Most Popular Books by George MACDONALD

George MacDonald''s poetical autobiography chronicles his spiritual journey as he found God over the course of one year. A classic of piety, A Book of Strife is written in diary format: each day of the year receives its own unique verse. Each of these imparts contemplation or revelations on subjects poignant or relevant to Christians. For instance; MacDonald discusses the various saints of Christianity; passages or events in the Biblical canon and Gospels; the character and teachings of Jesus Christ; and the natural world around us.

The Princess and Curdie is a children''s classic fantasy novel by George MacDonald from late 1883. The book is the sequel to The Princess and the Goblin. The adventure continues with Princess Irene and Curdie a year or two older. They must overthrow a set of corrupt ministers who are poisoning Irene''s father, the king. Irene''s grandmother also reappears and gives Curdie a strange gift. A monster called Lina aids his quest.Two years have passed since the last book, and Princess Irene and her father go to Gwyntystorm, while Curdie (a miner boy who is the friend of the Princess) stays at home with his mother and father. As the years go by, Curdie begins to hunt for pleasure. He also slowly begins to doubt Irene''s story of her great-great grandmother. One day, he shoots down a white pigeon.

Follow Sir Gibbie on his adventures through the moors of Scotland''s Highlands more than a century ago. Having no mother and an alcoholic father, Gibbie must survive on the streets as a child unable to read or speak. See how this boy wins the hearts of his neighbors and offers what little he has to help others. Sir Gibbie teaches adults and children alike about the ability to sacrifice self, and to strive for a world more honest and pure than our own.(Classics for Young Readers) Sir Gibbie is an 1879 novel by the Scottish author George MacDonald. It is notable for its Doric dialogue, but has been criticised, especially by members of the Scottish Renaissance, for being part of the kailyard movement. Despite this there are far more who claim the book paints a fair view of urban as well as rural life. The book doesn''t seem to dwell as long on physical geography as it does on the spiritual geography of the soul. MacDonald''s editor, Elizabeth Yates wrote of Sir Gibbie, "It moved me the way books did when, as a child, the great gates of literature began to open and first encounters with noble thoughts and utterances were unspeakably thrilling." The book shows a complex cast of characters from all the social levels: from the laird to the homeless, going through a couple of priests, one of them prone to yield to worldly considerations, although he''s good enough, or clever enough, not to fall into wickedness; the other merely pompous and self-righteous. The aim of the story is to show that the idea that bad people are the almost inevitable result of unjust social treatment is wrong.Wee Sir Gibbie has all the numbers to become one of the dregs of society: a drunkard father; as a child he gets in a den of assassins; in rags and poverty, he flies away; then he is punished for having done good to others. But he grows to become a Christ-figure, a knight-errant, a wrong-righter. In 1937, the novel was included in an influential list of notable English language literature entitled Literary Taste: How to Form It (second edition). George MacDonald (10 December 1824 - 18 September 1905) was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. He was a pioneering figure in the field of fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow writer Lewis Carroll. His writings have been cited as a major literary influence by many notable authors including W. H. Auden, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Walter de la Mare, E. Nesbit and Madeleine L''Engle. C. S. Lewis wrote that he regarded MacDonald as his "master": "Picking up a copy of Phantastes one day at a train-station bookstall, I began to read. A few hours later," said Lewis, "I knew that I had crossed a great frontier." G. K. Chesterton cited The Princess and the Goblin as a book that had "made a difference to my whole existence." Elizabeth Yates wrote of Sir Gibbie, "It moved me the way books did when, as a child, the great gates of literature began to open and first encounters with noble thoughts and utterances were unspeakably thrilling."Even Mark Twain, who initially disliked MacDonald, became friends with him, and there is some evidence that Twain was influenced by MacDonald.Christian author Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) wrote in Christian Disciplines, vol. 1, (pub. 1934) that "it is a striking indication of the trend and shallowness of the modern reading public that George MacDonald''s books have been so neglected." In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works on Christian apologetics including several that defended his view of Christian Universalism.George MacDonald was born on 10 December 1824 at Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His father, a farmer, was one of the MacDonalds of Glen Coe, and a direct descendant of one of the families that suffered in the massacre of 1692.The Doric dialect of the Aberdeenshire area appears in the dialogue of some of his non-fantasy novels.MacDonald grew up in the Congregational Church, with an atmosphere of Calvinism..........

In "At the Back of the North Wind," George MacDonald weaves an enchanting tale that transcends the boundaries of children''s literature, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, and the interplay between reality and imagination. This illustrated edition enhances the poetic prose and vivid imagery that characterize MacDonald''s literary style, reminiscent of both fairy tales and the Romantic tradition. The narrative follows young Diamond, whose adventures with the mystical North Wind reveal profound truths about human existence and the abstract concept of wonder. MacDonald''s exploration of the ethereal and the mundane invites readers to contemplate the nature of dreams and the essence of hope within the context of Victorian society, where moral lessons were paramount in literature. George MacDonald (1824-1905) stands as a pivotal figure in the development of fantasy literature, significantly influencing contemporaries like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. His deep Christian faith and philosophical insights are interwoven throughout his works, reflecting a worldview that celebrates both the extraordinary and the everyday. MacDonald''s unique ability to recount stories that captivate both children and adults can be traced to his background as a minister and his profound understanding of human emotion and spirituality. I highly recommend "At the Back of the North Wind" for readers seeking a richly layered narrative that invites reflection and ignites the imagination. This beautifully illustrated edition not only serves as a gateway into MacDonald''s fantastical world but also stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of what lies ''at the back'' of our own perceptions.

For offering this new edition of my father''s Phantastes, my reasons are three. The first is to rescue the work from an edition illustrated without the author''s sanction, and so unsuitably that all lovers of the book must have experienced some real grief in turning its pages. With the copyright I secured also the whole of that edition and turned it into pulp.My second reason is to pay a small tribute to my father by way of personal gratitude for this, his first prose work, which was published nearly fifty years ago. Though unknown to many lovers of his greater writings, none of these has exceeded it in imaginative insight and power of expression. To me it rings with the dominant chord of his life''s purpose and work.My third reason is that wider knowledge and love of the book should be made possible. To this end I have been most happy in the help of my father''s old friend, who has illustrated the book. I know of no other living artist who is capable of portraying the spirit of Phantastes; and every reader of this edition will, I believe, feel that the illustrations are a part of the romance, and will gain through them some perception of the brotherhood between George MacDonald and Arthur Hughes.GREVILLE MACDONALD.September 1905.

AT THE BACK OF THE NORTH WIND - GEORGE MACDONALD Diamond, son of a poor coachman, is swept away by the North Wind -- a radiant, maternal spirit with long, flowing hair. His life is transformed by a brief glimpse of the beautiful country -- at the back of the north wind. This Victorian fairy tale has enchanted readers for more than a hundred years, and combines a Dickensian regard for the working class of mid-19th-century England with the invention of an ethereal landscape.

George MacDonald''s ''Warlock o'' Glenwarlock,'' subtitled ''A Homely Romance,'' is an evocative piece of nineteenth-century literature that seamlessly weaves the pastoral with the fantastical. MacDonald, renowned for his fairy tales and fantasy novels, delivers a narrative steeped in the romantic literary tradition, chronicling the affections and trials of rural Scottish life with a touch of the mystical. MacDonald''s prose is characterized by its rich, poetic cadence and deep moral and spiritual undertones, resonating with the aesthetic and philosophical currents of his time, notably reflecting Victorian interests in the intersection of the earthly and the divine. As an author and Christian minister, MacDonald''s work was profoundly influenced by his theological insights and his keen awareness of humanity''s spiritual aspirations. MacDonald''s background in the Scottish Congregational church informed much of his writing, imbuing it with a sense of wonder and a deep conviction in the redemptive power of love and faith. ''Warlock o'' Glenwarlock'' emerges from MacDonald''s own life experiences and contemplations, befitting readers who seek a narrative that transcends mere entertainment, striving to touch the soul and provoke introspection. Recommending ''Warlock o'' Glenwarlock'' is to invite readers on a journey through the bucolic landscapes of Scotland, guided by MacDonald''s mastery of language and narrative. The book beckons admirers of classic literature and those who endeavor to explore the confluence of human experience and spiritual reflection. This literary gem not only promises to captivate with its story but also to enrich with its wisdom, making it an essential addition to the libraries of those who cherish the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the deeper truths of life.

George MacDonald is author of The Princess and the Goblin; British priest, poet, writer, philosopher, journalist and novelist. He studied at the University of Aberdeen.Date and place of birth: December 10, 1824, Huntley, United KingdomDate and place of death: September 18, 1905, Ashtead, United KingdomSons: Griffil MacDonald, Ronald MacDonald, Robert Falconer MacDonald, Mary MacDonald, Lilia MacDonald, Irene MacDonald, Grace MacDonaldImpact holder: William Wordsworth, Johann Goethe, Henry David ThoreauMovies: The Princess and the Goblin, The Shadows, The Pride of St. LouisThe Princess and the Goblin is a children''s novel written by novelist George MacDonald. It was published in 1872Original Publish Date: 1872Author: George MacDonaldIllustrator: Arthur HughesAdapted Art Treatments: The Princess and the Goblin (1991

Originally published in 1864, this story centers a young princess who’s cursed with the inability to touch the ground, but still finds love and happiness. The Light Princess is about sacrifice and redemption, while facing unsurmountable odds. When a witch isn’t invited to a royal christening, she curses the child with a “loss of gravity.” The young princess constantly floats on air and can only find relief while in water. Due to her circumstance, she remains figuratively and literally distant. This becomes a greater problem when her family discovers the only way to break the curse is through tears. The princess must experience the power of love and loss before she can finally be free. . The Light Princess is one of George MacDonald’s most notable works. It’s been adapted across multiple mediums including a musical with songs from award-winning artist, Tori Amos. It’s a children’s tale that delivers a compassionate message with a unique narrative. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Light Princess is both modern and readable.

Lilith, first published in 1895, tells the story of Mr. Vane, the owner of a library that seems to be haunted by a raven-the ghost of the library''s former owner. Mr. Vane eventually follows this strange figure through a mirror and into another world, the "region of seven dimensions." There Vane meets a number of characters, including Biblical characters like Adam and his first wife Lilith. Thus begins a battle of good versus evil that reverberates through dimensions. The narrative is heavy with Christian allegory, and MacDonald uses the world to expound on his Christian universalist philosophy while telling a story of life, death, and ultimately salvation. Critics consider Lilith to be one of MacDonald''s darker works, but opinion on it is divided. Despite this, some critics praise it for its rich imagery, with scholar Neil Barron claiming that the novel is the "obvious parent of David Lindsay''s A Voyage to Arcturus," itself a highly influential work of fantasy.

At the Back of the North Wind is a children''s book written by Scottish author George MacDonald. It was serialized in the children''s magazine Good Words for the Young beginning in 1868 and was published in book form in 1871. It is a fantasy centered on a boy named Diamond and his adventures with the North Wind. Diamond travels together with the mysterious Lady North Wind through the nights. The book includes the fairy tale Little Daylight, which has been pulled out as an independent work, or separately, added to other collections of his fairy tales

"The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald is a classic fairy tale that intertwines the adventures of a brave princess named Irene and her encounters with magical creatures, including goblins and a mysterious great-great-grandmother. Set in a fantastical world, the story explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil. MacDonald weaves a captivating narrative filled with enchanting elements and moral undertones, making it a timeless and delightful read for audiences of all ages.

“The Fantastic Imagination” is a 1893 essay by Scottish writer George MacDonald (1824–1905). A pioneer of fantasy literature, MacDonald was the mentor of Lewis Carroll and influenced the work of many other notable writers including J. M. Barrie, Mark Twain, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien. This fascinating essay concentrates on writing and imagination, offering expert insights into fantasy and fiction writing by a master of the genre. Highly recommended for fantasy readers and writers alike. Contents include: “George Macdonald, by Richard Watson Gilder”, “Fairy Tales, by G. K. Chesterton”, “The Fantastic Imagination, by George Macdonald”. Other notable works by this author include: “At the Back of the North Wind” (1871), “The Princess and the Goblin” (1872), and “The Wise Woman: A Parable” (1875). Read & Co. Great Essays is republishing this classic essay now complete with an introduction by G. K. Chesterton.

Reproduction of the original.

A new edition of George MacDonald''s classic allegorical fairy tale, originally published in 1872. The Princess and the Goblin is a children''s fantasy novel by George MacDonald. It was first published in 1872 by Strahan & Co. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives a lonely life in a castle in a wild, desolate, mountainous kingdom, with only her nursemaid, Lootie, for company. Her father, the king, is normally absent, and her mother is dead. Unknown to her, the nearby mines are inhabited by a race of goblins, long banished from the kingdom and now anxious to take revenge on their human neighbours.....

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A plot to kidnap a little princess and flood the passageways of a mine is thwarted when a mysterious silver-haired woman and a brave young miner help repel some devilish subterranean creatures.

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

Phantastes tells of the adventures of a young man named Anodos (which means Pathless in Greek). On his 21st birthday, just after the death of his father, Anodos opens a desk with a key which has been given to him by his father and in it he discovers his late grandmother, who has been transformed into a fairy. The fairy reveals a fairy land of magic and wonder: the walls of his study, made of wood, literally transform into an enchanted wood, and he is transported into fairy land. In this enchanted kingdom, Anodos has many adventures. He encounters both beauty and danger; and battles evil creatures. In the climax of the book, Anodos comes across an temple dedicated to evil, but disguised as good. Seeing through the travesty, he attacks the grotesque idol of rotting wood, but he is killed by its evil worshippers. After his death, Anodos floats peacefully over the fairy land and having died nobly, is able to find peace and gain perspective. He awakens back in the real world, alive. Or is he. He is told that he has been gone for 21 days, but to him it felt that he had been in fairy land for 21 years.

Lilith is a fantasy novel by Scottish writer George MacDonald, first published in 1895. It was reprinted in paperback by Ballantine Books as the fifth volume of the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series in September 1969. Lilith is considered among the darkest of MacDonald''s works, and among the most profound.