The Chronicles of Narnia Reading Order

C.S. Lewis's seven Narnia books are among the most beloved fantasy ever written — and the single most-argued reading order in the genre. The debate: publication order (how readers met the world) versus chronological order (the internal timeline the numbered spines now use).

Our Recommendation: Publication Order Read in publication order, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Magician's Nephew works far better as an origin story once you already love Narnia, and the mystery of the wardrobe lands harder when it's your first door in.

Publication Order (Recommended)

  1. The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeBuy NowAudible1950
  2. Prince CaspianBuy NowAudible1951
  3. The Voyage of the Dawn TreaderBuy NowAudible1952
  4. The Silver ChairBuy NowAudible1953
  5. The Horse and His BoyBuy NowAudible1954
  6. The Magician's NephewBuy NowAudible1955
  7. The Last BattleBuy NowAudible1956
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Chronological Order (Alternative)

The numbered spines and many modern box sets use chronological order: The Magician's Nephew, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Last Battle. It's internally tidy, but most long-time readers still recommend publication order for a first read.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Narnia?

Two orders exist. Publication order (starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) is what most readers recommend for a first read. Chronological order (starting with The Magician's Nephew) follows the internal timeline and is how the books are now numbered.

Should I start with The Magician's Nephew?

Only if you prefer strict chronology. It's a prequel written sixth, and it reveals the origin of the wardrobe and the lamppost — details that are more magical as callbacks than as setup.

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