Most Popular Books by George MacDonald

The Diary of an Old Soul is a novel written by George MacDonald. In this volume of verse, MacDonald offers a poem for every day of the year; each is intended to prompt introspection and prayerful contemplation. 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 wrote in his Christian Disciplines 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.

"The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald is a classic fantasy novel that intertwines themes of bravery, trust, and the battle between good and evil. The story follows Princess Irene, a young girl living in a mountainous kingdom, who discovers a hidden world beneath her home inhabited by goblins. These goblins, once surface dwellers, have retreated underground due to conflicts with humans. Irene''s life takes a turn when she meets her mysterious great-great-grandmother, who resides in a secret tower and possesses magical abilities. This grandmother provides Irene with a magical thread to guide her in times of danger. The narrative also introduces Curdie, a miner''s son, who becomes a key ally to Irene. Curdie is brave and resourceful, often using his wits and songs to ward off the goblins. As the story unfolds, Curdie discovers the goblins'' plan to invade the kingdom and kidnap the princess. Together, Irene and Curdie must navigate the challenges posed by the goblins, relying on their courage and the magical thread to protect the kingdom. MacDonald''s novel is rich with allegorical elements, exploring the virtues of courage, faith, and the power of unseen forces. The interplay between the human world and the goblin world serves as a backdrop for a tale that emphasizes the importance of inner strength and the bonds of friendship. The story concludes with the triumph of good over evil, as Irene and Curdie successfully thwart the goblins'' plans, ensuring peace in the kingdom.

Lilith - George MacDonald - Lilith is a fantasy novel written by Scottish writer George MacDonald and first published in 1895. Its importance was recognized in its later revival in paperback by Ballantine Books as the fifth volume of the celebrated Ballantine Adult Fantasy series in September 1969.Lilith is considered among the darkest of MacDonald''s works, and among the most profound. It is a story concerning the nature of life, death and salvation. Many believe MacDonald is arguing for Christian universalism, or the idea that all will eventually be saved.

Phantastes - George MacDonald - This classic tale by master Scottish story teller George Macdonald Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women is a fantasy novel first published in London in 1858.The story is about the main character character Anodos, a young man who is pulled into a dreamlike world and there searches for his ideal of female beauty, Anodos has many adventures and temptations while in the other world, until he is finally ready to give up his ideals.George MacDonald was the inspiration for authors, such as W. H. Auden, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, 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."

The Princess and the Goblin is a children''s fantasy novel by George MacDonald. It was published in 1872 by Strahan & Co. The sequel to this book is The Princess and Curdie. Anne Thaxter Eaton writes in A Critical History of Children''s Literature that The Princess and the Goblin and its sequel "quietly suggest in every incident ideas of courage and honor." Jeffrey Holdaway, in the New Zealand Art Monthly, said that both books start out as "normal fairytales but slowly become stranger", and that they contain layers of symbolism similar to that of Lewis Carroll''s work.

The Princess and Curdie - George MacDonald - Princess Irene''s discovery of a secret stair leads to a wonderful revelation.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.

Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women PREFACE CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V CHAPTER VI CHAPTER VII CHAPTER VIII CHAPTER IX CHAPTER X CHAPTER XI CHAPTER XII CHAPTER XIII CHAPTER XIV CHAPTER XV CHAPTER XVI CHAPTER XVII CHAPTER XVIII CHAPTER XIX CHAPTER XX CHAPTER XXI CHAPTER XXII CHAPTER XXIII CHAPTER XXIV CHAPTER XXV

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.. 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.

"The Flight of the Shadow" by George MacDonald is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of religious enlightenment. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the unconventional follows the protagonist, Cosmo Warlock, a younger man grappling with existential questions and the weight of his circle of relatives''s dark legacy. As Cosmo embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he encounters a sequence of enigmatic characters who venture his beliefs and push him to confront his internal demons. Along the manner, he navigates issues of morality, identification, and the look for which means in a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil. MacDonald''s lyrical prose and shiny descriptions immerse readers in the rugged splendor of the Scottish landscape at the same time as exploring profound philosophical and religious subject matters. Through Cosmo''s introspective journey, the novel in the long run offers a poignant reflection on the human circumstance and the redemptive energy of love and forgiveness. "The Flight of the Shadow" stands as a undying classic that maintains to resonate with readers nowadays, inviting them to contemplate existence''s mysteries and ponder the deeper truths that lie below the surface of existence.

In "The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories," George MacDonald weaves a collection of enchanting tales that blend whimsical imagery with profound philosophical insights. The titular story, "The Light Princess," follows a young princess cursed with the absence of gravity, symbolizing a deeper exploration of the nature of gravity—both literal and metaphorical—in human relationships and responsibilities. MacDonald''s rich, poetic prose and vibrant descriptions captivate readers, while his narrative often serves as a critique of Victorian society and its norms, underscoring themes of love, freedom, and the quest for identity. George MacDonald, a pivotal figure in children''s literature and a precursor to the fantasy genre, was heavily influenced by his theological background and belief in the innate goodness of humanity. His own experiences as a minister and his struggles with faith permeate his storytelling, lending a unique depth and moral dimension to his fairy tales. MacDonald''s works laid the groundwork for later writers, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, establishing a legacy that endures within the literary canon. Readers seeking a combination of whimsy and moral inquiry will find "The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories" a delightful exploration of the human condition. Ideal for both adults and children, this collection invites readers to reflect on the magical and transformative power of love and imagination.

Anne Thaxter Eaton writes in A Critical History of Children''s Literature that The Princess and the Goblin and its sequel "quietly suggest in every incident ideas of courage and honor." Jeffrey Holdaway, in the New Zealand Art Monthly, said that both books start out as "normal fairytales but slowly become stranger", and that they contain layers of symbolism similar to that of Lewis Carroll''s work.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.