ$64.78
FREE shipping to USA
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Collins Readers)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Collins Readers)

by Lewis, C.S

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780003300093
ISBN 10
0003300099
Quantity Available
1
Seller
San Diego, California, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$112.59
NZ$9.21 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Collins Educational, 1983-03-01. Hardcover. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
Item Price
NZ$112.59
NZ$9.21 shipping to USA