Tales Before Narnia

March 15, 2008
A compilation of relatively obscure short stories, fantasy and folk tales, poems, and other imaginative texts by authors ranging from Charles Dickens and Sir Walter Scott to Stevenson, Chesterton, and Tolkien, this volume offers an interesting though necessarily idiosyncratic collection of work that may have influenced C.S. Lewis. As Lewis, a literary scholar and intellectual, was one of the best-read writers of his time, any one-volume anthology would be inherently incapable of providing an adequate or even representative selection of stories, poems, and other texts that he may well have read. Yet this volume still offers a glimpse at the textual environment Lewis inhabited and loved and would therefore be exceptionally useful in a class on Lewisor just for someone interested in Lewis's work. It also would provide an attractive anthology for younger readers, especially those interested in fantasy (exemplified in the stories by Owen Barfield and William Morris). The collection, which claims to offer background material for both modern fantasy and science fiction, ultimately emphasizes the former over the latter. Recommended for larger fantasy and literature collections.Roger Berger, Everett Community Coll., WA

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2008
Adult/High School-This anthology includes stories, poems, and folktales that provided source material and influenced the writings of C. S. Lewis. Included are pieces by E. Nesbit, Hans Christian Andersen, Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Some of these authors were widely read by Lewis and documented as such; others were chosen by Anderson due to story elements and passages that strongly resemble those within Lewis's work. In brief source notes preceding each entry, the editor speaks to the perceived influences. He also quotes passages within Lewis's work that appear derivative of, or at least inspired by, the earlier author. Similarities in allegory and metaphor, specifically theological in nature, are pointed out. Serious fans of Lewis's writing or those interested in his biography, emerging writers of fantasy, and students studying comparative literature or literary criticism will find this a provocative resource. Background information on each author and a recommended reading list are included."Jodi Mitchell, Berkeley Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.