In a world grown cold without wonder, how do we reimagine the drama and joy of Christianity? For C. S. Lewis, the answer was to invite us into a different world that would help us see this one with fresh eyes. That world was Narnia, and when Lewis wrote that world into existence in his Chronicles, he created a land where courage would be tested and character forged; he created the possibility for a moral and spiritual journey.
The spiritual benefit of these stories is not intended for children alone. The benefit redounds to all who are child-like, as well as those who will allow themselves to become so again. This includes adults who have become weighed down by life, and those who have become too intellectually "puffed up" or too spiritually sophisticated to easily immerse themselves in chronicles like these.
Narnia is a world with a history and especially a redeemer that allows the child-like to better imagine this world and this life as a world and a life that matter because our world and our lives do in fact have a Redeemer, who is even now working in and among us. This volume leads readers to take the world of Narnia seriously in the best of all possible ways––that is, by enjoying Lewis's chronicles and contemplating what is found therein. As the collaborative work of scholars and artists, this volume benefits all readers by leading them to wonder, understanding, and joy.
A truly one-of-a-kind work, it features an essay for each of the seven chronicles plus an introductory essay about how to approach reading the chronicles, alongside original illustrations for each chronicle and an original poem cycle. This book speaks directly to readers interested in finding spiritual sustenance, inspiration, and joy.
"The Chronicles of Transformation and Michael Ward's Planet Narnia are the two books that stand head and shoulders above all the many other books about Lewis' masterpiece. Both surprise us with unexpected insights and dimensions. And the seven authors of this book do it seven times! Other books about Narnia see and say the obvious, like boats that skim the surface of Lewis' seven seas. But this one is a diving suit that takes the reader down into the depths."
— Peter Kreeft, Author, The Philosophy of Tolkien
"Reading The Chronicles of Transformation was like opening a treasure chest. These essays about Lewis’ beloved Narnia series so richly blend literary analysis, external writings, and spiritual insights that I soon found myself jotting notes in the margins. I am eager to examine all the beautiful gems that I found and to read the series again!"
— Cheri Blomquist, Author, Before Austen Comes Aesop
"A valuable and insightful guide for readers who are ready to take a spiritual journey through Lewis' Narnia series. DeLorenzo has gathered stellar authors here to illuminate the spiritual truths in each of the chronicles. Readers will discover many theological treasures in Narnia through their reading of this volume and gain a deeper appreciation of Lewis' literary gifts as well."
— Holly Ordway, Author, Not God’s Type: An Atheist Academic Lays Down Her Arms
"Sometimes, as G. K. Chesterton reminds us, we need to stand on our heads in order to see things afresh. This thought-provoking series of essays allows us to do just that. It allows us to enter Narnia through new pathways, coming at Lewis' imaginary world from surprising angles, so that we can see it once again with eyes wide open with wonder."
— Joseph Pearce, Author, Faith of Our Fathers: A History of True England
Leonard J. DeLorenzo, Ph.D., serves in the McGrath Institute for Church Life and teaches Theology at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of several books including Work of Love: A Theological Reconstruction of the Communion of Saints, and Into the Heart of the Father.
