C. S. Lewis – The Chronicles of Narnia – Complete Set of Seven First Impression Facsimile Editions, 2009–2011 – Illustrated by Pauline Baynes – Fine in Dustwrappers and Original Slipcase

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE COMPLETE SEVEN-VOLUME SET OF THE FIRST FACSIMILE EDITIONS OF THE ORIGINAL FIRST EDITIONS. ALL SEVEN VOLUMES ARE FIRST IMPRESSIONS, WITH THE NUMBER ‘1’ ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PRINTING LINES. ILLUSTRATED THROUGHOUT BY PAULINE BAYNES. FINE COPIES IN ORIGINAL DUSTWRAPPERS AND PUBLISHER’S DECORATED SLIPCASE.

Author: C. S. Lewis (1898–1963).

Illustrator: Pauline Baynes (1922–2008).

Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books, London, England.

Publication Dates: 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2010, 2010 and 2011.

Edition: First facsimile editions, first impressions throughout.

Format: Seven volumes, complete, in original publisher’s cloth bindings with illustrated dustwrappers and original decorated slipcase.

Size: 14 × 20.5 cm per volume.

Pagination: 173, 195, 223, 217, 199, 183 and 184 pages respectively, in original publication order.

Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by Pauline Baynes, reproducing the original illustrations associated with the first editions.

Condition: Fine throughout in fine dustwrappers. Largely unopened and unread.

Special Features: A complete matching set of all seven first facsimile editions, each confirmed as a first impression by the presence of the number ‘1’ on its printing line. Housed in the original publisher’s attractive red slipcase with gilt lettering and illustrations.

Description

A superb, complete seven-volume set of C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, comprising the first impressions of all seven HarperCollins facsimile editions published between 2009 and 2011. Each volume reproduces the appearance of its original first edition, including the original-style cloth binding, dustwrapper design and the celebrated illustrations by Pauline Baynes. These beautifully produced facsimiles were created to recapture the appearance and character of the original editions published between 1950 and 1956, offering readers and collectors an opportunity to experience these classics in a format closely resembling their original presentation.

The Complete Seven-Volume Set

The set comprises all seven Narnia books, presented below in the order of their original publication.

1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Originally published by Geoffrey Bles, London, in 1950. The first book published in the Narnia series and one of the most celebrated works of twentieth-century children’s literature. The story introduces Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, four children evacuated from wartime London who discover the magical land of Narnia through an old wardrobe. There they encounter the White Witch, whose spell has condemned Narnia to perpetual winter, and Aslan, the great lion whose return signals the restoration of the kingdom. The original illustrations by Pauline Baynes are among the most recognisable images in the history of children’s fantasy literature.

Pagination: 173 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

2. Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia

Originally published by Geoffrey Bles, London, in 1951. The second Narnia book to be published, Prince Caspian follows the Pevensie children as they return to Narnia many centuries after their previous visit. The rightful heir to the Narnian throne, Prince Caspian, must struggle against the rule of his uncle, King Miraz, and restore the traditions of Old Narnia. An important early instalment in the series, developing Lewis’s themes of courage, loyalty, rightful kingship and the rediscovery of a lost world.

Pagination: 195 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Originally published by Geoffrey Bles, London, in 1952. One of the most imaginative and adventurous books in the series, following King Caspian, Edmund, Lucy and their cousin Eustace Scrubb on a voyage aboard the Dawn Treader. Their journey carries them through strange seas and mysterious islands towards the eastern edge of the Narnian world. The story is particularly celebrated for its maritime fantasy, its unforgettable characters and Pauline Baynes’s imaginative illustrations.

Pagination: 223 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

4. The Silver Chair

Originally published by Geoffrey Bles, London, in 1953. The fourth book in the original publication sequence introduces Jill Pole, who joins Eustace Scrubb on a mission to rescue Prince Rilian, the missing son of King Caspian. Their journey takes them across the wild northern lands of Narnia and into a mysterious subterranean kingdom. The book introduces Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle, one of Lewis’s most memorable creations.

Pagination: 217 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

5. The Horse and His Boy

Originally published by Geoffrey Bles, London, in 1954. Set during the reign of the adult Pevensie children, this novel follows Shasta, a young boy who escapes from Calormen with Bree, a talking horse. Their journey towards Narnia becomes an adventure involving hidden identities, political intrigue, friendship and the intervention of Aslan. Although fifth in original publication order, the events take place during the period covered by the conclusion of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Pagination: 199 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

6. The Magician’s Nephew

Originally published by The Bodley Head, London, in 1955. A prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, this novel recounts the creation of Narnia and explains the origins of several important features of Lewis’s imaginary world. Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer travel between worlds through the use of magical rings, eventually witnessing Aslan’s creation of Narnia. The story also reveals the origins of the White Witch and the magical wardrobe. Although sixth in publication order, it is chronologically the first Narnia story.

Pagination: 183 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

7. The Last Battle

Originally published by The Bodley Head, London, in 1956. The seventh and final book in the series, The Last Battle brings the Chronicles to their dramatic conclusion. Set during the reign of King Tirian, the narrative explores deception, faith, loyalty and the ultimate fate of Narnia. The novel was awarded the Carnegie Medal in 1956, one of the most prestigious distinctions in British children’s literature. It remains one of Lewis’s most discussed works, notable for its ambitious conclusion to the Narnian narrative.

Pagination: 184 pages. Edition: First impression of the HarperCollins facsimile edition.

The First Facsimile Editions: Recreating the Original Narnia Books

The original seven Narnia books were published in London between 1950 and 1956, the first five by Geoffrey Bles and the final two by The Bodley Head. Original first impressions of these books, particularly copies retaining their original dustwrappers, have become highly desirable and increasingly expensive collectors’ items. The HarperCollins facsimile editions published between 2009 and 2011 were designed to reproduce the appearance of these original publications. Particular attention was given to the bindings, dustwrappers, typography and original illustrations, allowing collectors to appreciate the visual presentation of the books as they first appeared. The importance of these editions is not merely nostalgic. They reproduce a significant aspect of the history of twentieth-century children’s book design and illustration, preserving the relationship between Lewis’s text and the distinctive visual interpretations created by Pauline Baynes. The dustwrappers are especially attractive, with their individual colours, illustrated panels and period-style typography.Presented together in the original decorated slipcase, the seven volumes form an exceptionally handsome and coherent collection.

C. S. Lewis (1898–1963): Author of The Chronicles of Narnia

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the most influential British writers and intellectuals of the twentieth century. Born in Belfast in 1898, he was educated at Oxford and subsequently became a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1954, he was appointed Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English at the University of Cambridge, a position he retained until shortly before his death. Lewis wrote widely on literature, philosophy, Christian theology and imaginative fiction. His works include The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength. However, it is for The Chronicles of Narnia that he remains most widely known. The series combines elements of traditional fairy tales, classical mythology, medieval romance and Christian allegory within a richly imagined fantasy world. Its memorable characters include Aslan, the White Witch, Mr Tumnus, Reepicheep, Prince Caspian and Puddleglum. The stories explore themes of courage, sacrifice, betrayal, redemption, moral responsibility and the passage from childhood into adulthood. Lewis’s friendship with J. R. R. Tolkien and his participation in the Oxford literary group known as the Inklings form an important part of the intellectual context in which his imaginative fiction developed. Although their approaches to fantasy differed considerably, both writers played fundamental roles in establishing the modern literary fantasy genre.Since their original publication, the Narnia books have sold millions of copies worldwide, been translated into numerous languages and inspired adaptations for radio, television, theatre and cinema.

Their continuing readership has established them among the defining works of modern children’s literature.

Pauline Baynes (1922–2008): The Original Illustrator of Narnia

The illustrations of Pauline Baynes are inseparable from the history and enduring appeal of The Chronicles of Narnia. Born in Sussex in 1922, Baynes became one of Britain’s most accomplished illustrators of children’s books and fantasy literature. Her work is characterised by its delicate line, decorative detail, lively characterisation and imaginative interpretation of magical and mythical subjects. Baynes illustrated all seven original Narnia books, beginning with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950. Her drawings established the appearance of many of Lewis’s most celebrated characters and settings. The figures of Aslan, the White Witch, Mr Tumnus, the talking animals and the inhabitants of Narnia became intimately associated with her visual interpretation. Her illustrations draw upon a rich tradition of medieval art, manuscript illumination and traditional book illustration. This affinity with medieval imagery was particularly appropriate to Lewis’s literary imagination, which was deeply influenced by medieval and Renaissance literature. Baynes also worked with J. R. R. Tolkien, illustrating Farmer Giles of Ham and The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, among other works. Her importance to the history of twentieth-century fantasy illustration therefore extends well beyond Narnia. The HarperCollins facsimile editions preserve her original illustrations as an integral element of each book.

For collectors of illustrated literature, this is one of the set’s most desirable features.

Condition

Fine throughout in fine original dustwrappers.

All seven volumes are exceptionally fresh, clean and well preserved. The original cloth bindings are bright and clean, and the illustrated dustwrappers retain their attractive original colours. The books are largely unopened and unread, with exceptionally clean interiors and little evidence of handling. The set is complete with its original publisher’s decorated red slipcase, which presents attractively and retains its gilt lettering and illustrations. A particularly fine, carefully preserved complete set of the first facsimile editions, with all seven volumes confirmed as first impressions.

Why Buy From Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys is an independent, family-run antiquarian bookshop and gallery situated in the historic cathedral city of Ripon, North Yorkshire. Celebrating our fiftieth year in 2026, we specialise in carefully selected first editions, illustrated books, children’s literature, rare books, maps, original photographs, prints and works of art. Our collection is assembled with particular attention to bibliographical importance, condition, authenticity and the interests of discerning collectors.

Authenticity and Bibliographical Accuracy

Every book offered by Hornseys is individually examined and catalogued. We pay particular attention to edition and impression statements, publisher’s printing lines, bindings, dustwrappers, illustrations and other bibliographical points that can distinguish one edition from another. For this Narnia set, we have identified all seven volumes as first impressions of the HarperCollins facsimile editions, rather than simply describing them as first editions without qualification. We believe that such distinctions are essential to accurate and trustworthy antiquarian bookselling.

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Our collection reflects a longstanding interest in important works of British literature, children’s books and illustrated first editions. We select books for their historical interest, literary significance, condition and appeal to collectors.

Detailed Condition Descriptions

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Established Since 1976

Hornseys has served collectors and readers for fifty years. Our reputation has been built upon knowledgeable service, accurate cataloguing, careful stock selection and long-standing customer relationships.

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