Influential Irish author and scholar (1898–1963), a former atheist who became an eloquent convert to Christianity, best known for his works on Christian theology (most notably, the “epistolary” story The Screwtape Letters) and for his much-beloved, seven-book juvenile fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia. Rare and spectacular ALS, one page, 4.5 x 7, February 2, 1955. Letter addressed simply to “Dear correspondent.” In full: “Now, who are you? The signature looks like Titbit D’Alencon, but that seems improbable. About Narnia—yes it’s a pity about the Umbrian town, which I had quite forgotten when I invented my country. The -IA is merely terminal as in Italia or Armenia. As for NARN, I always thought Lat. inane one of the lovely words (purely on phonetic grounds, nothing to do with vacuity) and you couldn’t get English people to pronounce it as I wanted unless you put in an R. The Nornis are old friends of mine but don’t come in here. But do tell me who you are!” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Lewis’s hand. In fine condition.
Written by Lewis between 1949 and 1954, the Narnia series, with its classic underlying theme of good-versus-evil, are children's literature classics that have sold more than 120 million copies in 41 languages (not to mention spawning two wildly popular motion pictures). In his fictional realm, animals talk, magic is common, and the heroes are children from our world who are magically transported to Lewis’ mythical creation. In the letter offered here, Lewis takes time to explain, if even to a curiously unknown recipient, with great specifics, how he came up with title! A letter penned by Lewis in which he discusses his work…nay, his most famous work, with a bonus discussion on the genesis of the word “Narnia”…makes this a uniquely magical example. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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