The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader"

Book five in the Chronicles of Narnia sees the intrepid Edmund and Lucy returning to Narnia--with their beastly cousin Eustace in tow--on the ship The Dawn Treader where their old friend Prince Caspian is searching for lost friends of his father's. As the children take to the Eastern Seas in their hunt for the friends they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous adventure that leads them once again into the arms of Aslan the lion.

This stunning edition of the dramatic and totally enthralling The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, published in celebration of the centenary of CS Lewis, is enhanced by the striking hand-coloured illustrations by Pauline Baynes and benefits entirely from the larger, stylish format that makes it highly collectible as well as the jolly good, classic read that has been treasured by children of all ages since its first publication in the 1950s. --Susan Harrison

View books by C. S. Lewis.

"Why Should We Not Come to the Very Eastern Edge of the World?" - Rated
The third book in the Chronicles of Narnia (or the fifth if you're reading them in chronological order), is a rather unusual book within the context of the series, considering the good-against-evil theme that permeates the other six books in the series is largely absent here. Of course there are dangers and trials, as well as personal conflict that need to be resolved, but because there is no central villain nor any fundamental evil that needs to be defeated, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is more thoughtful, more carefully paced, more obviously spiritual and more episodic than any of the other books.

Likewise is the role that the children from our world play within the story. Sadly, Peter and Susan are too old to return to Narnia, and so the adventure belongs to Edmund and Lucy, as well as their horrible cousin Eustace Scrubb who are sucked through a painting in a spare bedroom into Narnia. However, unlike in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Prince Caspian", in which they had clear and important roles to play in the unfolding of Narnia's well-being, they are pulled aboard the ship the Dawn Treader in order to...well, just tag along really. Indeed, the children do not even set foot in Narnia throughout the course of the story - but crucially important words are spoken by Aslan at the conclusion of the tale that sheds a whole new light on the meaning behind the children's presence in Narnia: "In your world I have another name. This was the very reason you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little while, you may know me better there."

But I'm getting ahead of myself. After Lucy, Edmund and the odious Eustace are aboard the Dawn Treader they discover that their rescuer is Caspian, the boy crowned King at the conclusion of "Prince Caspian". But because of the time difference that exists between Narnia our own world, several years have passed in which Caspian has grown into a young man, whereas Edmund and Lucy remain children. Caspian is on a sea voyage to discover the fates of seven lords who were banished by his evil uncle Miraz; and map the uncharted seas of the East. Also on board is the talking mouse Reepicheep (also introduced in "Prince Caspian") who is on a quest of his own: to find Aslan's Country, said to exist at the eastern end of the world's oceans.

Edmund and Lucy (who are still considered monarchs in Narnia) quickly settle in to the routine of the ship, which is more than can be said for Eustace who seems only capable of making a nuisance of himself in his desire to return to more civilised lands. As the ship sets off into ever more dangerous waters and stopping at islands that become steadily stranger, Eustace eventually must come to find redemption in the discovery of the leonine Aslan - but I won't give away the details of his spiritual transformation, you'll have to read and find out for yourself! It is perhaps Eustace's development that makes up the main plot-thread of the book considering the book opens and closes on his character, though it is certainly not centred around him - Caspian, Edmund, Reepicheep and Lucy all get their chance to shine.

Furthermore, Lewis treats us an imaginative scope of adventure and mystery that is perhaps not matched by any other book in the series in regard to its variety and quantity. Since the fun of reading a book like this is in the discovery of each new marvel presented, it would be wrong of me to list them all - but of course it will come as no surprise to readers that Aslan's presence heavily surrounds the ship and its purpose. Some of Lewis's most overtly Christian connotations are found within "The Voyage" - yet as always, they are not so obtrusive that they become preachy or alienate readers who are not particularly interested in the subtext. Toward the end of the novel in particular, the christological references of the story are beautifully incorporated into the narrative of the story...and again, I have to resist temptation to go into detail!

As always, Lewis fills his books with little touches of intrigue and enigma, for example: the bracelet of a missing lord, which now hangs on a stone outcropping till the world ends, the unspoken sin of a star that was banished to earth, and the friendship that is formed between Lucy and a mermaid in the moment that they both meet and part. Lewis was a master at making small, thought-provoking events that didn't mean much to the overall continuation of the plot, but existed simply for their own sake in enriching and enlivening the story.

For many, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is the best book in the series; not to mention their favourite. To be honest, I'm not sure where I stand on such a question, but I do know that it is an unusual (in a good way!) inclusion in the Chronicles, and in many ways a turning point for the series. This is the last book in which Pevensie children play a major part in the action; as Eustace takes over in the next book "The Silver Chair" as protagonist. As such, there is a bittersweet quality to it, which is well in keeping to the nature and purpose of Narnia itself.

Voyaging - Rated
The second volume of the Narnia Chronicles closed with the possibility of Lucy and Edmund -- though not their older siblings -- returning to Narnia. "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" makes good on that story, with the intrepid pair (plus a whiny cousin) returning on a strange sea voyage.

After the events of "Prince Caspian," Lucy and Edmund are sent off to stay with their obnoxious cousin Eustace. But when they admire a picture of a strange ship, suddenly all three kids are sucked in -- and land in a Narnian sea. On board the ship is King Caspian, now fully grown, who is determined to find a bunch of knights exiled by his murderous uncle, even if he has to go to the edge of the world (literally).

Lucy and Edmund are thrilled to be back in Narnia again, but Eustance proceeds to make trouble any way he can, complaining and causing trouble among the crew. But there are problems more horrifying than any of them can guess, from dragons to sinister "gold water" to a region filled with their worst nightmares.

"The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is one of Lewis's most original and tightly-written Narnian adventures. It's also a bit of a break from form. After two books of battles against evil tyrants, "Voyage" simply goes where no man/woman/mouse has gone before, and gives us a view of the Narnian world as more than one isolated little region.

And in some ways, it's also the darkest Chronicle. Lewis explores the theme of greed here -- greed for power, beauty, money and magic -- and has some scenes both chilling and majestic. But his archly humorous style peeks through in several places, whether it's pompous mouse Reepicheep or tea with a reclusive old wizard.

Edmund and Lucy are their usual plucky selves, albeit a bit more mature than before. But "Voyage" also introduces one of Lewis' most interesting characters in Eustace Clarence Scrubb. Like Edmund, Eustace is initially a peevish, lying boy who generally makes trouble, but slowly learns his errors. But unlike Edmund, Eustace doesn't have to ally himself to the baddie to learn that.

"Voyage of the Dawn Treader" was a turning point for the Narnia Chronicles, as well as the one that began venturing into darker territory. Engaging and tightly written.

Another masterpiece - Rated
Whilst not as mythic as either Lion, Witch and Wardrobe or Magician's Nephew, this is the story I return to over the (many too many) years since i first read the books.

It shows that the format of the story evolves with fewer of the original four children entering Narnia along with their sceptical cousin, who undergoes real growth during the story, as do the other children.

Clearly a Narnia take on Homer's Odyssey, this is none the less an excellent read.

A Quest to the Edge of the World - Rated
When Caspian became king, he made a pledge to track down the seven friends of his father that had been sent to explore the unknown waters beyond the Lone Islands. After establishing peace, he sets off and is aided in his quest by Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace, who arrive from England via a magic picture. Bravely sailing into the unknown (occasionally prodded by the mouse Reepicheep), they encounter dragons, sea creatures, magic, and lots of danger. Will they be able to find the seven Lords?

I love this book in the series, probably partially because it is set at sea. The story is episodic in nature, but the quest and information found along the way keep things moving forward. And there is plenty of action and adventure to keep anyone entertained. Lewis really used his imagination to create some of the locals where the boat stops, and it's fun seeing what he came up with. I especially love the Dufflepuds, although I'm glad I never have had a conversation with them.

As with any series, there are little things you'll pick up on if you read them in order. However, it's not strictly necessarily. Anyone looking for a fantasy adventure will love this book.

a magical voyage to the ends of the Narnian world - Rated
I particularly love this book (and The Silver Chair)out of all the Narnia Chronicles because I went to a progressive school just like that of Eustace Scrubb. Eustace is the horrid cousin of two of the original four who found their way into Narnia in The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, and in this sequel to Prince Caspian all three are sucked into a picture in the spare room wall to join Caspian in his quest. He is searching for the seven seafaring Lords who left his wicked Uncle Miraz to search for the end of the world.
There are many marvellous adventures, including a fight with a sea-serpent and an island-pool that turns everything to gold, but the best chapters concern the reform of Eustace after greed turns him into a dragon.