Book details
The Princess and the Goblin by George Macdonald (Illustrated)
Description
The Princess and the Goblin is a children's fantasy novel by George MacDonald. It tells the story of a young princess named Irene who lives in a castle in a mountainous kingdom. Irene discovers a mysterious and magical great-great-grandmother who guides her with wisdom and magical gifts. Meanwhile, the goblins who live underground plot to kidnap the princess and marry her to their goblin prince. With the help of a brave miner boy named Curdie, whom she befriends, Irene must thwart the goblins' plans. Curdie, initially skeptical of Irene's tales of her great-great-grandmother, eventually comes to believe and assists in protecting the princess. The story is filled with themes of bravery, friendship, and the battle between good and evil, and is illustrated to enhance the magical and whimsical elements of the narrative.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
126 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Timeless Fairy Tale: 'The Princess and the Goblin' is a classic fairy tale that has enchanted readers for generations. Its timeless themes of courage, kindness, and the battle between good and evil are as relevant today as they were when George MacDonald wrote the book in the 19th century.
- Foundational Fantasy: George MacDonald's work is considered a foundational text in the fantasy genre. Reading 'The Princess and the Goblin' allows readers to experience one of the early influences on modern fantasy literature, including the works of authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
- Moral Depth: The story is rich with moral and spiritual depth, offering more than just entertainment. It provides thought-provoking content that encourages readers, both young and old, to reflect on virtues such as bravery, loyalty, and the importance of inner character.
- Illustrations Enhance Experience: The illustrated version of 'The Princess and the Goblin' brings the magical world and characters to life with visual artistry. The illustrations complement the narrative and help readers to immerse themselves fully in the enchanting world that MacDonald created.