George MacDonald

Список книг автора George MacDonald


    The Fantastic Imagination

    George MacDonald

    “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.

    The Diary of an Old Soul

    George MacDonald

    "The Diary of an Old Soul" is a collection of 366 daily Christian devotional poems by Scottish author, poet, and Christian Minister George MacDonald. Known primarily for his fantasy works and fairy tales, MacDonald was heavily influenced in his life and his writings by theology. This influence can easily be seen in «The Diary of an Old Soul» as well as in many of his fictional works too.

    At the Back of the North Wind

    George MacDonald

    A classic children's story written in England in 1871, this enchanting fairy tale follows a sweet little stable boy in Victorian London who goes on adventures with the majestic North Wind. She is personified as a lovely and mysterious woman, both severe and kind, who teaches young Diamond about herself on their journeys. The innocent, perceptive Diamond is caught up by this powerful entity, and he acts as the perfect character for MacDonald to acknowledge social injustice, explore the place of death in the lives of human beings, and realize the deep need we have for love and forgiveness. MacDonald poignantly addresses questions and fears that all humankind must face in this insightful landmark in children's literature. Ultimately he uncovers the core of our deepest needs and their origin in eternity.

    The Princess and the Goblin

    George MacDonald

    "The Princess and the Goblin" is George MacDonald's classic children's tale of fantasy. It's the story of the young Princess Irene and her good friend Curdie, the son of a miner. Princess Irene finds a secret stairway in the castle and discovers that her great great grandmother lives in a secret chamber at the top of the castle stairs. When Curdie overhears a plot by the Goblins that live beneath the castle to kidnap the Princess and flood the mine he is challenged to foil the plot of the Goblins and save the Princess.

    The Light Princess

    George MacDonald

    "The Light Princess" is George MacDonald's 1864 fairy tale. It is the story of a young girl, the daughter of the King, who at her christening is cursed to have no gravity by the uninvited Princess Makemnoit, sister to the King and a spiteful and bitter woman. As a result the princess is in constant danger of being carried away by the wind. A captivatingly whimsical tale, «The Light Princess» is one of George MacDonald's most loved stories.

    Lilith: A Romance

    George MacDonald

    "Lilith: A Romance" is George MacDonald's 1895 fantasy novel, which is the story of Mr. Vane, the owner of a library that seems to be haunted by a former librarian. When Vane encounters this apparition he comes to discover that it knew his father who now resides in «the region of the seven dimensions». Vane follows the apparition through a mirror to this strange new world where he encounters the house of beds, the Little Ones, and Lilith, the princess of Bulika. A fantastical journey through a mystical world, «Lilith» is considered one of MacDonald's darkest and most profound works, one that concerns the very nature of life, death and salvation itself.

    The Princess and Curdie

    George MacDonald

    “The Princess and Curdie” is Scottish author George MacDonald’s 1883 sequel to his classic children’s fairy tale “The Princess and the Goblin”. In this beautiful and exciting tale, the reader finds Princess Irene and Curdie a year or two older. Life has returned to normal for Irene and Curdie until they must overthrow a set of corrupt ministers who are poisoning Irene’s father, the king. When Curdie finally meets Irene’s mysterious and magical Grandmother, he is sent off on a quest with a strange dog-like creature named Lina, who was once human, to help save Irene’s father and the kingdom. Curdie is at first wary of this odd and ugly creature, but he soon finds that Lina is the most loyal friend he could have wished for on this dangerous adventure as the creature saves his life numerous times. Curdie once again shows his bravery and loyalty, and with help from Irene’s powerful grandmother, he risks his own life to save Irene and her sickly father from the evil plot. A classic tale of fantasy, “The Princess and Curdie” is one of George MacDonald’s most magical and exciting children’s tales. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

    At the Back of the North Wind

    George MacDonald

    “At the Back of the North Wind” is a classic children’s story first serialized in England in 1868 and published into a book in 1871 by the Scottish author George MacDonald. This enchanting fairy tale follows Diamond, a sweet, innocent, and joyful young stable boy in Victorian London who goes on adventures with the majestic North Wind. The North Wind is personified as a lovely and mysterious woman, both severe and kind, who teaches young Diamond about herself on their journeys. The perceptive Diamond is caught up by this powerful entity on her nightly adventures, and the kind child acts as the perfect character for the author to highlight social injustice, explore the place of death in the lives of human beings, and acknowledge the deep need all humans have for love and forgiveness. While the North Wind sometimes brings death and destruction to the human world, good things always follow and balance is brought to the world. Engaging and filled with exciting adventures, “At the Back of the North Wind” tackles difficult and complicated issues in a language accessible to all ages. MacDonald poignantly addresses questions and fears that all humankind must face in this beautiful and insightful landmark of children's literature. This edition includes a biographical afterword.