About the Book
Prince Caspian is the second book in C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia sequence. The Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, are pulled back into Narnia, only to find that centuries have passed since their reign. The Narnia they knew is barely recognizable: the Talking Beasts have gone into hiding, the old magic has faded, and a human king named Miraz has seized the throne that rightfully belongs to the young Prince Caspian.
The book follows two parallel threads. In one, Caspian flees his uncle's court and falls in with a ragged band of Old Narnians, dwarfs, fauns, and centaurs, who want to restore the old ways. In the other, the Pevensies arrive in a ruined Cair Paravel and slowly piece together what has happened to the land they once ruled. The two threads converge as the children join Caspian's cause and work toward a final confrontation with Miraz.
This edition is marketed as the full color version, meaning it includes the original illustrations by Pauline Baynes rendered in color. That distinction matters more for print readers than for audio listeners, since the illustrations don't carry over to the audio format in any meaningful way.
Narration & Audio Performance
Lynn Redgrave was a trained stage and screen actress with a warm, measured delivery, and that background is evident here. She handles the quieter, more reflective passages with ease, and her pacing gives the material room to breathe without dragging. This is a good fit for the tone of the book, which is slower and more melancholy than some of the other Narnia titles.
Where Redgrave is less consistent is in character differentiation. The cast of Prince Caspian is varied, dwarfs, mice, centaurs, pompous lords, and a fully realized audio performance would make each voice distinct. Redgrave's character voices are present but not always sharply separated. For adult listeners revisiting the book, this is unlikely to be a problem. For younger listeners who might rely on vocal cues to track who is speaking, it could require a little more attention.
Production quality for this Zondervan release from 2000 is serviceable but not modern-standard. If you're sensitive to older recording quality, the Audible sample is worth checking before committing.
The Audible Verdict
Lynn Redgrave is a capable narrator and the audio format works well enough for this straightforward fantasy narrative. That said, the 2000 recording is dated, the character voice differentiation is uneven, and the 'full color' edition's main selling point, Pauline Baynes's illustrations, is entirely absent in audio. If you already have the book on your shelf, you're not gaining much by switching to audio. If you're discovering it for the first time or want a hands-free listen, this version does the job and is a reasonable use of a free trial credit.
Listen on AudibleIs This Book a Good Fit for Audio?
Prince Caspian is a linear narrative with a clear plot structure, which generally suits the audio format well. There are no footnotes, diagrams, or visual elements that the story depends on. Listeners can follow the dual storylines, Caspian's flight through Old Narnia and the Pevensies' return, without needing to flip back or cross-reference anything.
The main caveat is the illustrations. The 'full color' designation for this edition refers specifically to Pauline Baynes's artwork, which is a meaningful part of the reading experience in print but contributes nothing to the audio version. You are essentially listening to a standard Narnia audiobook under a label that implies something extra. That's not a quality problem, it's just worth knowing before you buy.
Popular Listener Questions
Is this audiobook based on the 'full color' illustrated edition?
The edition metadata identifies it as the full color version, but the illustrations by Pauline Baynes don't translate to audio. You'll get the same text as a standard edition, the 'full color' label refers to the print book's artwork.
Do I need to have read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe first?
Prince Caspian works as a standalone in terms of plot, but it assumes familiarity with the first book's events and characters. Starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will give you more context for why the Pevensies' return carries weight.
Is this version suitable for younger listeners?
The content is appropriate for children, C. S. Lewis wrote the Narnia books for middle-grade readers. Redgrave's narration is clear, though younger listeners may need a bit more focus to keep track of the larger cast of characters.
Is this the author-narrated version?
No. The audiobook is narrated by Lynn Redgrave, not C. S. Lewis.
Similar Audiobooks
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The first Narnia book introduces the Pevensies and the world that Prince Caspian builds on, the natural starting point.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The third Narnia adventure continues with some of the same characters, and many listeners consider it the strongest entry in the series.
The Hobbit
A linear quest narrative in a classic fantasy world, also aimed at younger readers but enjoyed across age groups, a natural companion listen.
A Wrinkle in Time
Mid-century children's fantasy with a group of young protagonists navigating an unfamiliar world, comparable in tone and reading level.
The Golden Compass
Children in a parallel world fighting an entrenched power structure, thematic overlap with Prince Caspian, though darker in tone.
Audiobook Details
| Title | Prince Caspian (full color) |
|---|---|
| Author | C. S. Lewis |
| Narrator | Lynn Redgrave |
| Genre | Children's Fantasy |
| Year | 2000 |
| Publisher | Zondervan |
| Abridged | Unabridged |
| Cast | Single narrator |
| Author-narrated | No |
Ready to listen?
This audiobook is available on Audible and works well as a free trial pick, particularly if you're revisiting Narnia or introducing it to a younger listener.
Open on Audible