Dealings with the Fairies

by George MacDonald

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Genres: Fantasy

346 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1867

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

Reviews

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of short children’s fantasy fiction from George Macdonald most of which I have read before and most of which can be found collected in other works. Most of these are also in ADELA CATCHCART and “The Light Princess” is one of Macdonald’s most popular stories and can be found many places. All enjoyable and worth reading over and over again.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of George MacDonald fairy stories includes:

The Light Princess

The Giant’s Heart

The Golden Key

Cross Purposes

The Shadows


I enjoyed all the stories, perhaps especially “The Golden Key,” followed by “The Light Princess.” The stories often use plots or devices employed in well-known fairy stories or nursery rhymes, but they use them in fresh and original ways. Each of these stories is full of symbols and layers of meaning, and they are best read more than once, and slowly savored.

[DW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made it onto the favorites list because of The Golden Key. Some other good tales in here too, but the quality varies. Cross Purposes has some visually beautiful, or as Lewis would say, "atmospheric" moments, but has a mediocre story. The Light Princess has some wonderful symbolism but it is nearly ruined by artless direct explanation of some of it (yes, reverse side of the plate, I'm looking at you). The Giant's Heart has some wonderful songs.

[Billee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book filled with lovely wee children’s stories that a written in a beautiful way. I can see why authors have found inspiration in George MacDonald’s work.