Most readers of the C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia know that there is more there than meets the eye. Certain story elements have obvious duel meanings-a second layer below the surface-like the death and resurrection of Aslan the lion. But where does the name Aslan come from? What are other key Bible references in the Chronicles of Narnia? Did Lewis make up the names, or do they have a deeper meaning too? And do even Lewis's own personal feelings about prunes show up in these books? The Keys to the Chronicles will unlock the literary, linguistic, biographical, biblical, and mythological depth of Lewis's masterpiece.

To grasp the significance of Chronicles for our times, we must first understand its original meaning. Many find its complex history unfamiliar and assume that it is irrelevant for contemporary life. It was written to encourage the Jews to be faithful to God on their return from Babylon and not focus on material prosperity.