Pauline Baynes

The well-known and well-loved books that make up C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia" have long held a prominent place on many a child's (and adult's) bookshelf. Since their publication in the 195Os, the books' depiction of the fantasy land of Narnia has inspired the wonder, delight, and imaginations of children around the world. More than just fairy tales, the stories show readers that all is not as it seems, that perseverance can bring forth great rewards, and that growth is a continual and unpredictable process. Most important, arguably, is the ongoing struggle between good and evil depicted in the "Chronicles.". These themes are displayed amid the experiences of several children, particularly Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter Pevensie. Beginning with the first book of the series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950), we follow the children as they magically enter the kingdom of Narnia for the first of many adventures there, including their meeting the memorable lion, Aslan. In the sequel, Prince Caspian, they help the prince and his army of Talking Beasts conquer the usurping Telemarines; the following novel, The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader," continues Caspian's story by recounting his voyage to the End of the World. The fourth book, The Silver Chair, returns to the theme of an evil witch, first explored in The Lion, while The Horse and His Boy details Narnia's near-invasion by the Calormenes. The Magician's Nephew accounts for the creation of Narnia, and the seventh tale, The Last Battle (1956), tells of Narnia's final days. Colin Manlove has carefully studied the tales and shows that they are patterned narratives with many complex, intertwined threads. He relates these narratives to Lewis's views on stories, and also sets Lewis's books in their literary context, both juvenile and adult. After a discussion of the critical receptions of the tales, Manlove supplies a full chapter on each book for in-depth analysis. Questions that may occur fleetingly to the casual reader, such as the matter of possible Christian imagery (most notably in Aslan's sacrificial death and resurrection), are examined fully to give the reader a wider scope of reference. Ultimately, Manlove contends that these stories mirror Lewis's view of the universe as both mysterious and complex.

"Stories, poems and an essay by the author of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings"--Cover

A colletion of favorite rhymes found in folk literature and lesser known rhymes passed down in regional or family traditions.

A collection of questions and answers based on the seven books in Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" series.

Prehistoric cave dwellers take in a wild canine and turn him into the world's first tame dog.

A retelling of the Old Testament story of Noah's building an ark to hold his family and two of every animal during a flood God sent to destroy the world.

Bestiaries are the most gloriously entertaining books to have come from the Middle Ages. Written and illuminated by monks, they describe every creature thought to exist in the medieval world and include all manner of fish, fowl, and mythological beast, however far-fetched. Pauline Baynes, whose illustrations of Narnia and Middle-earth are known to millions, has revived 20 medieval and mischievous beasts, basing her tongue-in-cheek descriptions on various English bestiaries. Her delightful recreations of these fabulous creatures -- from phoenix to manticore, from bonnacon to yale -- hop, swoop, and gallop through the pages in antique splendor, and will charm today's readers as readily as they astounded audiences centuries ago. - Jacket flap.

Apocryphal insertions to the Book of Daniel, in which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who have been cast into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar, call upon the angels, all things in nature, and people to praise the Lord.

Contains two tales by fantasy author J.R.R Tolkien, including "Smith of Wootton Major," the story of a child who is gifted with a life of privilege after swallowing a magic star; and "Farmer Giles of Ham," about a man who becomes an unwitting hero after accidently shooting a giant.

Retells the Bible story in which Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, finds favor with the Pharaoh of Egypt, and is reunited with his family.

Contains: 1. The Magician's Nephew 2. [The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe]( 3. The Horse and His Boy

A rhyming story about a grand party in the forest, given by the elephant and attended by all the animals.