1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Ireland Travel

C.S. Lewis
Writer of the Narnia Books - Visiting Ireland's Literary Heritage

By , About.com Guide

C.S. Lewis was maybe the most prolific writer of fantasy to come out of Ireland, his „Chronicles of Narnia“ are now a hugely successful series of movies.

Dates

Born in 1898 in Belfast,
died 1963 in Oxford.

Who was C.S. Lewis?

Charles Staples Lewis, almost inevitably known as C.S., was first and foremost an academic – after serving in the British Army during the First World War he took degrees at Oxford University and became a fellow of Magdalen College. He remined there until being poached by the opposition ... in 1954 he took the chair of medieval and Renaissance English at the University of Cambridge.

His academic prowess, however, is these days eclipsed by his literary fame – C.S. Lewis was a member of the Oxford „Inklings“ (as was J.R.R. Tolkien) and wrote both science-fiction and fantasy. In both his Christian religion was a major influence.

Most people will know Lewis as the author of the hugely popular „Narnia“ books. The first of these „Chronicles of Narnia“ was published as „The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe“ in 1950.

Important Works of C.S. Lewis

  • “The Chronicles of Narnia“ (1950 - 1956)
  • “The Allegory of Love“ (1934)

Irish Places Connected to C.S. Lewis

  • There is a fine statue of C.S. Lewis in Belfast, complete with the wardrobe that forms the gateway into Narnia.
  • Narnia was based on the landscape of County Down – but the recent movies were filmed in New Zealand.

More Ireland Travel Quick Tips
Explore Ireland Travel
About.com Special Features

Watch the Ball Drop in Times Square

What to bring and wear if you're attending this world famous celebration. More >

Hot Winter Travel Deals

Check out these tips on finding the best airfare, hotel rates and cruise deals. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Ireland Travel
  4. History & Culture
  5. C.S. Lewis - Visiting Ireland's Literary Heritage - Ireland for Visitors

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.