Which 1950 novel by C.S. Lewis begins the publication history of The Chronicles of Narnia?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the 1950 C.S. Lewis novel that began the publication history of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Published by Geoffrey Bles in 1950, the book introduces the Pevensie children, who enter the fantasy world of Narnia through a wardrobe. They find a land trapped in winter by the White Witch and become involved in a struggle connected with Aslan, Narnia’s lion ruler.

The book is often called the first Narnia story because it was the first volume published. However, The Magician’s Nephew is a prequel in the story’s internal chronology and explains Narnia’s creation. This difference between publication order and chronological order causes a common mix-up when readers discuss the series.

Lewis wrote the seven Narnia books between 1949 and 1954. The series became one of the most widely read works of twentieth-century children’s literature and has been adapted for radio, television, stage, and film.