Which C.S. Lewis book explains the creation of Narnia?

The Magician’s Nephew explains the creation of Narnia. C.S. Lewis published it in 1955 as the sixth Narnia book in publication order, though it is usually placed first in the series’ internal chronology.

The novel follows Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who travel between worlds using magical rings. Their journey leads to the birth of Narnia, where Aslan sings the new land into existence and gives life to its animals.

The story also provides background for the wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Digory’s actions connect the two books, and the adult Professor Kirke is the same character who owns the house containing the wardrobe.

The title’s “magician” is Digory’s uncle Andrew, whose experiments help trigger the children’s travels. Readers should distinguish this book’s publication position from its chronological position: it came out after five other Narnia novels but narrates events at the beginning of Narnian history.