CFP: Through the Wardrobe: Essays on C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia
Call for Papers
Deadline: November 15, 2006
We are looking for essays dealing with various aesthetic, historical, and philosophical aspects of C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia for our proposed edited anthology, Through the Wardrobe: Essays on C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. While we are looking for scholarly essays, our book is designed to appeal to both scholars and fans of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia novels, and we are thus hoping for intelligent but clear and accessible writing. Given the perennial interest in
children’s fantasy fiction including Lewis’s series, the seeming rise of interest in fantasy following the enormous success of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the interesting cultural phenomenon of C. S. Lewis’s variable reputation among Christian communities in the
United States, the curious differences between the reception of Lewis and the reception of Rowling, pertinent questions concerning the psychological impact on children of fantasy fiction, and the recent release of the enormously popular Disney/Walden film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we are confident that a collection of scholarly essays focused on Lewis’s children’s series will prove to be of broad interest; in fact, due to the success of
our recent Through the Wardrobe conference, we have already received indications of interest from scholarly publishers. Potential essay topics might include literary analysis of Lewis’s series in connection to its historical, philosophical, and literary antecedents or analysis making use of critical lenses associated with cultural studies. The collection might also include analyses of Lewis’s fantasy in relation to the current popularity of J. R. R. Tolkien’s and J. K. Rowling’s works, or other pertinent fantasy.
Potential topics include
The connection of Lewis’s Narnia books to other works of fantasy, including works by Tolkien and Rowling
Issues of adaptation in the translation of Narnian Fiction into a Spectacle of Film
Lewis’s Ideas of Fantasy, Story, and Myth
The impact of Lewis’s Christianity on the novels
Psychological Issues Involved in Reading the Novels, including the impact of reading fantasy on children
Philosophical, Political, and Ethical Issues, including the depiction of evil or the issues of colonialism, imperialism, sexism, and racism
Narnia seen through the lens of ethnic or gender studies, religious studies, anthropology, sociology, psychology, folklore, etc.
The impact of Lewis’s Friendships with Tolkien and the Inklings on the novels
Narnian Predecessors and Narnian Influences
Narnia and Genre Considerations
Narnia and Audience Expectations
Narnia and Educational Theory
Narnia in the Context of Children's Literature
Narnia and the varied responses and controversies surrounding the books
Proposals of 500-750 words or full essays of approximately 4,000- 5,000 words should be accompanied by a brief bio. Proposals must be received via email by November 15, 2006 by Craig Svonkin at svonkco@netzero.com. Questions are welcome.
