Princesses and Goblins
Party
The Hittys are celebrating an important author’s 200th birthday today…
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Princess
…have you read The Princess and the Goblin? It was one of my favourite books as a child, I remember my father reading it to me and my sisters sixty years ago! I loved the brave Princess, the scary goblins, mysterious tunnels and the grandmother whose name was Irene, like my grandmother’s…
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Happy Returns
George MacDonald was born in Scotland on December 10, 1824 and he is considered to be the “founding father of modern fantasy literature”. Even if you haven’t heard of him, you have probably heard of some of the authors he mentored or inspired: Lewis Carroll; J.R.R. Tolkien; C.S. Lewis; Madeline L’Engle and others – my copy of the Princess and the Goblin has an introduction by Ursula K. LeGuin!
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Happy Birthday George, and thanks – the world is a more interesting place because of The Princess; the Cheshire Cat; Galadriel; Aslan; Mrs Whatsit; and Sparrowhawk!
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Quimper Hittys 
I have never heard of ‘The Princess and the Goblin’! I shall have to see if the Library has a copy.
You might like it!
George MacDonald is my favorite author. I never knew his birthday date though and am very glad to learn of it. Although not introduced to MacDonald until about age 30, he has surely struck a heartstring in my being with his wonderful stories…and yes, also through those who followed in his footsteps. I too am so grateful for him.
Stories are good for you! I think imaginations need exercise just as much as muscles!
I’m going to investigate. Thank you.
I somehow knew the stories were not ‘real’ but what if they were…?
Wow! I had completely forgotten the Pincess and the Goblin, and its illustrations! Thank you so much for the added information,an d for reminding me of when I was quite little… (I an 76 now)
Those stories were magic!!
Sparrowhawk and his world is one of my favourite characters, and I have all the books he inhabits. Also the Narniaverse, which I still read from end to end every couple of years.
Isn’t it wonderful to have the tales and worlds and universes to return to at times – they are like comfort food!
Exactly! Like meeting up with old friends you haven’t seen in ages, but you know their characters well.
I had not heard of this title altho I am a fan of the other authors you mentioned including the marvelous Ursual K LeGuin. What a wonderful memory of your dad reading to you….I love the photos, especially the one of reading beneath the covers!
Beneath the covers with a flashlight is the best way to read a scary story about goblins and tunnels!!!
Now I want to read the Princess and the Goblin! I’ve read the authors that he has inspired. Wonderful images in this post 🙂
Thanks! George was an inspiration!