74 Enchanted Years of C.S. Lewis’ Beloved Novel

This year we celebrate the 74th anniversary of one of the most beloved children’s fantasy novels of all time. C.S. Lewis completed the very first book of his famed Chronicles of Narnia series in 1949. On October 16, 1950, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe made its debut publication and first edition from Geoffrey Bles in the United Kingdom.

After almost 75 years, it is still considered one of C.S. Lewis’ most famous works and a treasured children’s novel all over the world. The legacy of this book (and entire series) cannot be overstated – and even now, we honor its 74th birthday.

Journey to Narnia

To flee the destruction and danger of World War II, The Pevensie siblings are sent to the English countryside. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are taken in by a professor and are allowed to explore the sprawling space of their new home.

While playing, Lucy steps into a large, antique wardrobe full of coats and finds herself transported to the world of Narnia. She meets a kind faun, Mr. Tumnus, who is meant to kidnap her and take her to the ruler of the lands, the White Queen. He lets her go and Lucy heads back through the wardrobe, sharing the story with her skeptical siblings.

During a game of hide and seek, all four children eventually find themselves stepping through the wardrobe and seeing for themselves.

The children learn of a savior and rightful ruler of the kingdom, Aslan, who is soon returning. They work together to battle evil in Narnia and restore Aslan as its leader.

The History Behind the Chronicles

C.S. Lewis first set out to create a children’s tale, but had no intentions of creating this layered universe we now have in Narnia.

In an article from Into the Wardrobe, it is believed that he took inspiration from the many displaced children he took in during the World War II air raids of London and sought to offer them a place of escape in the stories. It was an easy decision to create a fantastical world for the children.

Lewis, who was a moralistic Christian, drew inspiration from Biblical stories and often sought to weave in moral lessons and religious allegories into his work.

He did not seek out to retell biblical stories, but to create standalone stories that could entertain readers and allow them to seek their own religious interests, if they’re inspired.

A Lifelong Legacy

While only originally intended to entertain the children of his time, Lewis’ legacy, built into the pages of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, lives on. Since its publication and the subsequent sequels, the series has been enjoyed for almost a century now. It is a beloved novel, often given on holidays. It has even been adapted several times into films and TV shows. Generations of readers have explored the world of Narnia and the legend of the Pevensie family is still shared today.

How to Celebrate

With the 74th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe celebrated on October 16th, fall is a wonderful time to honor this famed novel. You can revisit this classic, either alone or with loved ones. Gifting this book to young readers helps to carry on its legacy to a new generation. Read selections from the novel (or the whole thing!) and then sit down to enjoy the movie or TV adaptations together. You can even enjoy some famous treats from the novel, like Turkish Delights!

Another choice is to honor C.S. Lewis himself – you can enjoy one of his many other works or just choose your favorite reader in honor of Lewis’ lifelong commitment to storytelling and literature.

Other Works by Lewis

C.S. Lewis spent over 30 years working as a tutor at Oxford, alongside other great writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, of the Lord of the Rings series. During that time, he wrote several novels, religious letters and short stories that remain popular today. If you’ve read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or you’re looking for more ways to enjoy Lewis’ work, you’ve got plenty to choose from.