You've Got (Narnia) Mail!
Door Jam: May 19, 2025
The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in articles about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, news from other franchises, and interesting articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not endorsing (or criticizing) any of these but merely sharing them with you.
The Royal Mail announced special edition stamps to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published on October 16, 1950 (or 16 October 1950, if you’re British). This fall marks the 75th anniversary for the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia. To celebrate the occasion, the Royal Mail in the U.K. has released special commemorative stamps.
The main set of eight stamps features commissioned illustrations by British illustrator Keith Robinson of two scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as one scene from each of the other six Narnia books. It’s also worth noting that the stamps are in publication order (aka the correct first reading order).
Another set of four miniature stamps featuring original illustrations by Pauline Baynes.
“These delightful stamps capture the timeless magic of Narnia and honor the enduring legacy of the books,” said Royal Mail director of external affairs and policy David Gold.
“The Chronicles of Narnia remain a perennial favorite of children around the world, so it is fitting that we celebrate the stories with a new set of stamps featuring newly-commissioned artwork alongside artwork that will bring back fond memories for many who grew up with these great books.”
You can pre-order stamps, postcards, framed artwork, and more from the Royal Mail.
In preparation for the 75th anniversary celebration, check out our read-along for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and why publication order is the correct initial reading order for The Chronicles of Narnia.
Each of these articles has been unlocked for all subscribers.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
“… you do not fail in obedience through lack of love, but have lost love because you never attempted obedience.”
Tumnus’ bookshelf
More books by or about Lewis or Tolkien
English Literature in the Sixteenth Century Excluding Drama (ebook) — C.S. Lewis ($3.99 -83%)
That Hideous Strength (paperback) — C.S. Lewis ($9.99 -44%)
The Reading Life: The Joy of Seeing New Worlds Through Others’ Eyes (hardback) — C.S. Lewis ($11.43 -43%)
Present Concerns: Journalistic Essays (paperback) — C.S. Lewis ($9.41 -28%)
Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth (paperback) — J.R.R. Tolkien ($7.26 -60%)
The Histories of Middle Earth, Volumes 1-5 (paperback) — J.R.R. Tolkien ($28.61 -43%)
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918 (paperback) — Joseph Loconte ($10.99 -43%)
Behind the Wardrobe
Sneak peek at the bonus articles
Below, paid subscribers can read about the latest on Narnia’s theatrical window, Lewis and Catholicism, art that probes the darkness, Tolkien and sub-creation, Tolkien’s feminine heroines, Lord of the Rings morality, interviews with the Rings of Power cast, news on spin-offs for The Office and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a new hero confirmed for Daredevil season 2, a teaser for an upcoming Spider-Man TV show on Amazon Prime, and more.
