Back in 2001, HarperCollins made quite a stir when it considered adding books to the Chronicles of Narnia series. There were even rumors that they were going to “de-Christianize” the books as new editions of the original books were published.* Consultation with the Lewis estate apparently nixed any plans for extending the series, but the whole affair emphasized the sensitivity of fans to accepting anything new – at least anything “official.”
A few years later, in 2005, when The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was about to come out on film, The Dancing Lawn, the message board of NarniaFan.com, came into existence. This was a great place for fans of the Chronicles to gather, communicate, and create “unofficial” stories about Narnia – which apparently aren’t nearly so controversial.
The Dancing Lawn is co-administered by John Burkitt and Roger Thomas, who also contribute to the website NarniaHome.com. Their website hosts full-length stories (books, really) based on the Chronicles, which they and Joseph Ravitts have written.
John’s first book, Byron on Wells, is a 563-page work (available in PDF format) which tells of the adventures of Narnian river-dwellers during the relative peace of Caspian X’s reign.
Although most fans of Narnia are content to let the seven books written by C S Lewis define what that world is, there is often a desire to know more. The movies have been somewhat satisfying in showing what Narnia looks like. It is hard to re-read the books without scenes from the movies popping into your hear.
Burkitt has taken this a step further. Lewis’s books give us a basic concept of what Narnia is like, but how would this translate into everyday life? What would it be like to be a Talking Animal? Many fans have found Burkitt’s imagination a satisfying addition to what Lewis wrote.
Of course, everyone who has enjoyed the Chronicles brings to them their own imagination and personal experiences, so many may find what Burkitt has written to be a bit skewed from Lewis’s vision. For instance, would Narnians have vicars? Given the differences in the history of Narnia and our own world, this seems rather unlikely.
Some may also find the voluminous Byron on Wells a bit tedious, especially after the relatively succinct stories that make up The Chronicles of Narnia. For such readers, it would be better to begin with Burkitt’s books which are earlier in Narnia’s history. These are especially interesting to those wanting more details about Narnia and traveling to other worlds.
The Casket of Baktar tells how artifacts were saved from Atlantis before it disappeared, and the history of how some of them ended up in Uncle Andrew’s possession. Heart of Ice tells of how the White Witch came to power, and The Journey is the story of the Free Narnia resistance during the 100 years winter.
NarniaHome and the books are a not-for-profit labor of love started by John Burkitt as a tribute to C S Lewis and the help the Chronicles were in his personal life during some hard times. When asked about any copyright issues the books have raised, John responded in an e-mail (used by permission).
With very little effort I could divest the Byron on Wells series of all references to Narnia and sell it commercially. However I made the decision not to do this because it is my repayment to the legacy of C. S. Lewis, whose works have literally saved me in the past during great adversity. It is a gift, a donation, a freewill offering. I sincerely hope you will review Byron on Wells because I believe there are people out there who could benefit from its positive messages on the importance of friends, family, and faith.”
Corrections: The website is “Narniafans.com”. John Burkitt: “Paul Martin is the owner and founder. We are more properly co-admins, and not the only two.”
October 25, 2009
5:20 pm
Very well spoken… I appreciate your honesty and candidness..thanks…Long Live Aslan…
October 26, 2009
6:56 am
I was flattered yet dismayed when Roger and I were listed as the owners of “Narniafan.com”. It is Narniafans.com and Paul Martin is the owner and founder. We are more properly co-admins, and not the only two.
October 26, 2009
12:06 pm
Hmmmmm…..I mean a /fanfiction/ is one thing, but ADDING books???? If they aren’t official additions I’m fine with it. I write about Narnia all the time, but I would never steal from Lewis’s genius and individuality.
October 26, 2009
9:52 pm
John,
I am confused. Where do I say that you and Roger are owners of NarniaFans.com? The article I wrote only says you are co-administers of The Dancing Lawn, which is NarniaFans’com’s Forum, and that you contribute to NarniaHome.com. I never say you “own” anything.
I do apologize for misspelling NarniaFans.com.
NarniaWarrior,
Thanks!
October 27, 2009
12:01 pm
I was worried about the URL and wanted to go on record saying that Paul, not Roger and I, owned TDL. Think of it as a disclaimer, like McD’s coffee that says “contents may be hot” to head off potential problems, not to mean, “If you drink me, I’ll burn you!” I really liked your review, especially since you discussed it rather than making subjective value judgments. How kind of you to recognize the need of fans to become intimate with their favourite stories through participating in them.
October 27, 2009
3:08 pm
John,
That makes sense. I see now that I could have been more clear about the details. I’m glad you enjoyed the review. Best wishes for all your endeavors.