Showing results by author "George MacDonald" in All Categories

A young man named Anodos experiences dream like adventures in Fairy Land, where he meets tree spirits, endures the presence of the overwhelming shadow, journeys to the palace of the fairy queen, and searches for the spirit of the earth. The story conveys a profound sadness and a poignant longing for death.

Dive into a captivating journey of personal transformation with Flight of the Shadow, a mesmerizing novel by George MacDonald. This enchanting tale serves as both a poignant exploration of the dangers of secrecy and a celebration of the power of honesty. Although designed to resonate with a teen audience, its profound themes will linger long after the last page is turned. Written in the elegant style reminiscent of Gothic novels from the nineteenth century, this story weaves together elements of relationships, redemption, and the illuminating choice to live in the light. - Summary by Beth ...

Clare was a wanderer, shaped by the tremors of life from a young age. Orphaned by an earthquake before he could even grasp the meaning of his own name, his childhood unfolded as a tapestry of challenges and joys, filled with friends and foes alike. Among these, animals stood as his steadfast companions. Through every trial, Clares pure and loving heart remained a beacon of hope, guiding those around him. “He had had a rough shaking. The earthquake had come and gone… many times. But the shaking earth was his nurse, teaching him to thrive in a world that cannot be shaken.” - Summary by ...

In a tale woven with mystery and emotion, an unscrupulous baronet finds himself a widower, indifferent to the fate of his unattractive newborn heir. However, everything changes when a cold stepmother arrives, and the child is whisked away by a devoted nurse. What unfolds is a captivating journey filled with drama, love, and life lessons—hallmarks of MacDonalds remarkable storytelling. This gripping narrative serves as a sequel to Thomas Wingfold, Curate and Paul Faber, Surgeon. - Summary by HannahMary

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s wild landscapes, Whats Mines Mine tells the poignant story of clans torn apart as their homeland is sold away. You’ll find yourself drawn to the characters, feeling their struggles and celebrating their joys as they navigate the complexities of genuine versus superficial relationships, beliefs, and faith. Join them on this emotional journey that highlights the resilience of the human spirit. - Summary by HannahMary

George MacDonald, described by W.H. Auden as "one of the most remarkable writers of the 19th century", was valued in his own time as an original thinker and spiritual guide. Of all his writing, it is the fairy tales that have retained their fascination, and this collection includes all 11 stories. The fairy tales feature the stock characters of traditional tales—fairies both good and bad, and children undertaking precarious journeys. Often adopting paradox and nonsense as Lewis Carroll did, the stories invite adults to deploy the same open-mindedness as children.

Scottish author George MacDonald Fraser took the loutish bully from Thomas Hughes’ Tom Brown's Schooldays and gave him a new lease of life. Over the course of 12 novels, caddish anti-hero Flashman swashbuckled his way around the British Empire, playing a key role in some of the 19th century’s most significant events.

First published in 1867, Unspoken Sermons Series I, II, and III is a series of sermons by George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. He was a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow writer Lewis Carroll.

In this riveting sequel to Thomas Wingfold, Curate, we delve into the lives of an atheist who takes pride in his superiority over the Christians around him, and a weary woman attempting to fill the void of divine love with human affection. Both are haunted by secrets from their pasts. Meanwhile, the unconventional curate and his friend Polwarth, the dwarf, continue their mission to minister to all in need, regardless of their beliefs. Join us on this emotional journey of faith, love, and the complexities of the human heart. - Summary by HannahMary

Step into the enchanting world of The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, a timeless classic of fantasy and adventure that has inspired generations of readers. Follow young Princess Irene and the brave miner boy Curdie as they uncover a hidden kingdom beneath the mountains, where mysterious goblins plot in the shadows and danger lurks below the surface. Guided by a gentle, otherworldly presence and armed with courage, trust, and friendship, the children must face fear and deception to protect all they love.

The discovery of a secret stairway running to the top of the castle leads Princess Irene to a revelation even more weighty than the fiendish plans of the goblin community that miner boy Curdie has discovered. Will the Princess and Curdie understand the significance of what they have found, or will Harelip and the goblins successfully execute their evil plan?

It is the story of Mr. Vane, an orphan and heir to a large house - a house in which he has a vision that leads him through a large old mirror into another world. In chronicling the five trips Mr. Vane makes to this other world, MacDonald hauntingly explores the ultimate mystery of evil.

A wonderful story of adventure through the different spheres of life by Scottish author George MacDonald. Listeners will fall in love with this "Christ-like" character, Gibbie, who is a mute, yet truly good in heart and in deed. A uniquely creative tale that will capture both the old and the young for ages to come.

In this sequel to The Princess and the Goblin, Curdie has returned to his life as a miner and has dismissed the supernatural happenings of the past, believing them to have been a dream. When Curdie callously wounds a pigeon, his conscience leads him to Princess Irene's mystical great-great-grandmother for help. She has him plunge his hands into a pile of rose petals that burns like fire. Extraordinarily, this grants him the power to see what kind of "animal" a person is at heart.

Revolutionary for the time in encouraging children to think like children, the adventure of Princess Irene and Curdie, the boy miner, was to influence generations of writers, including Chesterton and Tolkien. Overflowing with fantastic ideas and images to delight the young and allegory to inspire their morality ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ has remained one of the most exciting tales for over 100 years.Irene lives in a castle on a mountain under which there is a labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by Goblins.

Though most well-known for his fairy tales and poetry, George MacDonald was among religious thinkers of his century. Despite his relatively short career in ministry, his works profoundly influenced a later generation of Christian thinkers, including G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis, who considered MacDonald to be his spiritual father. In The Hope of the Gospel, MacDonald explores the essential heart of the gospel that is so often overlooked, both in his day and ours.

MacDonald stressed the necessity of salvation and the importance of combining Christian faith with obedience to Jesus' teachings. He also believed that God's universal grace would eventually save everyone. Though written in the mid-19th century, these sermons, including "Mirrors of Christ", "Glorified through Trouble", "Salvation from Sin", and "The Giver of Rest", continue to provide contemporary followers with the spiritual guidance they seek.

Join the children Tangle and Mossy as they embark on a journey of faith, spiritual maturity and sanctification. Richly imaginative and sparkling with mythic qualities, this story communicates the joy of entering into faith as a child, traveling through life with a loving companion, and longing for the heavenly country.

It's a well known fact that a newborn princess will often be subject to a curse, especially if her royal parents neglect to invite an important magical relative to the christening. But never has there been a curse as charming (and hilarious) as that which befalls the Light Princess. Deprived of gravity, she can't take anything, or anyone, seriously. Even worse, she's apt to blow away on the first stiff breeze!

This is the story of the mystical travels of Diamond, a coachman's son, through distant lands and strange events while riding on the back of the beautiful North Wind.