East of the Wardrobe: The Unexpected Worlds of C. S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis' Narnia books draw from Eastern influences, including Arabian Nights, Persian poets, travelers, and fictional adventurers, offering new insights into the world of Narnia and Lewis' intellectual world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

C.S. Lewis, renowned for his literary prowess, possessed a remarkable bibliophile's appetite, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of myth, religion, and cosmology from around the world. The Chronicles of Narnia, his iconic series, are intricately woven with references to the Bible, Greek mythology, and medieval literature, which have been extensively analyzed by critics. However, a lesser-known aspect of Lewis's literary influences has been overlooked until now—his significant borrowings from Eastern sources. In his book, "East of the Wardrobe: Unearthing Unexpected Eastern Aspects in C.S. Lewis' Narnia Books," Warwick Ball delves into hitherto unrecognized and surprising Eastern aspects that permeate and influence Lewis's Narnia books. These influences encompass a wide range of elements, including storylines, themes, imagery, religious elements, and even the cities and landscapes of the East.

One notable aspect of Lewis's borrowings is his adoption of the Persian style in the illustrations of Narnia by Pauline Baynes. This Persian influence adds a unique and exotic flavor to the magical world of Narnia, reflecting the broader cultural exchanges and interactions of the time.

Furthermore, the book explores the incorporation of themes from epic literature, such as The Odyssey, Aeneid, Kalevala, and The Knight in the Panther's Skin. These epic narratives, with their rich mythologies and heroic quests, provide a rich source of inspiration for Lewis's storytelling, adding depth and complexity to his fictional universe.

What sets "East of the Wardrobe" apart is its exploration of the interplay between Christianity, paganism, and other religious and philosophical beliefs. Lewis, known for his complex and nuanced worldview, incorporated elements from Zoroastrianism, Manichaeanism, and even Islamic and Sufi messages into his Narnia books. This reflects the intellectual milieu that Lewis inhabited, encompassing his own unique philosophical ideas and the broader social and intellectual climate of Oxford in the first half of the twentieth century.

For readers of Lewis, "East of the Wardrobe" offers a fascinating new avenue into the world of Narnia. It provides a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of influences that shaped Lewis's writing and offers a fresh perspective on his iconic series. By delving into these Eastern aspects, readers can appreciate the depth and richness of Lewis's imagination, as well as the broader cultural and intellectual context in which he worked.

In conclusion, "East of the Wardrobe" is a valuable contribution to the study of C.S. Lewis and his literary legacy. It sheds light on the lesser-known Eastern influences that shaped his writing, offering a fresh perspective on his iconic series. By exploring the interplay between Christianity, paganism, and other religious and philosophical beliefs, the book provides a deeper understanding of Lewis's complex and nuanced worldview. For readers of Lewis, "East of the Wardrobe" is a must-read, offering a new avenue into the world of Narnia and a deeper appreciation of his literary brilliance.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 217 x 149 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197626252