Which C.S. Lewis book was first published in 1950 as the opening publication of The Chronicles of Narnia?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published in 1950 as the opening Narnia book.

The novel introduces the Pevensie children, the world of Narnia, the White Witch, and Aslan. Four children enter Narnia through a wardrobe while staying in an English country house during the Second World War. The story combines portal fantasy, talking animals, mythic imagery, and Christian themes.

Publication order and internal chronological order are sometimes confused. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published first, but The Magician’s Nephew is set earlier in Narnian history and was later marketed as the first book in some editions. Lewis originally wrote the books without a strict publication plan, and readers continue to debate the best reading order.