Which C.S. Lewis book was first published in 1950 as the opening Narnia novel?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published in 1950 as the opening Narnia novel. It introduces the magical land of Narnia through the experiences of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie.

The children enter Narnia through a wardrobe while staying in a country house during the Second World War. There they find a land trapped in winter by the White Witch. The story follows their growing involvement in Narnia’s conflict and their meeting with Aslan.

Although it was the first Narnia book published, some reading guides recommend beginning with The Magician’s Nephew because that novel presents events earlier in Narnian history. Lewis’s publication order, however, begins with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The book became one of the best-known works of children’s fantasy. Its adaptations include a 1988 television version and a 2005 feature film directed by Andrew Adamson.