This page is for your general comments about Planet Narnia and things associated with it. Please add your view below. To see a list of other reviews and responses, please click here.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Ward
This page is for your general comments about Planet Narnia and things associated with it. Please add your view below. To see a list of other reviews and responses, please click here.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Ward
When I was a child, the Chronicles of Narnia were what would be best described as a sort of literary religion to me—they gave me an imaginative language that founded how I think.
Early in my adult years, I read Lewis’s Ransom Trilogy (about the same time I was reading Dante), and not long afterward I read his Discarded Image. Medieval cosmology has in many ways come to fill the place in my adult life that Narnia held in my childhood—it is a set of symbols, a hierarchy, that gives structure to my imaginative life.
One can easily guess, then, the joy and wonder with which I greeted the idea that the Narniad might be (indeed, is, if Dr. Ward is correct) informed by and imbued with the power of that very cosmology. It is as though a sort of gap between my childhood and adulthood has been (or is going to be) healed. Better, it is like the harmonizing of two heretofore separate elements in my life, not unlike the very harmonizing of pagan and Christian elements that Lewis loved and of which he wrote in various places.
I have to think that there are many, like me, who had their imaginations baptized by Lewis, who, under his influence, went on to read and love those works he loved. Such, no doubt, have also become enamored of the music of the spheres, as I have. I must think, then, that Dr. Ward’s book will be, for many who have had Lewis as master, a reconciling that reminds us all once again of Lewis’s genius and his unique ability to inspire in his readers that joy that points to a greater realm, further up and further in.
Greetings Michael,
After the Wycliffe Summer School of 2006, and as soon as ‘Amazon’ was listing the book, the order has been waiting to be fulfilled.
After listening quite a number of times to your lectures on ‘Planet Narnia’ from the School, I am impatient for the real thing! I am certain that many of us present on those summer days are waiting rather more impatiently than is usual for a publication date!
If you have such a thing as a mailing list for lectures, etc., please add me to it.
Blessings,
Roger Rowe
Wycliffe 95-98
Ottery Saint Mary, Devon
Bravo, Michael! So glad to see how the work has progressed. We’ll keep you in our prayers.
Just yesterday I summarized your planet interpretation of the Narnia Chronicles to my introductory Inklings class, and applied your reading to the Ransom Trilogy to my advanced Inklings class. They loved it! And how thrilled they were when I pulled the punchline; that they get to come and hear you speak in February. I love keeping this literature alive for each succeeding generation. Not that CSL really needs our help, but I love that you have found another lens through which we can gaze at these works and delight in their ingenuity and applicability. Was that a mixed metaphor??
Professor Ward, it’s been a while since I took that three-credit seminar at Oxford in the summer of 2006, but the book was worth the wait! It’s wonderful to see this sort of deep reading applied to Narnia, and I’m sure that Professor Lewis would approve. Congratulations!
I’ll echo the comments above regarding the quality of scholarship related to mythopoeic lit. There’s really so much more that can be done with these sorts of books if only scholars would take the time to read them, as you have done. Your seminar was probably one of the main reasons I decided to write my MA thesis on The Hobbit.
One of the things that amazes me most, though, is how much appreciation I’ve gained for the non-critical approach in reading. Readers have always found (and will hopefully continue to find) a refreshing taste of the Narnian air every time they dig into one of the Chronicles, no matter what their critical or theoretical aspirations and even if they don’t recognize it as such. So much the better, then, for those of us willing to take a deep breath and sing out!
All the best on your future endeavors, and don’t hesitate to come up for a lecture or two in Canada sometime. It’s cold here, but that’s why they call it “God’s Country”!
I’m reading Planet Narnia with much enjoyment. One of the things that makes Lewis’s writing so valuable for our time is that his imagination is the opposite of the reductionistic imagination of our time, which resolves everything into the material and the utilitarian. His work nourishes our imaginations and helps to free them from such deathliness.
Prof. Ward,
Thanks so much for visiting Tenth Pres. on Feb. 3. I was very intrigued by the topic since I share both a love of the Chronicles and of astronomy. As a very amateur astronomer, I have a blog of my attempt at viewing (and sometimes photographing) the cosmos (http://www.blog.roycosta.net). My friends and I very much enjoyed your presentation — it was refreshing reminder of the awe-struck way in which our predecessors viewed the cosmos (and how it related to life on earth) — not so much trying to analyze it particle by particle. Best wishes for your future endeavors.
Regards,
Roy
P.S. I meant to add that I was the fellow giving you a hard time (in jest!) about “ruining” the “secret” of the Chronicles. Also, I’d be very honored if you signed my guestbook on my blog!
Best regards,
Roy
Narnia has always felt like home, true home to me. And now I understand a little better why.
Love how you have shown an underlying unity behind different facets of Lewis’s work — how his scholarly studies informed his imagination, and how his imagination enlivened his scholarly studies. This is how both imaginative work and scholarly work should be done — by a feeling intellect made sensitive by … hmm, the seven virtues, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit . . .
I’m wondering how the movie of “Prince Caspian” will handle the opening – with its astrological emphasis.
Dear Prof. Ward,
This morning I read your article “Narnia’s Secret” in Touchstone magazine and now will read your book. Lewis’s Aslan and Narnia tales have been for me so foundational to my understanding of Christ and the gospel from a very early age. My parents bought me a hardbound set when I was eight years old. My young imagination was “obliviously obviated,” as you so-well put, by his wise, firm and kindhearted pen. Your article reminded me what a gift I was given and prompted me to ask Jesus in my morning prayers to give my gratitude to brother Jack for planting seeds that have helped to carry my faith through the years. I’m sure I am not alone.
Your ideas and observations seem to make cohesive sense of many of the seemingly random pieces of Lewis’s Narnia stories. Though their apparent randomness never bothered me, probably because I was too young and unread to recognize such, my heart was drawn to the purposeful and playful atmosphere of the tales. Somehow I knew there were no mistakes on his part and fell happily and trustingly into the wide and deep net he threw, swimming safely and joyfully there to see the heart of God in a needed fresh way.
So, I will read your book and then re-read our dear friends, the Narnia Chronicles.
Thank you for your work that will add to the enjoyment and thankfulness in this heart for a gift perpetual.
In Christ,
A Stephens
I’m in the “Mercury” chapter, but glancing ahead to the “Venus” discussion, I see your account of Jadis’s origins (Magician’s Nephew). Let me suggest a third source, Ayesha in Rider Haggard’s She. Magician’s Nephew begins with an evocation of Victorian England that includes reference to Sherlock Holmes and the Bastables; Lewis was a lifelong fan not only of Doyle and Nesbit but of Haggard. The tall, dazzlingly beautiful, dangerous Jadis is very much an Ayesha-figure, and of course both preside over ruined ancient cities. I believe there is a passage in She in which the narrator, Holly, is aghast at the idea of Ayesha on the loose in England; Lewis probably picked this idea up and had some fun with it in Magician’s Nephew.
Dr. Ward,
Your lecture at Tenth Presbyterian in Philadelphia was so compelling that I immediately went online to purchase a copy as a surprise birthday present for my fiancee. I also reviewed Planet Narnia on my blog:
http://paulmatzko.edublogs.org/2008/02/04/planet-narnia-by-dr-michael-ward/
Thanks for your fine scholarship and contribution to our understanding of C.S. Lewis.
Paul Matzko
Thank you for coming to Taylor University, IN! I was excited when I saw the list for the year with all the speakers, and your talk this morning and afternoon were very interesting. A few years ago I came across a web publishing that was extraordinarily critical of Lewis and Narnia, because of misinterpretation and some pettiness. The organization piked on Lewis’s personal habits, including among other things, smoking, and tore apart Narnia with its references to pagan gods.
Your mentionings and explanations of these references have been very helpful to me. And my dad told me once that our days were named after Norse gods, and I had seen some of the Roman influences on other areas of our culture (numerals, months, type layout, etc.) but your talk helped put more things together.
Lately I’ve also been reading John Piper’s book Desiring God, and the impression it has left upon me is that I must use the things I enjoy to bring glory to God. There have been times in my life when I have been afraid to use my gifts and talents - even to honor God. C.S. Lewis has been an inspiration to me with his abounding imagination and his insights into everyday life. So much truth is right in front of everyone, but I know I’m often blind to it. In Mark 4:23, Christ calls all “who have ears” to hear Him, but the sin of life can interfere with that.
Well, thank you again. And keep going! I look forward to reading Planet Narnia - and will do so as soon as academics allow.
Dr. Ward:
Since I finished reading Planet Narnia last night, I wanted to send you my thoughts. First of all, thank you for coming to Taylor U. (2/28/08). Meeting the author always makes the book that much more interesting—unless the author has a saturnine (ha) disposition, which of course you need not worry about!
I have to admit I hadn’t originally planned on attending the lecture when I heard about it (I live about an hour away from Taylor, and I didn’t know much about the book), but when I saw the blurbs on the back cover from Walter Hooper, Alan Jacobs, and Armand Nicholi (all of whom I was well aware of), that piqued my interest. I read a little more about the book and decided that I just had to go.
I feel thoroughly rewarded for my time. What makes the whole thing so funny is that I finished reading Dante for the first time just days before your lecture (needless to say, having his whole planetary scheme in my head helped my understanding of your book immensely). It also helped me recognize the last line of your book as the final line of the Paradiso, although you may have quoted it earlier in the book, too; I don’t remember.
One of the things your book gave me, aside from a new framework for looking at the Narnia series, is an urge to read the rest of C.S. Lewis’ books that I haven’t read (although I have a good number of them, including the hard-to-find “OHEL” book, I haven’t gotten around to reading all of them just yet). That will be remedied—and soon if I can help it!
By the way, I had viewed the “Dreamer of Narnia” documentary when I first bought the 4-Disc version of LWW, but I watched it again after learning that you had a part in it. I also found your article on Philip Pullman (from the website) amusing and very well put together. The man does seem to have a beef (understatement).
I have exchanged emails with Linda Dolan from St. Andrews Church in Oxford, and she is going to send me a recording of your debate with Pullman back in 2002. Hurrah!
Thanks again for the great book, and I hope to see you again soon!
Sincerely,
John Stanifer
P.S. The cover of Planet Narnia has also taken on a new level of meaning after finishing the book. I like the idea that the Great Red Spot symbolizes the Crucifixion (Williams’ line about Pelles) and that this redemptive symbol is facing the Earth as if the blood is covering it, so to speak. The fact that Jupiter is so much larger than Earth in the picture also seems symbolic (it reminds me of Dante’s scene where he’s looking back on all the planets, and the Earth looks tiny from where he’s standing/floating…I remember that you mentioned this passage in the book). Whether or not you intended all of this symbolism in the cover (at least it didn’t take me fifty years to figure it out), it provokes more than a few interesting thoughts.
Dear Michael,
I was very impressed with your lecture delivered at All Saints, Lindfield.
My attention was held from beginning to end, despite the substantial length of the talk, and I thought that every word was perfectly judged.
The whole piece was as polished and sparkling as a fine gemstone and thoroughly convincing.
Well done!
Yours,
Alex
My name is Timothy, a fifth grader. I read Dr. Ward’s book a month ago and I liked it enough to write a brief review:
Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia have puzzled minds — young and old, wise and foolish alike — for over half a century. Many attempts have been made to find the inner meaning of these books, ranging from the highly plausible to the outright crazy. With the publication of this new book by Michael Ward, Planet Narnia, I was astounded at his claim to link the Chronicles with the pre-Copernican cosmos. But as I read, discovering his links between the medieval planets and the seven Narnia books, I slowly realized the insight of this book. Although the reading was difficult, I was immersed in the flood of knowledge that bounded out of the book’s pages, and it would have been a futile effort to separate me and Planet Narnia anytime after reading the fourth chapter. I was still quite astonished–but this time by the genius of the author in discovering enough links to fill 252 pages of solid writing. (I was just as amazed by the small type used.)
As I read through all twelve chapters, I discovered the amazing way in which Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn (in that order) influence Lewis’s writings. All seven books have a presiding planet over them, and thus all seven planets are included. Each Chronicle shows certain traits–a surprising number–depending on the planet controlling it. Once I had read through the entire book, I thought to myself: “Boy, in the light of this I need to read the Narnia books again.”
Perhaps the best way to summarize the book is with its epigraph, a quote from Lewis himself (taken from his sermon, ‘The Grand Miracle’):
“There then comes to you a person, saying, “Here is a new bit of the manuscript that I found; it is the . . . central chapter of that novel. The text is incomplete without it. I have got the missing passage which is really the centre of the whole work.” The only thing you could do would be to put this new piece of the manuscript in that central position, and then see how it reacted on the whole of the rest of the work. If it constantly brought out new meanings . . ., if it made you notice things in the rest of the work which you had not noticed before, then I think you would decide that it was authentic.”
Well, the “central piece of the manuscript” seems to be here at last!
Michael Ward’s brilliant discovery has compelling evidence in its favour. It has made me re-examine the Chronicles, and in fact my assessment of them. Now, I think it’s quite brilliant that Father Christmas appears in The Lion. It seems to me that seven characters are especially associated with their Planet: Puddleglum, the Hermit, Helen, Ramandu, Reepicheep, Father Christmas and Father Time. I was slightly surprised that the Hermit (who conveys the story of the battle in his pool) doesn’t appear in the Last Battle – perhaps Lewis, the storyteller identifies himself with Hermes. Incidentally, Shasta’s “father” recommends “application the the root of business”: Etymologically, the root of “commerce” is “with Mercury”.
Whilst I was “mining” The Magician’s Nephew for copper I realised what Michael Ward had noted, that Fledge’s wings were copper coloured – actually they grow larger than a swan’s – a bird sacred to Venus. I don’t think that is an accident. Mind you I began to wonder whether I was guilty of isogesis when I noticed that the same book contained not one but two coppers – on the streets of London!
Dr. Ward,
I just finished reading your new book and found it fascinating, thoroughly convincing, and profound. When you spoke at Hillsdale College in the fall of 2005 about your discovery of the hidden common thread to the seven stories in the Narniad I was in the audience. My son is a junior at Hillsdale. I am a great fan of Mr. Lewis and drove up for the day of talks that just happened to have included your presentation. I was intrigued by your discovery and even inspired to purchase a recording of Holst’s “The Planet” Suite.
When I heard earlier this year you had written “Planet Narnia” I had my son get a copy at the Hillsdale bookstore. Congratulations on an extremely well researched and thoughtfully written treatise. Each time I read a section I came away amazed at the length and depth of your research and analysis. As an aside, I have to tell you that although I was an English Literature major in college I have to admit I have learned more about Medieval cosmology from Lewis’s “The Discarded Image” and your recent book than anything I heard in college lectures years ago. (But, perhaps I slept through more classes than I care to acknowledge.)
Congratulations again on a superb book.
Steve Yount
I just heard you speak at Abilene Christian University. I was really excited by your thoughts and wanted to thank you for reminding me of the mystery of God.
Blessings as you continue to share your discovery,
- Amy Simpson
By Jove!, Jack would be proud.
I just finished the book and I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I am one of those fans of Lewis who also has a telescope (although a telescope is not required to follow along).
I am also a scout leader who has slept under the stars lakeside in Canada, on a mountain top in New Mexico and on the beach of an unihabited island in the Florida Keys. I have spend a great deal of time trying to explain to my scouts and to my high school religious education classes that what you see when you look up at the night sky, regardless of your equipment, really depends on how you look at it. I then try to explain that the same rule applies to what you see in the daylight. Lastly, I have always tried to make the point that there is something even more important, a deeper magic if you will, in the things that you cannot see.
Considering the planets the key to the Narniad makes a great deal of sense to me. This insight detracts very little from my appreciation of the stories and opens up an entire world that is not in a galaxy far far away.
Many thanks to Michael the Lionhearted for helping us to see that Aslan is indeed everywhere and in all things.
Robert S. McCord
Bel Air, Maryland USA
Yours is a truly fascinating book! I had always loved the Narnia books and felt that there was more to them than a simple “Christian allegory.” Though I had never read anything else by Lewis. “Planet Narnia” inspired me to go and read the Space Trilogy, which I thoroughly enjoyed and, I think, appreciated much more having read your book (a bit like Lewis’ says in the intro to “The Discarded Image,” which I am reading now, about how it’s OK to look at a map before you set out!). Very excited about your US/UK tour and hope to have a chance to hear you
I’ve been reading CSL for 33 years (I’m 49). I’ve been reading books ABOUT CSL for that same time. In the old days I even had a hairstyling shop called “Aslan’s Lair” (I still have the logo!). So I’m no spring chicken when it comes to Narnia. But Ward’s book shook me in my socks. And it was shaking with delight, I might add. The day after I finished the book I heard the good Dr. speak in Waco, TX (having driven 3 1/2 hours and hobbling in on crutches) and his talk was mesmerizing as well. What a wonderful spell he has cast. Lewis will never be the same. I’m teaching Caspian to a small group of congregants in our church on Wednesday nights, and I opened the course by overviewing Michael’s discovery. Their minds were boggled and delighted just as mine had been. All of them are anxious to re-read Narnia in light of this. There are two great joys in Ward’s discovery: (1) a deeper appreciation for Lewis’ genius and (2) seeing the twinkle in people’s eyes when they “get it”.
For a very short (and inadequate) review: http://2007books.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/planet-narnia/
God bless you Fr. Michael - you are in my prayers - seriously!
+Kenneth
Dr. Ward:
My husband and I heard you speak tonight at the C.S.L. Foundation get together in Redlands. On our drive home it occurred to me that another possible reason for Lewis’ employment of the kappa element in the Narniad might have been that he wanted to bequeath to his readers the possiblity of being “surprised by joy”… or would that be surprised by Jove?
Certainly, there is no other phrase that better describes my response to your discovery.
Planet Narnia is pure joy. Seven-fold joy.
Blessings, health and stamina as you continue your tour,
Pat Conneen
Yorba Linda
Dr. Ward,
I attended your lecture at UC San Diego. Thank you for a very intellectually stimulating lecture. I was enthralled for the entire lecture. I also heard you on Hugh Hewitt’s radio show the week prior. That was how I originally heard about the book, and the upcoming San Diego appearance.
Fascinating topic that you have discovered. The idea that beyond the simple allegory on the surface lies a philosophical outlook on life using an ancient understanding of the cosmos to create the rich narrative in the stories makes me shake my head in astonishment. The man is simply brilliant. I plan to devour your book, as well as C.S. Lewis’ works this summer.
Sincerely,
Steven Potter
San Diego, CA, USA
A deeper hidden meaning behind Narnia? “Yeah, right.”
That’s what I thought — until I read the book.
Actually, that’s not quite true either. I thought this only until I read Ward’s FAQ on planetnarnia.com. Call me a sucker, but I think I was already hooked by about question 6. By hooked I don’t mean I’d already accepted his theory line and sinker, but I knew I had to get me this book.
Book finally in hand, I decided I’d better start reading with my “skeptic’s glasses” firmly in place. If I kept them on, I reasoned, and still came out the other end believing Ward’s theory, there must be something to it. Well, my glasses came off about half way through Chapter 1.
Even aside from the content, Ward’s clear style, his sincere tone, his obvious love as well as deep knowledge of Lewis’s work — all these contribute to making this fairly academic work very readable and (to me) incredibly interesting.
Ward’s work opened my eyes to a whole bunch of stuff I’d never noticed in the Chronicles before. Not to mention the Ransom Trilogy and other of Lewis’s writings.
One thing I considered a weakness was how Ward mentions that certain groups of words (say “swift” and “run” in HHB) are used very frequently in one particular Chronicle. But often he doesn’t state that those words are not used with that frequency in the other Chronicles, so I wondered whether it proved anything.
I mentioned as much to Ward, who wrote me a helpful and prompt response. He said it’s about the atmosphere, and the key thing is the words’ context, not their number. “Context is everything,” he added. And I guess he’s right. (In fact, that’s probably one of the main themes of the book.)
But to cut a long short — this book is one of the most exciting non-fiction works I’ve read in a long time.
Dr. Ward’s book has resonated deeply with me. I have always cherished the Narnia books–I dreamed I was Lucy when I was a girl–and their themes grew with me. I raised my chidren with the books and instilled in them the idea of “Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia.” Honor, selflessness, obedience, responsibility, are all traits that are encouraged in Lewis’ books. Now, seeing the books through this different lens shows new and deeper levels that reinforce these values. In the Bible, Jesus said that if the people stopped singing “Hosanna” to him, the very rocks will cry out. In Narnia, the colors, textures, weather, odd characters, seemingly chance words and gestures all cry out, proclaiming deep themes.
Tolkien’s dismissal of the Narniad has always rankled with me, but I had no answer to his criticisms. Dr. Ward has found it.
I’m a member of the Tolkien Society and an Anglican priest, who read world fairy stories, Arthurian stuff, all of Narnia, Fraser’s Golden Bough and all the astronomy I could get my hands on before I was 16. I enjoyed much of Lewis’s theology as a sixth former and later discovered and loved the Ransom Trilogy and Till We Have Faces.
My husband found a copy of Planet Narnia at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, and bought it for me on spec.
I have loved reading it, - at time of writing, I am well into “Saturn” and each of the planetary chapters has had me saying “Of course!” out loud at some point.
Thank you for a delightful and compulsive read, full of references which I don’t need to look up and connections which I’ve never made. I am no longer an academic (if I ever was) but haven’t needed to be because you communicate so effectively.
Thank you, Michael Ward.