George MacDonald Books

I can see the main point of this book, and I think that's cool. "Don't worry when bad things happen - good things are around the corner." Or, to put it another way, "All things work together for good." But most of this book honestly annoyed me. Diamond is entirely too perfect (it starts to get on my nerves).

However, there *are* some scenes that really touched me and really made me think. For instance, when Diamond goes to help the drunken cabbie and his family. I like it when George MacDonald makes these side-notes about society and how we often approach situations from the wrong angle. That was definitely worth it.

After I read this, I went on to read "The Lost Princess." What a contrast! I went from reading about one angelically perfect boy to two horrendously bratty girls. I found the girls much more interesting! (And I felt like I could learn a few lessons myself regarding pride and humility)

After reading and loving his "The Princess and the Goblin" and "The Princess and Curdie",I thought this would be a joy as well. I was wrong! I tried to like it. I read about 75 pages and had to give up. I could detect no plot,no point at all and it seemed to be going nowhere,all he did was fly around with the North Wind,and they chatted about nothing of any interest or importance. This is the worst book that it has been my misfortune to come across in a very long time,and only the second,that I ever remember closing and giving up on. Read the other two,but forget this one!

I am quite ready to add At the Back of the North Wind to my collection of masterpieces that shall remain close to me, I suspect, my entire life. While a collection of favorite books by C. S. Lewis' site largest on that shelf, At the Back of the North Wind will be the second book by George MacDonald to join them. This seems quite appropriate as Lewis himself held MacDonald in such high esteem, even calling him his `master.' While more childish than Phantastes, At the Back of the North Wind manages to enchant my imagination in the same way that Narnia always has, while upon first inspection the tale may seem to be of little substance to a more mature audience I think there is subtle depth hidden within the deceptively simple child whom the story centers upon.

Diamond is the young boy of a poor coach driver and his wife living in England during the late 1800's. The story begins in the hayloft above the horse stalls where Diamond sleeps, as the wind blows, but it is not a simple wind, it is the North Wind, the romantic and enchanting idea of a grand lady who is the north wind. Diamond, the infinitely innocent and pure child is beckoned into the air and weaved into many journeys with the north wind where he learns goodness, truth and beauty. Throughout the story, other people see him as quietly wise or as one of `God's Babies.' As the story progresses Diamond becomes week and ill and while being taken to the enchanted country at the back of the North Wind he lapses into unconsciousness. Diamond returns, and with what strength he has, blesses everyone whom he meets; helping his family by driving his father's cab while he is ill, saving an orphaned friend off the streets, even quieting the drunken man's baby who lives next to him, whom even mistakes him for an angel. Finally touching the heart of the rich, but generous and altruistic man who looks after Diamond's orphaned friend and gives Diamond's father a job and lodgings in the countryside.

Yet, it is not these heroic acts, if one might call them that, resound so thoroughly, he is not doing good deeds, doing good deeds seems almost insincere when considered next to his genuine good nature. Like Narnia and Phantastes, there is a longing for something we may never fulfill here in our daily lives, a longing for something we have only hints of, Lewis defines this as Joy, for Diamond it is the longing for the country at the back of the North Wind, of which his first journey there is only a hint of the true country. As for me, I too feel this longing and it is an experience likely to be found in a quite forest and in the embrace of this extraordinary book.

George Macdonald suceeds in creating a perfectly innocent character in this book: the young boy Diamond. A previous reviewer said that Diamond was too perfect and not believable. I assume that this reviewer would say that Adam was not believable before he fell as well. Why someone is looking for "believable" (by believable I believe that he meant a character we would expect to meet in real life) characters in a George Macdonald fantasy novel in the first place is beyond me. It is like criticizing China for not producing any Englishmen.

Secondly, a previous reviewer said that this book is important historically but that it was not fun to read. He says that "He's the point when 'just fun' and 'sound moral instructions' combine in children's literature." I would like very much for him to show me one of these childrens stories with no moral instruction. That is what all fairy tales were about until recently. Try to find any traditional fairy tale that is not meant to convey moral truths to us. I am afraid that the reviewer has got it exactly backwards. This novel is not historically important at all, but it is very fun to read. George Macdonald is a master at creating fantasy worlds which the reader find easy to become immersed into.

Overall grade: A

This is a 299 paged fiction book.

This book most likely takes place in Europe where horses and carriages were people's transportation.

Diamond is a young boy.

His father is a coachman. His mother works in the home.

Diamond is named after his dad's favorite carriage horse.

Diamond is first visited by the North Wind in his bedroom in the loft.

When he was with North Wind, he could not say he was exactly happy because he didn't have his parents with him; but it was more than happiness, he was content, at peace and still when there.

Diamond is a small boy who has blond hair, light blue eyes, light brown skin, lips like a red rose, sings songs to his little brother and sister that some time make you cry.

Diamond was kind to his little brother and sister; he was brave, clever, neat, and generous. He was wise beyond his young years.

People liked him. He was kind to every one.

North Wind is gentle and kind to Diamond. Even though it doesn't say it at the beginning, North Wind is death. Diamond went to be with her.

I would recommend this book to 6th graders and up.

The book talks about death in a peaceful way.

Diamond is someone you can admire.

No wonder CS was drawn to this man's writing! Lewis sorts through MacDonald's body of work to get to real nuggets.

MacDonald packs more theological mind-fodder in one or two sentences than most can pack in a book. There are sound bites that will occupy your thoughts all day.

George MacDonald has a lot of spiritual wisdom; I love short little tidbits of his thinking that I myself can think on. If you like MacDonald (or Lewis) and his books, especially the spiritual aspect, you will love these quotes.

In CS Lewis' 1945 novel, "The Great Divorce," 19th century fantasy poet/pastor George MacDonald guides Lewis' narrarator on passages between hell (the joyless, fearful "grey city") and heaven. The narrator (by extension, Lewis himself) acknowledges MacDonald's life influence from when, at 16, the then-agnostic Lewis read MacDonald's "Phantasies" and concluded: "Here begins the new life."

MacDonald's influence reaches past Lewis to forebears Lewis Carroll (whom MacDonald mentored through Carroll's writing/publishing "Alice in Wonderland"), James Barrie, and GK Chesterton. Barrie and Chesterton helped co-chair MacDonald's centenary celebration in 1924, and Chesterton later called MacDonald "one of the three or four greatest men of 19th century Britain."

No wonder Lewis prefaces his anthology of MacDonald quotes by calling its compilation "discharging a debt of justice." MacDonald, overlooked in a fantasy literature timeline stretching from Lewis and fellow Inkling J.R.R. Tolkein to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, shows his wisdom through 365 excerpts from his poems, sermons, and short stories. Each is less than a page-long for easy daily reading.

Referring continually to Lewis' introduction helps while reading his MacDonald selections. Lewis writes, "Nowhere else outside the New Testament have I found terror and comfort so intertwined." It guides MacDonald images of the Good Shepherd's sharp-toothed sheepdogs tracking and returning sinners (quote 149), or being told in bereavement "you must be made miserable that you may wake from your sleep to know that you need God." (quote 223, from a man who lost a wife and daughter during his life). Even misplaced daily items are God's blessing against materialism (81). Lewis built his "Screwtape Letters" concept near completely around quotes 245-247.

"George MacDonald" rewards those consistently referencing it. It captures not only MacDonald's freedom from his Calvinist upbringing, but does so though powerful images of Father and Son, Christ and His faithful. It straddles God's demanding "the last farthing" against sin to man's ability to deny self (159, 300) and see that self as God does (208, 243) before we see Him for what He is. Fear and shame, to MacDonald, are undesirable but acceptable introductions (349, 214, 242), until we know, accept, and obey that deeper love (208, 243).

These are excerpts, nothing more. Even praising MacDonald's vision Lewis admits, "If I were to deal with him as a writer...certainly MacDonald has no place in its first rank - perhaps not even in its second." Indeed, many MacDonald inspired (again, Lewis' beloved "Narnia" series) would take his approach to fantasy as a window into human behavior to wildly popular heights a century after his death. "George MacDonald" is neither biography nor full appreciation. But it reintroduces a key 19th literary/spiritual figure through his star pupil, and is recommended for fans of Lewis and of Christian fiction.

Always interesting to discover the roots of an author's world.

(By the way, Amazon's packaging/quality is 5*.)

This is probably the only book written by C.S. Lewis that I will give less that 4 stars. I think it's great that he wanted to have an anthology of George Macdonald, but it just didn't work. Don't get me wrong, the quotes are great, but it just doesn't really give you an idea of who Goerge MacDonald is, and what his writing is like. Nearly all of the quotations are from his book of sermons, which is not one of his most popular works. If you have heard of George MacDonald and want to check him out, I would reccomend just jumping straight into The Princess and the Goblin or one of his other works. This just isn't the "usual" George MacDonald, and you don't get much of a hint as to what his "fantasies," which are what he is famous for, are like.

When I first saw this book in the store, I thought it was about Flash Gordon. It wasn't until half-way through the book, that I realized this book had nothing to do with the eighties film I saw as a kid. So uh, I dunno, it's not that bad. Flashman is not very nice, but he scores a lot with the ladies, and that's pretty cool.

Wonderful story as usual. A 19th Century Forest Gump (a little brighter but more cowardly and more lecherous) finds himself at the center of history's most important events hobnobbing with the memorable charcters and real life men of greatness. Don't miss it!

George MacDonald Fraser is a superb action writer who never loses his sense of humor as he moves his readers through great historical events. And in FLASHMAN AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD, Fraser takes you into the moment as Flashman takes the lead in John Brown's assault on Harper's Ferry, witnesses the drunken and angry siege of the engine house, and is on hand for the final bloody attack by the marines. This is my sixth Flashman novel. And throughout, Fraser's work as an action writer is absolutely first-rate.

Fraser also has a knack for developing his narrative so that Flashman exposes the reader to all sides of an issue--in this case, the abolitionist, pro-slavery, and government's perspective on John Brown. And, he is adept at moving Flashman in and out of the historical event so that the reader has the best possible view.

In ANGEL OF THE LORD, this skill is most apparent as Fraser moves Flashman out of Brown's raiding party, into the body of siege, and back to Brown's beleaguered band for its final futile defense. On reflection, Flashman's movements during the raid are improbable. But Fraser makes them seem plausible, and even character-driven, as he presents a complete historical tableau to his readers. With this talent, Fraser becomes a fine historical novelist as well.

In ANGEL OF THE LORD, Fraser also provides a thoughtful essay in the first appendix where he wrestles with the character and exploits of John Brown, who he elsewhere calls "the most violent and ruthless abolitionist in the country." In this appendix, Fraser acknowledges that Brown was "devious, foolish, vain, unscrupulous, and irresolute in crisis." But he concludes: "He is part of history and historic legend, and if what he tried to do was not heroic, then the word has no meaning." For me, this appendix added a lot.

At the same time, there are two negatives in ANGEL OF THE LORD. First, Fraser takes 50 pages to insert Flashman into ante-bellum America. This section works but I found it slow and creaky and very self-referential. The section might not work for readers who have missed Flash for Freedom! (Flashman).

Second, there are many references to details in other Flashman books, which this fan of the series often found obscure. This, I suppose, is a byproduct of Fraser's intentions. Certainly, Fraser intends, and is successful, in his effort to entertain. But, he also intends to explore great historical events and their personages. But, what happens when Flashy makes a reference to his own fictional interaction with a historical figure, such as Bismarck? Well, I remember Bismarck in history from ROYAL FLASH. But I've often lost the fictional context that makes Flash's comment witty.

Likewise, I'm befuddled when Flash refers to many of Fraser's secondary characters, probably because Fraser has created them to move Flashman in and out of events, not really to live beyond the narrative. Admittedly, there are a few memorable characters in the series, such as Captain Springs. But many of his fictional characters, even the prurient Elsbeth, are a little gray. (Of course, I haven't yet read Flashman's Lady (Flashman).) Still, these references do cloud the work.

Regardless, FLASHMAN AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD is a worthy installment in this terrific series and a great pick-me-up for anyone caught in the doldrums.

I enjoy this series and have had many enjoyable hours laughing at the 19th century's most outrageous cad. But this one is a bit thin and takes a lifetime to finally get to Harper's Ferry. When Harry and Co. finally make it there, even then it drags a bit. Not Flashman's best by any means.

For those of you who aren't familiar with his exploits, please allow me to introduce you to Sir Harry Flashman, literature's most unrepentant scoundrel. Flashman (whom some may remember as the bully from Tom Brown's Schooldays), is the hero of twelve (as of 2007) novels by the literate and witty George MacDonald Fraser. The setting for these novels is the Nineteenth Century, a time filled with countless skirmishes and disasters, with Flashman seemingly involved in most of them. Fraser, in an explanatory note, says it best:

"From the day of his expulsion from Rugby School in the late 1830s, Flashman the man fulfilled the disgraceful promise of Flashman the boy; toadying bounder and bully matured into the cowardly profligate and scoundrel, who, by chance and shameless opportunism, became one of the most renowned heroes of the Victorian age, unwilling leader of the Light Brigade, fleeing survivor of Afghanistan and Little Big Horn, tarnished paladin of Crimea and the Mutiny, and cringing chronicler of many another conflict, disaster, and intrigue in which he bore an inglorious but seldom unprofitable part."

Flashman's memoirs were purportedly discovered in an attic in Leicestershire in 1965, half a century after his death at the age of 93. Flashman and the Angel of the Lord, the tenth packet of the "Flashman Papers" to have been edited and published by Fraser, chronicles Sir Harry's second trip to America. The last time around, he was sold as a slave, worked as a plantation foreman, met a young congressman named Abraham Lincoln and smuggled an escaped slave via the Underground Railroad. This time, through misadventure, coincidence, and the consequences of his own cowardice and womanizing, he is forced into acting as John Brown's right hand man, training Brown's followers for their disastrous 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry, the kickoff to the Civil War. Flashman, incidentally, served on both sides during that conflict, the details of which I can only hope will be revealed in a forthcoming volume.

In this age of political correctness, Flashman's bawdy adventures are a breath of fresh air. These books deserve every ounce of the praise they've received over the years---the only drawback of being a Flash-fan is enduring the long intervals between installments. Each novel stands by itself, but if you read one, you'll want to read them all. Sample one and join the ranks of rabid Flashmaniacs all around the world.

Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord!!!...and here came George MacDonald...Father's Love...Jesus...
Love This and All Of George MacDonald's books...
The Book arrived in excellent condition...this one is a gift...the second one passed forward...you'll find yourself gifting it too...

George MacDonald is great, my kids have read almost all his books. So I am reading them also. He writes so well, I'd recommend any of his books.

I have purchased many of this title for gifts and always have a copy on hand for myself. It would be impossible to overestimate the contributions of George MacDonald to the Christian understanding generally and to the understanding of Who God is and how to know Him specifically.
One pervading theme in all of MacDonald's works, both fiction and non-fiction, is his belief that simple obedience is the one and only path to truly knowing God and growing in spiritual understanding. It is not about what you know; it is about what you do! And the doing, beginning with the most simple thing you KNOW to do, is the beginning of knowing God. Without that first step of obedience, you will never know Him, though you might fill your head with all kinds of lofty theology.
The only complaint I have with this book (if you can call it a complaint) is the way Phillips inserted poems and excerpts from MacDonald's novels at random before and at the end of each chapter. Having read most of MacDonald's novels, even I had to struggle to place the short excerpts in their context. A reader who has not read any of his novels might find this confusing. The excerpts are best left in their original context, that is, in the novel itself.
Yet, I will not fault Phillips for his efforts in putting this together because he has done a tremendous service, in my opinion, in editing many of MacDonald's books for modern readers, who otherwise might find them daunting.
If you enjoy MacDonald, make sure to pick up "George MacDonald "Victorian Mythmaker" by Rolland Hein and read about the man himself. Also, MacDonald's "Unspoken Sermons" ...

Stories, poems, commentary - all provide an introduction to the God of the universe who is much bigger and more unfathomable that most religeous organizations would have you know. Opinions, theology and descriptions fall far short of a life lived in pursuit and obedience to this God. He has and still is bigger than anything our minds can envelope.

I am a huge fan of C. S. Lewis. He has written of the affect George MacDonald had in his life. Since this book is a compliation of sermons, poems, and fiction, I thought I'd might get an sampling.

I see now why Lewis mentioned MacDonald so often in his own writings. MacDonald writes from a bone-deep spirituality, of heart and mind. His common sense, everyday relationship with God is there for all to see as he writes about the difficulty of obedience. At the same time, his reverence, reliance, and awe come through as he describes the desire to draw ever closer to "Our Father."

Although MacDonald died in 1905, his insight and encouragement to others is just a relevant today as it ever was. I highly recommend the book to christians, seekers, or anyone interested in hearing from man who knows who he is, what he wants, and is ready to do whatever it takes achieve it.

I genuinely enjoy reading Fraser's fiction and think "Quartered Safe Out of Here" is one of the great memoirs of World War II. However, this book is just one extended rant and ends up making Fraser look silly. The few times he scores points it is on easy targets. Most of the time he is simply trying too hard to be a curmudgeon. There is something pathetic about a wealthy white male feeling victimized by modern politics and one wonders, for all his railing against political correctness, if he doesn't have his own sacred cows that he never examined. Still, his anecdotes are funny and, as always, he writes beautifully.

This is the only one of George MacDonald Fraser's books that I have read (20 to date), that does not merit a 5 star rating. Still, I highly recommend it.

Do not expect Flashman to come running to the rescue after cowering behind a bush. These are the personal reflections of a marvelous author and screen writer. GMF's chapter on political correctness entitled "Angry Old Man 5 - The Truth That Dare Not Speak It's Name" is worth the purchase price by itself, and is truly hysterical, though sadly, spot on. While I did not agree with all GMF's rants, delivered in his distinctive style, it is impossible to take offense.

The book is liberally (forgive the word choice, George), sprinkled with personal anecdotes of some of the biggest names in entertainment and elsewhere.

For those wishing to sample Fraser's work for the first time, Pyrates or any of the Flashman novels will serve perfectly.

"I write as a convinced Imperialist - which means that I believe that the case for the British Empire as one of the best things that ever happened to an undeserving world is proved, open and shut ... We did what we did, and it was worth doing, and no one could have done it better - or half as well."

Bravo! Well, said.

George MacDonald Fraser, author and film screenwriter, has delighted fans for decades with his Flashman series, his Private McAuslan series (THE GENERAL DANCED AT DAWN, McAUSLAN IN THE ROUGH, THE SHEIKH AND THE DUSTBIN), his history of the Anglo-Scottish border brigands (THE STEEL BONNETS), and his autobiography of his World War Two soldiering with General Slim's 14th Indian Army in Burma (QUARTERED SAFE OUT HERE). For those acquainted with these works, THE LIGHT'S ON AT SIGNPOST presents a Fraser not before seen.

This book's thirty chapters are assorted, ten each, into three categories: "Shooting Script", "Angry Old Man", and "Interludes". In the first, Fraser reminisces about script writing for such films as the Musketeers trilogy, PRINCE AND PAUPER, SUPERMAN 1 and 2, FORCE TEN FROM NAVARONE, OCTOPUSSY, and RED SONJA. In the second, the author is at his outraged and irascible best as he rails against Britain's participation in the post-9/11 Fourth Afghan War, the contemptible incompetence of Members of Parliament in general ("government from the gutter") and the New Labour government in particular, the abolition of the death penalty, political correctness, women in the armed forces, the race relations industry, unrestricted foreign immigration, the dismal state of British print journalism and television, greed and dishonesty in professional sports, and Britain's membership in the European Union. Finally, in chapters headed "Interlude", Fraser ruminates on such diverse topics as the Act of Settlement, which bars Roman Catholics from the throne, boyhood trips to Scotland in the family caravan (trailer), the Anglo-American "special relationship", a trip to Russia, the British Empire, and ...

"... the modern craze for garlic and peppers is symptomatic of Britain's decline. Time was when both were unknown here, and the atmosphere was not rendered hideous by a stench reminiscent of an inferior Paraguayan bordello. (I have never been in Paraguay; I merely surmise.)"

For me, the best parts of THE LIGHT'S ON AT SIGNPOST are Fraser's political and social commentaries. Indeed, he uses such language that would cause Liberals to gnash their teeth and rend their robes. Luckily, I'm not a Liberal, so enjoyed his rants immensely. Less absorbing were his remembrances of the film industry, perhaps because I only saw one of the movies mentioned, although his descriptions of the personalities of Burt Lancaster, Oliver Hardy, Edward Fox, Robert Shaw, Harrison Ford, Steve McQueen, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were enlightening.

The book's title refers to the grandstand scoreboard which monitors the Isle of Man's annual Tourist Trophy cross-country motorcycle race. As each contestant passes Signpost Corner, about a mile from the finish line, a light illuminates next to his slot on the scoreboard. Fraser recognizes that his life is coming to its natural end, and he's perhaps just passed his personal and last milepost.

Fraser's books, particularly the McAuslan trilogy, occupy a place of honor on my mental shelves. He's one of the most enjoyable authors I've ever come across, and I salute him as he approaches his finish line. And it's good to know beforehand what a Paraguayan bordello smells like.

The book is in three interwoven threads, Fraser's screenwriting experiences, 'interlude's, and 'angry old man', a series of essays about what's wrong with the world. Much has been made of one of the latter, a short rant by an old soldier opposed to Britain's involvement in the 'Fourth Afghan War,' but these essays cover a range of topics, and there is plenty of scorn to go around. The book should be uniformly interesting for fans of Fraser, but not strongly recommended for others. For me, the revelation that he is not done with Flashman was worth the price of admission.

Mr, Fraser has written a really good book, which makes a lot sense and was fun to read. One gets tired of hearing from the P.C. and the "Caring Brigade", so when I started reading this text it really was a joy to these tired old eyes.
Not that I don't agree with everything with the Author. For example his oppostion to the 4th Afghan War. But Mr. Fraser has earned his right to opposed that war. (Anyone who fought under Slim in Burma has my respect) He also put forth ones of the best arguements against the EU that I have ever read.
I also liked reading about Mr. Fraser's movie career especially about the Musketeers series in this tome. All in all it's one of his better books that I have read of his since "Flashman in the Great Game. I am really looking forward to "Flashman on the March" and just hope that he will get Flashy's involvement in the American Civil war edited soon!

Nearly as interesting as Kidnapped, but with quite a bit more romance

This sequel to _Kidnapped_ does not start out as well as _Kidnapped_; however it soon makes up for it. _Catriona_ takes up the story of David Balfour only one or two days after _Kidnapped_. He must now try to clear his name and the name of James Stewart of the Appin murder. This will not be easy because the Campells want James Stewart to hang.

This is the second book of a two-part novel. Don't bother to read this book unless you have already read the first one "The Fisherman's Lady". That's where all the characters and their stories are really developed. This second book just continues on with Book 1 without really identifying or explaining who and what is going on. That said, it was as interesting as the first book, worth reading, a good adventure with a spiritual twist. The ending was a bit flat but overall, it was a good read. (Still think Malcolm is too good to be true though. Too bad.)

This book displays some amazingly insightful looks at human hearts and motivations. It is a beautiful completion to Malcolm (republished as The Fisherman's Lady).

Here you will see how there often are times in our lives where to follow the laws of God are to guarantee failure in all that we wish to accomplish in life...but that those who, against all reason, place their trust in God, God is able to bring about the deepest desires of our hearts. But sometimes He does not. Sometimes, God brings to light even greater things, though at greater cost.

I love this book.

I absolutely love George MacDonald. Just wanted to get that clear first. The only thing about this trilogy that I didn't like is that the last one doesn't tie up all the loose ends, which is atypical of MacDonald. I, for one, like my loose ends tied. But, otherwise, I found the book as lovely and full of wisdom as one would expect.

This fascinating novel, written in the form of a journal, is the perfect companion to the fan of MacDonald looking for insight into the man behind his writings. Includes an astonishing narrative of his dealings with his daughter's paralysis from a horseback riding accident. The book is a "quieter" read than his more flowery novels, but offers a remarkable glimpse at the life and times of this amazing writer.

Michael Phillips has long been a student of the writings of the 19th century Scottish preacher and novelist George MacDonald. His goal is to bring MacDonald's thoughts to contemporary American readers in Your Life in Christ, a collection of MacDonald's sermons that have been edited by Phillips with commentary provided. The content of the sermons is rich, in that the portions of sermons selected by Phillips adequately convey the essence of MacDonald's theology.

These particular sermons present MacDonald's perspective on such topics as creation, the incarnation, redemption, eternity, and self-denial. They relate deep themes, such as the loving fatherhood of God, for which MacDonald states, "Love is at the root of all his being." He also examines the revelation of God in Christ, for we come to know God through Jesus. Furthermore, the supreme example of Christ's obedience to the Father is His expression of love for the Father, and also the result of being completely who He is. Our own obedience to God brings the highest joy and deepest fulfillment, a dominant message throughout MacDonald's writings.

Your Life in Christ as a stand-alone volume is inspirational, and it must be noted that the work of editing George MacDonald's sermons was previously done in 1976 by Rolland Hein in a volume called Creation in Christ. Phillips' much shorter edition includes just a handful of sermons, but also his own personal commentary, which is mostly endorsing and agreeing with MacDonald, quoting heavily from the sermons, emphasizing key concepts, and relating what he has said without adding much new thought on the subjects. Nevertheless, I commend Phillips for his passion to make MacDonald's writings accessible to a general readership. As Phillips states, "If it takes some mental horsepower to keep with him, our efforts are well worth it." Thus, this book is recommended for anyone desiring an introduction to George MacDonald's theology. -- Dr. Pamela L. Jordan, Christian Book Previews.com (Dr. Jordan's doctoral dissertation was on the life and writings of George MacDonald)

Reading George MacDonald is like launching out into the ocean depths. His words convey profound and original thought on subjects that are fundamental to the Christian life.

This collection of sermons, taken from his Unspoken Sermons series, covers everything from the life that is in Christ to self-denial, freedom, our relationship to God as children and more. The ideas expressed are foundational to MacDonald's emphasis on obedience and sonship (or childship), making it a valuable introduction to his work.

He shows so clearly what it means to follow Christ that I wondered how I could be so blind. That is often the impact of those like MacDonald, who know what they are talking about.

Phillips does an outstanding job of summarizing the history of MacDonald's literary career. Until recently he was largely forgotten and most of his works were out of print. His introduction is the best commentary of the rise and fall of MacDonald's popularity that I have read. This is one book worth having just for the introduction.

Phillips also does an excellent job of making MacDonald's thought, which can be complex at times, easier to understand. The sermons are slightly edited for clarity. Phillips follows each sermon with a chapter where he shares his own insights gleaned from the writing. It gives you another chance to more fully digest the topic.

One of the delights is seeing MacDonald challenge an accepted interpretation of a verse. He goes beyond the English words to the best texts available to get at the intent of the original. He provides convincing evidence to conclusions that are more reasonable than controversial.

This book contains a wealth of spiritual insight that is worth discovering.

This edition splits up Adela into three seperate books. If you want it all together in wonderful hard cover edition get the Johannesen published edition.

Stories can heal. This important yet unbalanced work by MacDonald acts as treatise on the medicinal power of a well told narrative. Framing some of MacDonald's best known short stories is one girl's struggle for meaning and the awakening of her imagination by a group of storytellers.

"Adela Cathcart" showcases the three George MacDonald personas that dominate his cannon. The three main storytellers in this work, Mr. Smith, the curate and the doctor represent the whimsical fairy-tale writer MacDonald, the mystical preacher MacDonald, and the gothic MacDonald. Mr. Smith has told more than "The Light Princess," and "The Giant's Heart." He has also told "The Princess and the Goblin," and "The Wise Woman." He is the spirit of play, of whimsy, the love of nonsense that united him with his friend Lewis Carroll. Likewise, the curate has told more than his tales in the "Adella." He has written parts of the novels, like "Donal Grant," some poetry, and the "Unspoken Sermons." His preaching can either be presented through the vision, the abstract and mysterious, or through the direct absolute moral. The latter can disrupt a narrative, the former brings added depth and significance to the events. The final persona is the doctor who represents the dark gothic side to MacDonald's work. This side of MacDonald has been seen not only in the "Cruel Painter," but in "The Portent" and parts of "Lilith," the story of Cosmo in "Phantastes," and some of the novels.

MacDonald is at his best when all three parts are combined as they are in "On the Back of the North Wind," "Phantastes," the "Golden Key," and even "Lilith." While "Adela" has many wonderful stories, the problem with them is that MacDonald's personas are divorced from each other and can only influence the other through critical or praiseworthy comments after the story is finished. The doctor and the curate cannot collaborate as they do in MacDonald's novels. Neither can Mr. Smith collaborate with the curate as they do in the longer fairy tales. This is bipolar MacDonald: fascinating, full of wonder, but flawed and lacking balance.