George MacDonald: His Life and Works: A Short Biography

by Hein, Jonathan Marosz (Narrator)

"George MacDonald's stories and sermons have been like a magic pool of rejuvenating waters. Those who wash themselves in his prose cleanse their imaginations. For many, this begins a process of new faith or deeper appreciation of Christ. That was the path the beloved Christian author C. S. Lewis took when, to use Lewis's own words, MacDonald ""baptized"" his imagination. Lewis went on to say that he never wrote a book that was not influenced by MacDonald. Others too were profoundly moved by MacDonald. The discerning reader will find his mark in the works of G. K. Chesterton and J. R. R. Tolkien, among others. // In this short introduction to the life and works of MacDonald written exclusively for Hovel Audio, renowned scholar Rolland Hein is your guide through MacDonald's Fairyland. You will explore the symbols, motifs, and themes that run through MacDonald's stories, such as The Wise Woman, The Golden Key, and The Princess and the Goblin. Moreover, Hein introduces you to MacDonald's ability to take his imagination into the pulpit, where he preached many powerfully moving sermons. You are sure to experience a renewed sense of respect for one of Christianity's best story tellers.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published July 1, 2005

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the author said this was a short biography, he wasn't kidding. The actual biographical section in this book is very only a little over half of this already very brief book. The rest of this book is a defense of Christian mythology and a list of brief synopses of his major works.
I've been curious about George MacDonald for a while now, but have really struggled to get into his works. This was a good glimpse into his motives and style without having to delve into Scottish dialogue or fantasies. Both of which I don't really enjoy. While the author really focuses on his fantasies, he did make me want to give the novels another try.

[Jonathan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things that I most admire in a book is that it not waste my time.

Sometimes that means keeping things very brief. This book covered exactly as much of MacDonald's life and writings as I was interested in learning more about at the moment.

Paradoxically, I was confirmed in two opinions of MacDonald 1) that he was quite mistaken in his universalism and 2) that he is nevertheless a very helpful for believers in their effort to "baptize" their imagination, as Lewis put it.

1) To paraphrase, MacDonald said something along the lines:
"I'm not interested in the love of God unless it is a love for all mankind."

While there are numerous scriptures that I believe would contradict this being a legitimate demand upon God, the following two passages will suffice:

"Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?" (Matt. 20:15)

"Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction[?]" (Romans 9:21-22)

Then, of course, there are all of the passages where eternal destruction is talked about. I think any man errs when he attempts to be "more merciful" than God. Similarly, we are not God and cannot judge, yet, so we should be careful trying to imitate Him in this his most terrible role.

Nevertheless 2) is quite powerful. MacDonald uses all of his imagination to try and illustrate how it could be that every difficult, painful, sorrowful thing, up to and including death, is something that ultimately draws believers closer to the Lord.

[Mary Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short audiobook, but I loved it. A quick biography, a review of some of his books with a synthesis of how MacDonald saw the world. There is also a reading plan at the end for a year’s worth of reading MacDonald. It would be nice to be able to access this reading list online because it is difficult to write that fast.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good but short biography and overview of George MacDonald. What stayed with me was how devoted he was to his very large family.

[Brad Holaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of MacDonald's life, writings, and themes. Great place to start before digging into MacDonald.

[David Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short and it’s a quick overview. Don’t expect a deep dive or analysis.

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instructive and concise biography of MacDonald's life (part one), introduction to his fiction (part two) and non-fiction (part three).

[Keturah Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

*listened to audiobook*

If you haven't read George MacDonald, this is a great introduction! If you have, you'll love learning a little more about his life, his works, and even his great mind and soul. Only a little over an hour long, so basically a great podcast!

I really want to do the reading plan suggested at the end. If only I could find a print version of THAT or of this book? I've looked all over but seems to be only in the audio version.

If anyone reading this review knows how I can get my hands on a copy of something physical, please let me know!

[Emma Schramm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, clearly written, and and well-focused on MacDonald’s spiritual life, though I do wish the author had said more about his interest in reading and reviewing literature. A good brief biography for those looking to get a quick overview of MacDonald’s life.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating to learn more about the writer who inspired CS Lewis to write his stories. A man who faithfully used his gift of imagination and story telling to help readers grasp the treasures in the Christian gospel.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short overview of his life, and a reminder of his influence on CS Lewis, who has influenced us all. Also… it sucks to live before antibiotics… a subtitle should be “yes my wife and I are hearty and had 11 children, then we watched them die slowly over decades from TB.” 😬

[Eliza Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick interview of Macdonald's life and works

[Adam Bloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it's incredibly short. It's just a very quick primer on the life of MacDonald and then a short discussion of his books. I suppose it's done its job: I now want to find a longer biography.

[Michael Urch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Introduction!

[Jeremy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, sweet, overview of GM. Encouraging and inspiring to read more works that I haven't read yet.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise yet comprehensive, this work reveals the biographical context, major points, and impact of MacDonald's works. As one who has not yet read Macdonald, I am now eager to do so, especially to gain a better understanding of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, whom he influenced.

[Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview and guide

[Allen Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent broad coverage of life and work. I enjoyed the combination of a good biography and survey of his work. It engaged me and gave me an appreciation for the context, motivations and scope of his life and work.

I only wish it was longer and deeper but I'm sure I will be reading more of and about this man.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book on a trip. Maybe that is why I was rather confused most of the time. I am interested in George MacDonald so may need to read it again.

[Adam Gilchrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short.