The Silver Chair (Narnia Collector’s Edition)

So I just got my hands on this used copy of The Silver Chair from the Narnia Collector’s Edition series, and honestly, I’m pretty happy with it! It’s definitely got some wear and tear – a few creases here and there, some slight fading on the edges – but hey, that’s what you expect with a pre-owned book, right? Everything’s still totally readable though, which is what matters. Just FYI, like most used books, it didn’t come with any extras like CDs or those online access codes or anything.
I’ve always had a soft spot for this particular Narnia story. Published back in ’53, it follows Eustace (who, let’s be real, was kind of annoying in the earlier books) and Jill on this whole adventure to find Prince Rilian. The hardcover on this collector’s edition is really nice – definitely better quality than my paperback versions from school. The binding feels sturdy, and the paper quality is actually pretty impressive. Size-wise, it’s about 5.5 x 8.5 inches, which is perfect for my bookshelf but also not too bulky when I wanted to take it on my flight last week.
The book’s got 256 pages and includes those classic Pauline Baynes illustrations that, to be fair, are a huge part of what makes Narnia feel like Narnia to me. They’ve always had this magical quality that just takes me back to when I first discovered these books as a kid.
If you’re into collecting fantasy books or just love C.S. Lewis (who doesn’t?), this is definitely worth picking up. It’s built to last way longer than those cheap mass-market paperbacks I used to have. I bought it as a gift for my niece initially, but I ended up reading it myself first – oops! It’s technically for ages 8 and up, but I’m in my 30s and still get completely sucked into the world every time I open it. The story holds up surprisingly well!