Aslan is the hero the best children's series ever written, The Chronicles of Narnia. (And they're not just for kids; adults love them too!) This site is devoted to providing an annotated bibliography of the writings of C.S. Lewis, whose fertile imagination was the soil of Narnia. I imagine that if Aslan had a library of his own, the shelves would be filled with the writings of Lewis.
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Mr. Tumnus the Faun befriends Lucy, the "Daughter of Eve" who stumbled through the wardrobe into the enchanted land of Narnia. When she visits his home, the author tells us: "Lucy thought she had never been in a nicer place. It was a little, dry, clean cave of reddish stone with a carpet on the floor and two little chairs ('one for me and one for a friend,' said Mr. Tumnus) and a table and a dresser and a mantel piece over the fire and above that a picture of an old Faun with a grey beard. In one corner there was a door which Lucy thought must lead to Mr. Tumnus' bedroom, and on one wall was a shelf full of books. Lucy looked at these while he was setting out the tea things. They had titles like The Life and Letters of Silenus or Nymphs and Their Ways or Men, Monks and Gamekeepers; a Study in Popular Legend or Is Man a Myth?
Mr. Tumnus gathered together writings that addressed both important and fanciful issues he was pondering. In the same way, we too can fill our shelves with worthwhile literature. There is no better place to begin (or continue) building an exceptional library than with the works of C.S. Lewis. The creator of Narnia wrote many different types of literature, and produced works suited for every mood. Lewis' writings range from serious to fantastic, and nearly all of them remain in print today. While many of his books will be of particular interest to people who are interested in the subject of faith, they all have something to say, regardless of the reader's worldview.
The descriptions below will help you decide where you might like to begin what promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. If you would like to learn more about the general life and work of C.S. Lewis, I strongly recommend C.S. Lewis Chronicles. The books are presented in reverse chronological order, beginning with Lewis' latest writings. Included are only his books, not his numerous articles and prolific correspondence, except for those collected in a unique volume. Most of these books are still in print and readily available. While all of the works are well worth reading, those which Aslan recommends most highly receive his special endorsement. Eventually individuals will want to read virtually all of Lewis' books, but the highlighted books are those especially recommended to new readers not yet acquainted with the joys which await them.
Aslan's |
Endorsement Title |
Description of the book's content Literary Type |
Publication Date
| Collected Poems of C.S. Lewis |
Gathers together Lewis' previously published poetry along with seventeen previously unpublished poems. Poetry |
1994
| All My Road Before Me |
Lewis' diary entries over the period 1922-27, edited by Walter Hooper. Diary |
1991
| Christian Reunion |
A dozen essays, including "Dangers of National Repentance" and "Two Ways with the Self." Essays |
1990
| Timeless at Heart |
Nine essays, including "Why I Am Not a Pacifist" and "The Pains of Animals." Essays |
1987
| Present Concerns |
Nineteen essays including "The Necessity of Chivalry" and "The Empty Universe." Essays |
1986
| Letters to Children |
A collection of Lewis' correspondence with children, who continue to be inspired by his Chronicles of Narnia.  Correspondence |
1985
| Latin Letters of C.S. Lewis |
A collection of Lewis' correspondence with Don Giovanni Calabria of Verona and his congregation, 1947-1961. Correspondence |
1985
| Boxen: Imaginary World of C.S. Lewis |
The earliest writings of Lewis, dealing with a make-believe world created while growing up in Ireland. Juvenilia |
1985
| First & Second Things |
Seventeen essays on theology and ethics including "On the Reading of Old Books" and "Horrid Red Things." Essays |
1985
| The Joyful Christian |
One hundred and twenty-seven selections gleaned from a wide variety of Lewis' writings. Excerpts |
1984 |
 The Business of Heaven |
Daily readings selected from Lewis' writings to encourage and teach throughout the entire year. Excerpts |
1984 |
On Stories |
A collection of essays on literature, including "On Science Fiction" and "Tolkien's Lord of the Rings." Published in the U.K. as Of This & Other Worlds. Essays |
1982 |
A Mind Awake |
An uplifting anthology of Lewis' writings edited by Clyde Kilby.. Excerpts |
1980
| They Stand Together |
Lewis' letters written between 1914 and 1963 to his lifelong friend Arthur Greeves. Correspondence |
1979 God in the Dock |
A treasure trove of forty-eight essays related to various theological and ethical subjects such as "Xmas and Christmas." Essays |
1979
| The Dark Tower & Other Stories |
Four stories and two novel fragments. (Lewis' authorship of these works discovered after his death has been challenged.) Fiction |
1977
| Fern-Seed and Elephants |
Includes eight essays related to Christianity including "The World's Last Night." Essays |
1975
| Narrative Poems |
Includes "Dymer," "Launcelot," "The Nameless Isle" and "The Queen of Drum.". Poetry |
1969
| Selected Literary Essays |
Twenty-two literary essays including "The Vision of John Bunyan," "Kipling's World" and Four-Letter Words." Essays |
1969
| A Mind Awake |
An anthology of C.S. Lewis edited by Clyde Kilby, founder of the famous Wade Center at Wheaton College.. Excerpts |
1968
| Letters to an American Lady |
Lewis regarded answering correspondence from fans and inquirers as an important part of his Christian duty.. Correspondence |
1967
| Christian Reflections |
Fourteen essays including "Christianity and Literature," "Historicism" and "On Church Music.". Essays |
1967
| Of Other Worlds |
Essays and several short stories, all of which are also included in Of This and Other Worlds, including "On Three Ways of Writing for Children.". Essays |
1966
| Studies in Medieval & Renaissance Literature |
Insightful articles including "Imagination and Thought in the Middle Ages" and "The Genesis of a Medieval Book." Literary |
1966 Letters of C.S. Lewis |
This collection was edited by Lewis' brother Warnie Lewis, and includes his personal memoir. Correspondence |
1966
| Screwtape Proposes a Toast |
Includes eight pieces including, in addition to the title work, "Is Theology Poetry?" and "On Obstinacy in Belief." Essays |
1965
| The Discarded Image |
This "Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature" provides a fine exposition of the Medieval worldview. Literary |
1964
| Poems |
All of the poems in this volume are included in Collected Poems. Poetry |
1964 Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer |
This fictitious correspondence provides an insightful exploration of prayer. Inspirational |
1964
| They Asked for a Paper |
Twelve papers including "The Literary Impact of the Authorized Version" and "The Inner Ring." Addresses |
1962
| An Experiment in Criticism |
Lewis' approach to distinguishing between the various varieties of pleasure created by works of art, including literature. Literary |
1961 A Grief Observed |
Originally published under a pseudonym, this book deals with the intense grief arising from the loss of a loved one. Autobiographical |
1961
| The World's Last Night |
Collection of essays including "Good Work and Good Works" and "Religion and Rocketry." Essays |
1960
| Studies in Words |
Examinations of concepts such as "nature," "sad," "wit," "conscience" and "sense." Literary |
1960 The Four Loves |
A classic study of the distinctly different loves, employing the Greek divisions such as eros and agape. This material is also available in an audio version! Literary |
1960
| Reflections on the Psalms |
Issues and insights raised during Lewis' use of the Psalms as a devotional tool. Literary |
1958
| Till We Have Faces |
The Cupid and Psyche "myth retold," suggesting we must gain a face or soul before we can look into the face of God. Literary |
1956 The Chronicles of Narnia |
Not originally published as a complete series, this is the preferred method today of obtaining the seven volumes. These precious gems delight children and adults alike. Children |
1950-56
| The Last Battle |
Final volume in the Chronicles of Narnia, it marks Narnia's "Armageddon" and the entrance into glory for the faithful.. Children |
1956 Surprised by Joy |
The subtitle, "the shape of my early life," describes the contents, highlighted by Lewis' conversion experience which has inspired countless others. Autobiographical |
1955
| The Magician's Nephew |
Sixth volume in the Chronicles, this book describes the spectacular creation of Narnia. Children |
1955
| English Literature in the Sixteenth Century Excluding Drama |
Lewis' landmark contribution to The Oxford History of English Literature. Reprinted in 1990 as Poetry & Prose in the Sixteenth Century. Literary |
1954
| The Horse and His Boy |
Fifth volume in the Chronicles, this book expands our knowledge of the Narnian world, with a tale set primarily in two neighboring kingdoms. Children |
1954
| The Silver Chair |
Fourth volume in the Chronicles, this book details the rescue of the crowned prince of Narnia. Children |
1953
| The Voyage of the 'Dawn Treader' |
Third volume in the Chronicles, this book introduces the heroic character Reepicheep, whose name perfectly fits this valiant Mouse. Children |
1952 Mere Christianity |
Perhaps no single book has more greatly influenced women and men searching for a credible exposition of Christian faith in our century. Theology |
1952
| Prince Caspian |
Second volume in the Chronicles, this book explains how the four young heroes of the first volume must deliver Narnia from foreign oppression. Children |
1951
| The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe |
The beginning of the Chronicles of Narnia, which would thrill countless readers around the globe for decade after decade. Children |
195 The Weight of Glory |
A meditation on the coming glories of heaven and several additional addresses. Addresses |
1949
| Arthurian Torso |
Lewis' commentary on the Arthurian poems penned by his good friend, the gifted writer Charles Williams. Literary |
1948
| Miracles |
This study of an integral dimension of spiritual reality is ably discussed by Lewis, whose commitment to reason and revelation are a model for intelligent Christianity. Theology |
1947 The Great Divorce |
This book answers an ageold question. It provides a creative and insightful answer to why some souls choose hell over heaven, despite the boundless mercy of God. Fantasy |
1946 Space Trilogy |
The entire three volume series, also known as the Cosmic Trilogy, which is currently available in a boxed set. Science Fiction |
1945
| That Hideous Strength |
Conclusion to the Cosmic Trilogy, with our protagonist returned to Earth. Lewis called it "a modern fairy tale for grown-ups." Science Fiction |
1945
| Beyond Personality |
Subtitled "the Christian Idea of God," the book derived from a series of talks. Theology |
1944 The Abolition of Man |
Lewis' critique of higher education, based upon the concept of Moral Law innately known by all people. Academic |
1943
| Perelandra |
Second volume in the Cosmic Trilogy which describes a newly created, sin-free world... on the verge of temptation. Science Fiction |
1943
| Broadcast Talks |
Inspiring talks delivered over BBC by Lewis during the darkest days of World War Two, during 1941 and 1942. Addresses |
1942
| Christian Behavior |
Eight addresses originally delivered by Lewis over BBC with four additional chapters, including "Christian Marriage." Addresses |
1943
| A Preface to 'Paradise Lost' |
A series of lectures delivered by Lewis on the important work referenced in the title. Addresses |
1942 The Screwtape Letters |
Lewis' innovative, and often imitated, approach to fictional correspondence. His letters from a senior devil to a junior tempter provide great insight into the life of faith. Science Fiction |
1942
| The Problem of Pain |
In this volume Lewis addresses one of the most pressing and troublesome issues in the Christian understanding of the world. Theology |
1940
| The Personal Heresy |
Lewis contributed half of the six essays in this volume which considers how much of the author's personality should enter into their poetry. Literary |
1939
| Rehabilitations |
Ten essays, including "A Semantic Nightmare," High and Low Brows" and "Christianity and Literature." Essays |
1939
| Out of the Silent Planet |
The first volume in Lewis' Cosmic Trilogy, the protagonist Ransom is taken to Mars where he faces a climactic trial. Science Fiction |
1938 The Pilgrim's Regress |
In this delightful allegory, in which Lewis explores the roles of Reason and Romaniticism as they relate to the search for faith. Allegory |
1933
| Dymer |
A lengthy narrative poem, with mythological overtones, written by Lewis prior to his conversion to Christianity. Poetry |
1926
| Spirits in Bondage |
Lewis' first book which included poetry written over a number of years, including the time he served in the World War One trenches of France. Poetry |
1919 C.S. Lewis: Companion & Guide |
Although not written by Lewis, this book (by Walter Hooper) is an indispensable resource for all students of Lewis. Aslan strongly recommends it! Reference |
1996
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