George MacDonald

Life and Background:

• Lived: December 10, 1824 – September 18, 1905 (aged 80)
• Origin: Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
• Education: Aberdeen University
• Career:
  • Minister: Briefly served as a Congregational minister, but his unorthodox views led to him leaving the pulpit.
  • Writer: Became a prolific author after leaving the ministry, writing novels, poetry, fairy tales, and theological works.

Literary Contributions:

• Genre: Pioneering figure in modern fantasy literature, also wrote realistic novels and theological works.
• Known for:
  • Fantasy Novels:
    • Phantastes (1858) - An early fantasy novel considered a major influence on the genre.
    • The Princess and the Goblin (1872) - A children's fantasy novel considered a classic.
    • At the Back of the North Wind (1868–1871) - A children's fantasy novel known for its imaginative world.
    • Lilith (1895) - A fantasy novel with adult themes.
  • Fairy Tales: Wrote numerous fairy tales including "The Light Princess" and "The Golden Key".
  • Other Works: Published collections of sermons and poems.
• Legacy:
  • Influenced: Inspired numerous writers, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L'Engle.
  • The Childlike Reader: MacDonald believed his stories resonated with readers of all ages, not just children.

Additional Points:

• Mentor: Mentored fellow author Lewis Carroll.
• Christian themes: Though not strictly allegory, his works often explore themes of faith and imagination.
• Focus: MacDonald aimed to write stories that sparked wonder and a sense of the fantastical in the ordinary world.

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