George MacDonald Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Anthologies

Author George MacDonald was born December 10, 1824 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and died September 18, 1905 in Surrey, England. His father (who was a farmer) was part of the MacDonalds of Glen Coe and comes from a family that suffered in the massacre of 1692. Both of his parents were readers and his mother, in particular, got a classical education and was taught many different languages.

Besides writing, he also worked as a poet and Christian minister. He is a pioneer in fantasy literature and was the mentor of Lewis Carroll (fellow author who wrote the “Alice in Wonderland” series). Carroll was a reverend whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson; he also took some pictures of MacDonald’s children, since he was one of the best photographers of the Victorian era. It was from MacDonald’s advice, and MacDonald’s many children’s warm reception that convinced Carroll that he should submit his story “Alice” for publication.

A lot of notable authors have cited him as a major literary influence; which include J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle. His best known works are from the genre of fantasy, and used the genre to examine the human condition, which is what influenced the previously mentioned authors. His non-fantasy works also influenced too, and were among first realistic Scottish novels; he has been given the credit for coming up with the kailyard school of Scottish writing. He claimed to write, not for children, but for those who are child like; no matter what their age was.

MacDonald was a graduate from University of Aberdeen; then he moved on to London, and studied at Highbury College for the Congregational ministry.

In the year 1850, he was appointed to the post of pastor of Trinity Congregational Church Arundel. His sermons, which preached about God’s unconditional love and how everyone would be reunited with him, were met with very little favour. His salary was reduced by half. He would go on to work in ministerial work in the city of Manchester, but left this job because of poor health.

He was married in the year 1851, to a woman named Louisa Powell; together the couple had eleven children. One of whom, named Greville, became a notable medical specialist, wrote many fairy tales for kids, and pioneered the Peasant Arts movement; even made sure that new editions were published of his father’s writing. One of his grandsons, Philip MacDonald, became a screenwriter; while Ronald, which is another of his sons, became a novelist.

Even though he was a Christian (and incorporated some things into his stories) he was still critical of certain elements of religion. Especially parts of the Calvinist doctrine (which he was raised with) and felt that certain things were unfair in it. He even burst into tears when he was told about the predestination doctrine, even though he was informed that he was an elect. Later novels show distaste for the concept that God elects love to some but denies it to some others.

“The Princess and the Goblin” is the first novel in the “Princess Irene and Curdie” series and was released in the year 1872. Princess Irene lives in a big huge castle that is located in the lonely and wild region full of mountains.

She finds a winding and steep staircase that leads to a confounding labyrinth of passages that have gone unused over many years. It is full of closed doors and another staircase.

What is at the top of this staircase? Is the ring she was given be enough to protect her against the menace of the goblins that is lurking from under the mountain?

Some feel that through reading this book, you get to see where fantasy novels pretty much got started. Fans of the novel found this be an enchanting and fine read, and you get to see why the authors who liked it did. This is an author with a great voice, and goodness. This is a well written book for the themes of bravery and fantasy; kids will also be able to relate the characters found in the novel. Whether a youngster or an adult, you will find something to like in this book; you will see some things that Tolkien would later use, in his works.

“The Princess and Curdie” is the second novel in the “Princess Irene and Curdie” series and was released in the year 1883. Princess Irene’s great-grandmother has a job for Curdie that is going to be tough for him to do.

He is not going on it alone though, she is kind enough to provide him with a partner for the trip. However it is the ugliest and weirdest creature that Curdie has ever laid eyes upon. It is still the most loyal friend that he could ever have hoped for in his entire life.

Some liked this one just a little bit more than the first book in the series. Fans of the novel found this to be a great story, and enjoyed reading it with their kids. There is something to think deeply about or speaks to them. Some like the friendship that grows between Lina and Curdie is a wonderful and beautiful thing to see happen. Some find MacDonald’s work to be simply wonderful, and felt that few authors today could touch the solemn beauty of this author.

“Phantastes” is a novel by George MacDonald that was published in the year 1858. It starts on the day after Anodos turns twenty-one. He finds an old fairy lady (which he finds out could be his grandmother) in a desk. To open the desk, Anodos uses a key that he inherited from his father. He is shown a place called Fairy Land in a vision and wakes up the next day to find that his bedroom is turning into a wood. He finds himself in Fairy Land.

He meets a mother and daughter that warn him about two trees (the Alder Tree and the Ash Tree), who try to destroy him. Someone tells him that the spirits of the trees can leave their hosts and wander around throughout Fairy Land.

He wanders around the fairy world, who live in flowers, which glow, but will die if the fairies leave them.

2 Responses to “George MacDonald”

1. Max Aranguiz-Peterson: 7 months ago

   In the order of his books, where “The Last Castle” was? and under what theme? I can’t find it. I owned the book but I don’t know about the order as it doesn’t show in any of the other books. Thank you! Max, from British Columbia, Canada.

   Reply
   • Graeme: 7 months ago

     Ah looks like we had that one under its original title of St. George and St. Michael I will update the listing.

     Reply