The Princess and Curdie Author:George MacDonald A sequel to The Princess and the Goblin: Princess Irene and Curdie are a year or two older, and must overthrow a set of corrupt ministers who are poisoning Irene's father, the king. George MacDonald (10 December 1824 ? 18 September 1905) was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. Though no longer well known, his works (particularly h... more »is fairy tales and fantasy novels) have inspired admiration in such notables as W. H. Auden, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L'Engle. For instance C. S. Lewis wrote that he regarded MacDonald as his "master". Picking up a copy of Phantastes one day at a train-station bookstall, he 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. Source: Wikipedia« less
George MacDonald wrote with moral values in view, but let his imagination wonder wondrously. He uses the Scottish countryside and turns it into an engrossingly fay world.
Originally written in 1883, this is a classic fairy tale that has stood the test of time. My mother read it as a child, and read it to me when I was little. I, in turn, buy copies for my friends' kids, having none of my own with whom to share this delightful story.