The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis – 1950 | First UK Edition

“Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you”!

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, published by Geoffrey Bles in 1950, introduced readers to the Narnian world for the first time. This first UK edition bears the textual statement “First printing” on the copyright page and features the work of illustrator Pauline Baynes. The copy includes a facsimile dust jacket that replicates the original design.

Baynes’s drawings established the visual character of the series. First printings of this book are known for their scarcity and strong collector interest. This title marked a turning point in children’s fantasy publishing from postwar Britain.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Author(s): C.S. Lewis
• Illustrator(s): Pauline Baynes
• Publisher: London: Geoffrey Bles
• Edition: First Edition, 1950
• Format: Octavo, single volume
• Binding: Publisher’s original cloth; facsimile dust jacket
• Size:  8in x 5.75in (20.5cm x 14.5cm)
• Collation: 172, [2]
• Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by Pauline Baynes, including full-page plates
• Contents Include:
  • Complete narrative text
  • Original character artwork

Condition:

Good. Cloth binding is firm, with spine slightly faded and water stains around edges. Page edges show some age toning. Pages clean throughout. Includes a well-executed facsimile dust jacket with only minimal wear. No internal writing or marks.

Why Collect This?

• Confirmed first printing with original issue point
• Baynes illustrations in their original context
• Ideal for collectors of British literary series
• Foundational title in children’s fantasy fiction

INVENTORY NUMBER (SKU): #28794