George MacDonald
George MacDonald (1824-1905) was a Scottish author, poet, and minister, a pioneering writer of fantasy whose imaginative tales profoundly influenced later masters of the genre, including C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll. He is often regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern fantasy literature.
His best-known works are his fairy tales and fantasy novels, including the children's classics The Princess and the Goblin and At the Back of the North Wind, and the dreamlike adult fantasies Phantastes and Lilith. MacDonald blended enchanting storytelling with deep spiritual and moral vision, creating worlds of wonder that carry serious meaning.
A Congregationalist minister whose unconventional views led him to leave the pulpit for writing, MacDonald poured his generous, mystical faith into his fiction. C. S. Lewis called him his 'master.'
Our editions present his imaginative tales clearly. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
George MacDonald in the library · 2 works
soon
The Princess and the Goblin
Audiobooks by George MacDonald
Every George MacDonald title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 2 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about George MacDonald
What did George MacDonald write?
MacDonald wrote fantasy novels, fairy tales, realistic novels, poetry, and sermons. He is best known for the children's fantasies The Princess and the Goblin and At the Back of the North Wind, and the adult fantasies Phantastes and Lilith. His fairy tales, such as 'The Golden Key,' are also treasured. His fantasy works are his most influential.
Why is George MacDonald important to fantasy?
MacDonald was a pioneer of the fantasy genre, creating imaginative worlds decades before it became popular, and he deeply influenced later writers. C. S. Lewis called him his 'master' and said reading Phantastes 'baptized' his imagination; J. R. R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll also admired and drew on his work. He helped lay the foundations of modern fantasy literature.
Where should I start with George MacDonald?
The Princess and the Goblin is a wonderful, accessible starting point — a children's fantasy full of adventure and wonder. At the Back of the North Wind is another beloved choice. For his more mystical adult work, Phantastes is a good introduction. Start with The Princess and the Goblin.
What is Phantastes about?
Phantastes is a dreamlike adult fantasy following a young man named Anodos who wanders through a strange, magical 'Fairy Land,' encountering wonders, dangers, and spiritual lessons. Less a conventional plot than a symbolic, imaginative journey, it explores desire, death, and the growth of the soul. It is regarded as a landmark of early fantasy and famously inspired C. S. Lewis.
Are George MacDonald's books hard to read?
His children's fantasies are clear, charming, and easy to enjoy. His adult fantasies, like Phantastes and Lilith, are more dreamlike and symbolic, and reward patient, imaginative reading. A clear modern edition makes all of them more approachable, especially the richer adult works.
When did George MacDonald live?
MacDonald lived from 1824 to 1905 in Scotland and England. He published Phantastes in 1858 and his beloved children's fantasies in the 1860s and 1870s. A former minister, he became a celebrated author and a major influence on the writers who followed.
Where can I read George MacDonald for free?
MacDonald's works are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
Read George MacDonald free
Every restored edition — eBook and audiobook — is included with membership. Cancel anytime, one click · 30-day money-back guarantee.
Become a member →