1972 Pauline Baynes Promotional Map of C. S. Lewis' Narnia

A very attractive example of the rare 1972 Pauline Baynes' promotional poster map of C. S. Lewis' fantasy world Narnia, the setting for the 8-volume Chronicles of Narnia. Although published nearly 20 years after C. S. Lewis' death, this map offers the first representation of Narnia as a comprehensive whole. It is based directly on Bayne's collaboration with C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) from the early proof editions of the novels in the 1950s, through his death. Although Baynes and Lewis never became close, as she did with J. R. R. Tolkien (1892 - 1973), she illustrated his work both before and after his death.

The Map

The head of the creator-lion Aslan looks over the map from the upper left corner. Centered on Cair Paravel, seat of High King Peter and his siblings, coverage extends from the Harfang, the city of Giants, to Tashbaan, capital of semi-arid empire of Calormen. It is bounded on the west by mountains, where the pass to Telmar is noted, and the Western Wild; and on the east by the Great Eastern Ocean, the Bight of Calormen, and the Lone Islands. Maritime routes trace the voyages of the Dawn Treader and the Spleandour Hyaline. Vignette medallions surrounding the map highlight each of the 8 books in the Chronicles of Narnia. Smaller medallions throughout illustrate people and events from the novels.

Praise When it was Published

In the children's book magazine, Puffin Post (Vol. 6, No. 2, 1972), the map was promoted at the time of publication,

A Map of Narnia - Follow the route of the Dawn Treader, see Cair Paravel and the Lone Islands. Now, for the first time, you can see Narnia and the surrounding countries on one beautiful map measuring 20 ins by 30 ins. Pauline Baynes, who illustrated all of the Narnia books, has created a really glorious poster for us which you can hang on your wall or pin on a notice board.

Publication History and Census

Pauline Baynes drew this map in 1971 for publication in 1972. It was planned to promote the release of a new paperback edition of the Chronicles of Narnia. The first printing by Penguin Books bears an imprint of H. L. Vickery Ltd. at bottom center, as well as the text 'First printing 1972'. The present example was published concurrently, also in England, by Macmillan, for the American edition. This map was popular when issued and produced in some quantity. Most examples, sadly, had a short lifespan pinned to the walls of children's bedrooms, leading to considerable scarcity today.