Another Narnia Book Turns 70
Door Jam: September 14, 2024
The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in relevant articles written about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, and other potentially interesting news, information, and articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not necessarily endorsing (or criticizing) any of these, but merely sharing them with you.
This week, the top story is the 70th anniversary of The Horse and His Boy. There are also stories on a new graphic novel about the friendship between Lewis and Tolkien, the Lewis book that stays on a prominent theologian’s nightstand, a fascinating interview with a writer called this generation’s Tolkien and Lewis, more news on Middle-earth adaptations, Oscar Issac starring as Jesus in an animated movie, and more.
Top story
Five Narnia books are now at least 70 years old. The Horse and His Boy recently reached its seventh decade in publication. First published in England in September 1954, the book is unique among The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s the only one that doesn’t feature anyone coming or going from our world into Narnia. It doesn’t spend any time in Narnia, or even much time with Narnians.
While I love every Narnia book and could never choose my favorite, I always say The Horse and His Boy is the one from the series that makes me cry every time I read it. Last year, on C.S. Lewis Reading Day, I shared the specific passage from the book that brings tears to my eyes.
I’ve unlocked this archive, so you can enjoy it and maybe cry, too.
The C.S. Lewis Passage That Always Makes Me Cry
On what would have been C.S. Lewis’ 125th birthday, several C.S. Lewis-related podcasts and websites have established a C.S. Lewis Reading Day. The idea is to read Lewis today and share favorite quotes on social media using #CSLewisReadingDay.
Since I’m concentrating on The Rings of Power reviews and the C.S. Lewis read-along in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader right now, I thought I’d include some of the sections I normally feature in the weekly column.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
I do not think the forest would be so bright, nor the water so warm, nor love so sweet, if there were no danger in the lakes.
Tumnus’ bookshelf
A book by or about C.S. Lewis
The most overlooked area of Lewis’ writing is his essays. They are brilliant and contain so much of what makes him a transformational thinker. Present Concerns is one of the better collections.
The Lamp Post
Recent articles from me in other places
Southern Baptist Pastor Pay Rebounds — Lifeway Research
Small Groups Remain Key Aspect of Churches Discipleship Ministry — Lifeway Research
“Halls of Stone” Reveals Power’s Corruptive Cost — Jokin With Tolkien
More Behind The Wardrobe Door
Recent pieces
From the archives
