It has come to my attention that the book "Past Watchful Dragons" by Walter Hooper has been reprinted. What does that mean?
It means, finally, the "Lefay Fragment", which is reprinted as a whole in that book is widely available again.
C.S. Lewis wrote the "Lefay Fragment" is an earlier attempt at what is TMN today, which he wrote immediately after he finished LWW as he wanted to write a prequel for it, explaining where the lamp post and the WW come from. This attempt is very different though than what is TMN and after some pages and talks with his publisher, he abandoned it (apparently because it was "too dark" and "not going to be where he wanted") and decided to write PC instead. Some of the ideas in the Lefay Fragment ended up in other books (Like the Character Pattertwig, or a half-dwarf half human character as Cornelius is in PC), but most of it is original and just as polished and humorous as the rest of the series is (if a bit short, what reminas today are the first 17 pages or so of what would have been TMN).
The main Characters are still Polly Plummer (who steals her fathers gun) and Digory Kirke (who can talk to plants and animals in london). Both of Digory Kirkes parents are already dead before the story even starts and they meet as Polly is building a raft as she wants to see what is in a river under some tunnel (which probably would have been the portal to narnia).
It is really something everyone who is more deeply interested in the CoN should check out.
Topic starter
Posted : January 1, 2010 8:25 pm
I borrowed that book from a friend and read it many years ago. I would dearly love to have my own copy.
There are interesting essays in it (I believe this includes "Sometimes Fairy Stories Say Best What's to be Said" - quoting the title from memory), but I'd especially like to read the Lefay fragment again.
(avi artwork by Henning Janssen)
Posted : January 4, 2010 2:35 am
I also just remembered that it also contains some notes about what C.s. Lewis initial ideas were when trying to think of a sequel for LWW, which contains ideas both used in PC and VDT, as well as an early draft of Eustaces journal he keeps on the Dawn treader, although back then he was called "Bill Birdbittle" instead.
Personally, I didn't found the essays and the rest of the book any good, but for these original notes alone it's totally worth it.
Topic starter
Posted : January 4, 2010 4:32 pm
I heard about this book here on NWeb, and knew I HAD to find it. It's been out of print for a long time...but that's what Amazon.com is for. I got it and read it. The Lefay Fragment was most enjoyable.
I found it interesting that in MN Mrs. Lefay is Andrew's long-dead fairy godmother, who is depicted as quirky and evil. In the Fragment, she's Digory's godmother, and she's quirky and good (as far as we know).
Some of the dialogue is the exact same as in MN and PC (Pattertwig has a cameo).
All in all, a great book; I'd encourage getting it, and it was definitely worth the $2 I paid.
Posted : January 9, 2010 4:51 pm
Hmmm, sounds interesting! 
I might just have to find a copy to borrow, or I may even buy it! MN was one of my favourite CoN books, which makes me want to read it more!
Day of Wrath, that day of burning,
Seer and Sibyl speak concerning,
All the world to ashes turning.
Posted : January 9, 2010 8:09 pm
what exactly is this book, and what does it have to do with Narnia? 
NW sister - wild rose ~ NW big sis - ramagut
Born in the water
Take quick to the trees
I want all that You are
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADBC57vKfQ
Posted : January 11, 2010 9:19 am
sound very interesting! I'll have to look in to it, I never heard of it before...
Posted : January 14, 2010 7:09 am
I have finally ordered a copy (used), and it should arrive in a couple of weeks, I hope ...
(avi artwork by Henning Janssen)
Posted : January 16, 2010 8:58 am