"Since the books are now classics and since their creator has become one of the most pondered-over, written-about, analyzed and deconstructed authors of the twentieth century, the more curious reader will find it helpful and instructive to have a reliable guide on hand when exploring the lands that lie "between the lamp-post and the great castle of Cair Paravel on the eastern sea. "One could not wish for a better traveling companion than a preeminent commentator such as Colin Duriez, who combines a richly mined knowledge--sharply focused by wisdom and understanding--of both the world and the worlds of C. S. Lewis, and shares it with a passionate but clear-sighted enthusiasm that is as effortless as it is authoritative. "So before you step into that wardrobe (and remember, 'as every sensible person does, that you should never, never shut yourself in a wardrobe'), pop A Field Guide to Narnia in your pocket and you will undoubtedly see that land with new eyes, perhaps even respond to it with a new heart."

"Colin Duriez in his Field Guide to Narnia provides profound insight into the brilliant mind and prolific writings of C. S. Lewis. By carefully interweaving the life experiences of Lewis with an analysis of his vast body of scholarly and popular works--especially his Chronicles of Narnia--Mr. Duriez provides the reader with new understanding and a strong motivation to read or reread this always fascinating Oxford Don."