C.S. Lewis’s fantasy novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published in 1950.
The book is the first-published volume in Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series, although many modern editions arrange the stories in internal chronological order and place The Magician’s Nephew first. The novel follows Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie after Lucy discovers the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe.
The story combines Christian symbolism, talking animals, legendary creatures, and classical mythology. Its central conflict pits Aslan against the White Witch, who has plunged Narnia into an endless winter. The book was illustrated by Pauline Baynes, whose artwork became closely associated with the series.
A common point of confusion concerns the series numbering. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is often labeled either the first or second Narnia book, depending on whether publication order or internal chronology is used. Its original publication date, however, is consistently 1950.