George MacDonald | Favorite Authors
“…let us have grace to serve the Consuming Fire, our God, with divine fear; not with the fear that cringes and craves, but with the bowing down of all thoughts, all delights, all loves before Him who is the life of them all, and will have them all pure.” Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald
Welcome to another post in my Favorite Authors series. Today I’ll be discussing the works of an author who has entertained me, made me think, encouraged me, and helped me grow spiritually.
George MacDonald | Favorite Authors
George MacDonald lived from 1824-1905. He was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. His writings influenced numerous literary notables, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, and G.K. Chesterton. C.S. Lewis declared, “I have never concealed the fact that I regard him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.” Chesterton stated that The Princess and the Goblin “made a difference to my whole existence.”
As for me, he had me at “Scottish”.
Aye, ye dinna ken I be a Scottish lassie?
I was enthralled with Scotland long before I realized I’m half Scots-Irish. My maternal Grandma Fossey was a Scottish McConnell (clan Donald), and we’ve discovered both sides of my Dad’s family emigrated from Scotland and Ireland. You can bet your bagpipes I attend the Scottish Festival every year!
Yes to tea and shortbread! Dancing! Music! Storytelling!
NO to haggis. Thank you for offering.
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Although George MacDonald was an ordained Congregational minister, his theological beliefs did not strictly align, and he found himself out of a pulpit. Therefore–much to our benefit–he turned to writing books to support his large and sickly family.
Do I agree with all his theological positions? No. As one of my husband’s seminary professors often said, “Eat the kernel; throw away the chaff.” George MacDonald’s whole-hearted pursuit of God inspires me, moves me, convicts me. His all-encompassing view of the Christian life challenges me.
Every single time.
I will recommend fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and a biography. I believe any of these works will be a blessing to you, as long as you don’t mind mid-story rabbit trails that are basically mini-sermons. You can take a preacher out of the pulpit, but he won’t stop preaching.
Children’s Literature by George MacDonald
The Lost Princess
Non-fiction Sermons/Apologetics
Biography of George MacDonald by Michael Phillips
Fiction by George MacDonald
I have read and own every one of George MacDonald’s adult fiction books. I highly recommend the editions edited by Michael Phillips. George MacDonald not only wrote in the 19th century, but he wrote in Scottish dialect that can be difficult to understand. Michael Phillips did an outstanding job of editing for ease of reading while still maintaining the dialect. He’s also included extensive footnotes anywhere clarity is lacking.
I love every one of the stories, but I’m including a few favorites just to get you started. MacDonald wrote of people rich and destitute; those with good intentions and bad; those with good understanding of themselves and poor; those who were married and single. Although they would generally be classified as love stories, they don’t always end with a marriage. He even featured independent businesswomen! His characters are rich, his plots vary from quiet and common-place to eerie and fantastical. Enjoy!
I now see that all the George MacDonald fiction edited by Michael Phillips is out of print! I am distressed! If you see these books at yard sales or thrift stores, snatch them up! In the meantime, I’ll link to the used books section on Amazon for your purchasing ease.
Amazon Homepage for George MacDonald’s works!
Favorite Author Series Links
Jane Austen
Amy Carmichael
Book Reviews
Posts About Books
Now it’s your turn! What have you been reading lately? Who is your all-time favorite author? What is your favorite children’s book? I can’t wait to hear!
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Very interesting! Authors like this always have a historical impact.
I agree! Thank you for commenting.
I too love this author. And I am as well distressed that his books are out of print. I used to have them on hand for my children when we were home schooling and then there was the time that we needed to get rid of everything and the hardest thing to get rid of was the many many many many hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of books. Unfortunately his books we’re part of them. I have to start collecting again!
I was aghast to discover this! I’m always paring down my book collection (because I keep buying more and more!!), but I’ll remember this in the future. Not every book can be easily replaced, and I tend to forget that. I’ve been told that Bethany House tends to have smaller print runs and cycle books out of circulation more quickly than other publishers. Moral of the story: don’t dispose of beloved books published by Bethany House!
Thanks for the recommendations!
You’re very welcome!
Thanks for these book recommendations. I like this comment from your husband! ” “Eat the kernel; throw away the chaff.”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about this saying!