George MacDonald

THERE was once a little princess who..."But, Mr. Author, why do you always write about princesses?""Because every little girl is a princess.""You will make them vain if you tell them that.""Not if they understand what I mean.""Then what do you mean?""What do you mean by a princess?""The daughter of a king.""Very well, then every little girl is a princess, and there would be no need to say anything about it, except that she is always in danger of forgetting her rank, and behaving as if she had grown out of the mud. I have seen little princesses behave like the children of thieves and lying beggars, and that is why they need, to be told they are princesses. And that is why, when I tell a story of this kind, I like to tell it about a princess. Then I can say better what I mean, because I can then give her every beautiful thing I want her to have.""Please go on."

I had just finished my studies at Oxford, and was taking a brief holiday from work before assuming definitely the management of the estate. My father died when I was yet a child; my mother followed him within a year; and I was nearly as much alone in the world as a man might find himself.I had made little acquaintance with the history of my ancestors. Almost the only thing I knew concerning them was, that a notable number of them had been given to study. I had myself so far inherited the tendency as to devote a good deal of my time, though, I confess, after a somewhat desultory fashion, to the physical sciences. It was chiefly the wonder they woke that drew me. I was constantly seeing, and on the outlook to see, strange analogies, not only between the facts of different sciences of the same order, or between physical and metaphysical facts, but between physical hypotheses and suggestions glimmering out of the metaphysical dreams into which I was in the habit of falling. I was at the same time much given to a premature indulgence of the impulse to turn hypothesis into theory. Of my mental peculiarities there is no occasion to say more.

Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives a lonely life in a wild, desolate, mountainous kingdom, with only her nursemaid, Lootie, for company. She is protected from the outside world and oblivious to the existence of goblins, hideous creatures that live underground and only come out at night. One day, while out walking, Irene and Lootie get lost. As night falls, strange shadows creep out from under boulders and around corners, closing in on them. Terrified, they try to run but the goblins give chase. It is then they run into Curdie, the brave miners son who isnt afraid of the goblins and knows how to scare them away. While working late one night in the mines Curdie overhears a diabolical plan the goblins are plotting. The terrible goblin Queen plans to kidnap the princess and force her to marry her son. That way she believes humans will be forced to accept goblins as their rulers. Can they be stopped and the kingdom be saved before it is too late? Before the creation of Middle Earth or Narnia, George MacDonald was inventing wonderful kingdoms and populating them with magical creatures and enchanted beings. This is a must-read for all fantasy aficionados and fans of J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling.

Series I, II, and III

Illustrator: Jessie Willcox Smith

In "The Elect Lady," George MacDonald intertwines elements of fantasy and realism to explore complex themes of love, faith, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the novel delves into the lives of its layered characters, particularly focusing on the titular lady who grapples with her identity in a male-dominated society. MacDonalds lyrical prose is marked by its deep psychological insight and spiritual undertones, reflecting the tensions of the age while underscoring the transformative power of compassion and understanding. George MacDonald (1824-1905), a pivotal figure in Victorian literature, is considered one of the forefathers of modern fantasy literature, influencing writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. His own faith journey, intertwined with his literary pursuits, informed much of his writing in "The Elect Lady." Confronted with personal and spiritual challenges, MacDonald poignantly articulates the struggle for authenticity and the reconciliation of the sacred and the secular, drawing on lessons from his own life experiences as a minister and novelist. Readers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of social constraints and personal liberation will find "The Elect Lady" an essential addition to their literary journey. MacDonalds masterful storytelling creates a profound emotional resonance, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives while engaging in a timeless dialogue about the nature of true nobility and the power of love.

In "The Hope of the Gospel," George MacDonald eloquently articulates the foundational tenets of Christian faith through a series of poignant meditations on the nature of hope, redemption, and divine love. Utilizing a lyrical prose style, MacDonald weaves theological reflections with a pastoral sensibility, inviting readers into a profound exploration of spiritual truths rooted in the Scriptures. The book encapsulates the Victorian eras intertwining of spirituality and literature, drawing upon allegorical elements that resonate deeply within the human soul, offering solace and encouragement in an often tumultuous world. George MacDonald (1824-1905), a Scottish author, poet, and theologian, was a pioneer in the genre of fantasy literature and a significant influence on later writers such as C.S. Lewis. MacDonalds own struggles with doubt and his search for authenticity in faith illuminate the pages of this work, providing a lens through which readers can appreciate his conviction and empathetic understanding of human frailty. His writings reflect a deep commitment to the righteousness of Gods love and an earnest desire to inspire hope within his readers. "The Hope of the Gospel" is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian hope in a contemporary context. MacDonalds abiding grace and wisdom provide a refreshing perspective on faith, encouraging readers to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives. This book is not merely a theological treatise; it is a heartfelt invitation to explore the depths of divine promise and the joy that comes from a hopeful heart.

In "At the Back of the North Wind," George MacDonald weaves an enchanting tale that transcends the boundaries of childrens 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 MacDonalds 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. MacDonalds 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. MacDonalds 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 MacDonalds 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.