Book Description
In this collection selected by C. S. Lewis are 365 selections from MacDonalds inspiring and challenging writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Extreme, complex, multi-faceted ... wisdom in sound bites
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.

Excellent, Short Devotionals
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.

Star Pupil Lewis re-introduces his master in "George MacDonald"
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 through365 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 hisMacDonald selections. Lewis writes, "Nowhere else outside the New Testament have I found terror and comfort so intertwined." It guidesMacDonald 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) wouldtake 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.

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

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

I guess I just don't like anthologies
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. ... Read more

Product Description
Of this passage in the life of our Lord, the account given by St Mark is the more complete. But it may be enriched and its lesson rendered yet more evident from the record of St Matthew. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A MUST READ
I have read hundreds of books dealing with every aspect of Christianity, religion, theology and philosophy. I also have a degree in theology. In my opinion this book has had more impact on my life then the sum of the others I have read combined! C.S. Lewis considered MacDonald his master and I never understood why until I read this collection. It is the best, most impacting book I have ever read. It can be a hard read at times but don't let that stop you because it's well worth it! I never write reviews on anything; I have been impacted so strongly by this book I had to let everyone know how great it is and is a must read for anyone! If you are a seeker of truth and are ready for real answers in your life than this is the book for you. This is by far the best collection I have ever read. It changed my life and would wager any amount of money you will find a similar response. Don't even think about it; Just get it!!!

George MacDonald
I love Macdonald's novels so I purchased this book. It is deep reading at times because of the translation but well worth the time. His insights into God are terrific at times.

Life changing
If you are familiar with C.S.Lewis, you've probably heard of George MacDonald since Lewis quotes him often.MacDonald's "Sermons" have had a greater impact on my life and beliefs than any other author.His beliefs have just the right ratio of love, mercy and justice.In fact, he explains why God's mercy and justice are one and the same thing.While reading this book I am continually awed by the beauty of his writing.Many people I've talked with that have read this book were discouraged because they had a difficult time following him through some of his arguments.Some of his thoughts are difficult to follow but perseverance paid off for me.MacDonald has convinced me that I have misunderstood God and his intensions towards me.He has convinced me that "God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all." ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

The Complete Fairy Tales
This book gives a great perspective into fairy tales and how they were told during the eighteen hundreds.It is a fun, scary, spriritual reflection of that age.

Rehashed
I was disappointed because I thought I was getting fairy tales edited by MacDonald.Instead, this is a compilation of other works which I already had like Northwind, Light Princess, Golden Key etc.If you don't have these already, this edition will probably be a great source for them.

Wonderful book!
This is a delightful book -- the first by MacDonald that I have read.The reading of these short fairy tales prompted me to order 3 of his longer stories as well.

Poor edition
A poor edition of this beautiful work. Binding and paper quality are not as expected considering the high price.

From the first master
George MacDonald, a 19th-century minister from Scotland, may be the earliest writer of fantasy as we know it today. He was a prolific writer and an influence on grand masters C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and here some of his less-known (but well-written) works.

First of all is his essay on "The Fantastic Imagination," where he discusses fantasy, fairy tales, and the nature of childlike innocence. There are also short stories, such as the novella "Light Princess," about a girl who is a lightweight in mind AND body, excerpts from the dreamy fantasy novel "At The Back of the North Wind," the haunting "Shadows" that appear for a king, a "Wise Woman" who sweeps away an obnoxious princess, and several others.

MacDonald's stories have the sort of rich, compelling prose that the best of 19th-century literature has. His stories are full of creepy creatures, magical women, golden keys and dreamy atmosphere, the sort of stuff now written by Jane Yolen and not many others. But they're also more grounded and traditionally fairy-tale-like than the stories of later writer Lord Dunsany. Rather, you can see how Lewis and Tolkien would have both enjoyed and been influenced by MacDonald.

A good selection of short stories and a thought-provoking essay, definitely for fans of fantasy and fairy tales. Delightful. ... Read more

Amazon.com
"I was dead, and right content," the narrator says in the penultimate chapter of Phantastes. C.S. Lewis said that upon reading this astonishing 19th-century fairy tale he "had crossed a great frontier," and numerous others both before and since have felt similarly. In MacDonald's fairy tales, both those for children and (like this one) those for adults, the "fairy land" clearly represents the spiritual world, or our own world revealed in all of its depth and meaning. At times almost forthrightly allegorical, at other times richly dreamlike (and indeed having a close connection to the symbolic world of dreams), this story of a young man who finds himself on a long journey through a land of fantasy is more truly the story of the spiritual quest that is at the core of his life's work, a quest that must end with the ultimate surrender of the self. The glory of MacDonald's work is that this surrender is both hard won (or lost!)and yet rippling with joy when at last experienced. As the narrator says of a heavenly woman in this tale, "She knew something too good to be told." One senses the same of the author himself. --Doug ThorpeDownload Description
One of nineteenth-century novelist George MacDonald's most important works, Phantastes tells the story of its narrator's dreamlike adventures in fairyland, masterfully recounted to convey a sense of profound sadness and a poignant longing for death. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

A difficult read but good nonetheless
This book is well worth the effort it takes to read. Mr. Macdonald's writing style is difficult to say the least, however, the richness of the storyline makes it well worth the effort. This is a book that I intend on reading again and each time I read I will update my review of the book.

Phantastes is fantastic
MacDonald is a master of fantasty, and in the "Phantastes" he is at his best. MacDonald's best is providing a window that looks out on the world in way you have never seen before. That window is fairie land, and he combines both the strange, original, and striking with the a masterly handle on familiar types and images. You will meet the fairies, tree spirits, castles, a beautiful maiden, the round-table knight, and other fairy staples. You will be challenged to imagine new things. The hero of the story is Anodos, a man without any distinct purpose in his life. He is thrown into fairie land and sets off to find his ideal, and in the end finds his purpose. It is a journey worth taking with him. Even if you do not agree completely with MacDonald (I don't), it is well worth the while to sit under his imagination. He will teach you to see the world differently.

Father of modern fantasy- or father of depth psychology?
I was not sure what to expect from this novel. I had from reading C.S. Lewis known that he considered MacDonald to be his "master." I also knew that he was highly regarded by both J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. Then there was the fact that so many called him the father of modern fantasy. In light of this I expected to find an early adventure tale set in faeryland with a few elves and dragons thrown in- and interlaced with Christian platitudes. I could not have been more wrong...

What I found beneath the dense Victorian and Scottish veneer of his writing style was pure depth psychology- written in 1858!

It is all here: anima, animus, shadow, Self, the higher spiritual world as the source of patterns (archetypes), the subconscious reached through dreams- and through the plane of the mirror or of the surface of the waters, the necessity that the ego or small self must die that the Self find its place. Then there are hints and suggestions of the earth, or even faery, as a place of struggle for the purpose of growth and transcendence. Chapter 24 gives hints of the immortal part of the soul separating from the body for spiritual life- or rebirth ("take to itself another form.")

In short, there is no "fantasy" here, for George MacDonald instead broke through into the Higher Reality. His Faeryland is the higher spiritual world that interfaces with our own like veins of silver through granite. No, I would not call McDonald the father of fantasy, but I would call him the father of depth psychology, for he had obviously anticipated Jung's life work- and even gone directly to his hard-won spiritual conclusions. Both men crossed the plane of the subconscious to bring back Truth, for as C.S. Lewis told us in THE GREAT DIVORCE, MacDonald would never lie to us.

A Mystery Indeed
Why am I writing a review on this?I'm not entirely sure.This book is probably the most confusing I have ever read.I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't understand it at all.That is not to say that I never will - I very much hope to someday.I was for some reason deeply moved by many passages from this book, although as I say I had no clear notion of the point.
I hesitantly recommend this book - but not as a first MacDonald.The Curdie books are excellent for adults as well as children, and as far adult fare, 'Lilith' I think is more approachable.

Additional Product Details
The following review is given specifically for the Johannesen edition (George MacDonald Original Works) of Phantastes.

First of all, the book has a slick, dark green cover that is waterproof. The front cover and spine are engraved with gold leafing, which gives the book a beautiful antique appearance. Furthermore, the spine is well-rounded and appears to be enforced for a lifetime of handling (this is obviously important for a serious book collector!). Also, the sewn pages within are acid-free and are of a light cream color which makes it easy on the eyes while reading.

Secondly, Johannesen has included all thirty-three illustrations by Arthur Hughes. No other modern printing of this text includes these illustrations. Although it may sound silly to wish for these illustrations, it really adds a touch of delightful nostaglia to Phantastes

Thirdly, the Johannesen editions are considered authoritative editions, which hold significant weight for the literary student or MacDonald scholar.

Although the price may seem a bit steep, the product is well worth it. This is an attractive edition which may be passed down through your family for generations to come. I hope that this brief review has been helpful - happy shopping!
... Read more

Book Description
A lost legacy, startling secrets, life-changing love.Previously released as The Curate's Awakening, The Lady's Confession, and The Baron's Apprenticeship.This unforgettable trilogy depicts the spiritual awakening of curate, Thomas Wingfold, and the lives of those he touches: Surgeon Paul Faber believes in nothing but his own goodness until a beautiful patient reveals her secret past. Richard Tuke searches for the truth behind his mysterious heritage with the help of a thoughtful and independent woman. Filled with suspense and love, these novels reveal God's infinite and loving means of drawing hearts to himself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Slow Starter but Worth the Time
A wonderful tale of a minister's search for Christ and the lives that are affected because of it.It was because of this book that my interest in George Macdonald began!

Three books under one cover, a treasure; don't miss this one
Michael Phillips is a superb editor of George MacDonald's books, in case you haven't discovered that.The first book is about a minister who doesn't know the Lord, but comes to it. He makes aquaintance of some surprising people who are dwarfs and they share their lives with him (and us)in a touching, incredible way; they really are at the heart of the story. Also in this is a wonderful, albiet difficult love of a sister for her brother that could be today, not the late 1800's, when it was written. Another is about a doctor and a beautiful woman. I read every Geroge MacDonald I can find, and this is one of the best.

This is NOT George MacDonald but a very bad abridgement
If you are really interested in reading George MacDonald, this is not the book for you.The text of the orignal book, "Thomas Wingfold Curate" on which this book is suppoedely based, is wildly tampered with, from the very first sentence of the novel.This is not George MacDonald at all.The editor has taken huge liberties with one of literature's great Christian authors.I would suggest that you find the original text of this book rather that reading this. It will be worth the search. It is much better than this abridgement, which doesn't even have the courage to call itself that. ... Read more

Amazon.com
As always with George MacDonald, everything here is more than meets the eye: this in fact is MacDonald's grace-filled vision of the world. Said to be one of J.R.R. Tolkien's childhood favorites, The Princess and the Goblin is the story of the young Princess Irene, her good friend Curdie--a minor's son--and Irene's mysterious and beautiful great great grandmother, who lives in a secret room at the top of the castle stairs. Filled with images of dungeons and goblins, mysterious fires, burning roses, and a thread so fine as to be invisible and yet--like prayer--strong enough to lead the Princess back home to her grandmother's arms, this is a story of Curdie's slow realization that sometimes, as the princess tells him, "you must believe without seeing." Simple enough for reading aloud to a child (as I've done myself more than once with my daughter), it's rich enough to repay endless delighted readings for the adult. --Doug ThorpeBook Description

Customer Reviews (40)

Great story!
When I was 8, the same age as the girl in the story (a princess-of course!)I read this book time and time again.I couldn't get enough of it.My mom had died when I was a baby, so I never knew her, and longed for a silver haired granny in a tower who would wash my face with water from a silver basin and have stars on the ceiling of my bedroom.Anyhow, I just read it again after many long years....almost 50! and it's just as good a story now as then...very sweet and nicely written.Excellent!

A Few Pro's and Con's to the Puffin Classics Edition
The Princess and the Goblin is a truly delightful tale that is beautifully told by George MacDonald and deserves five stars. But, I will not attempt to review the story itself, for there are such wonderful descriptions and testimonies from other reviewers on this page concerning the content of MacDonald's work. However, I would like to describe the Puffin Classics edition in a little more detail. Please be aware that the Puffin's paperback cover is very soft and not as durable as other paperback covers. As well, the paper quality is rather grainy, which may not hold up well in the years to come. Thus, I have allotted this product four stars. On a positive note, I am pleased that the publishers kept the nostalgic illustrations by Arthur Hughes. Also, this copy has been edited well for typos and simple mistakes. With these particular points in mind, I would like to encourage the potential buyer to consider other editions of the text as well. Everyman's Childrens Library (The Princess and the Goblin (Everyman's Library Children's Classics Series)) has produced a hardback copy, which may be a better choice if the copy is to be given to a child. Also, for the MacDonald researcher or literary student, I would highly recommend the Johannesen edition(The Princess and the Goblin (George Macdonald Original Works)) since it is an authoritative edition. However, when it comes to the price, the Puffin Classics edition can not help but to be rather tempting. I hope these few notes have been helpful - Happy shopping.

One of the best fantasy books period
So it's written for children but I could hardly tell the difference. The simplicity of the storytelling made it all the more appealing and the veins of courage, humilty, and human frailty running through it were impressive and awe inspiring. Like I said it's simple but don't let that word fool you. It's brilliantly written and encourages the reader to look at his or her own character. "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19 It's a lesson we could all learn if not relearn...

A Classic Fantasy Tale
Macdonald inspired C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. He is the father of modern fantasy. This is one of his best. Directed more for kids, but like all of his tales, sophisticated enough for adults.

A Great Story to Read!
This book is a good classic for everyone to read because it is an enchanting story about a princess named Princess Irene and the adventures she has. She meets a boy miner named Curdie and she finds a great great grandmother living in the top tower room of Irene's house. Her nurse doesn't believe Irene--that she actually has a grandmother living in the top of the house. Irene eventually goes into the mountain and finds Curdie tied up. I really like the story because I like adventure and I also like mysteries and this story was sort of like a mystery (especially when I had to stop at the end of a chapter and wait to find out what happened next). I also think you could learn a lesson or two from this book: you don't have to see to believe (Curdie learned this). Irene learned that if you are not sure whether or not something is a dream or real, it can be real, and it is wonderful when it is.

Review by EGM, age seven. ... Read more

Book Description
After that talk with her father about the child and his mother, a certain silent change appeared in Maggie. People saw in her face an expression which they took to resemble that of one whose child was ill, and was expected to die. But what Maggie felt was only resignation to the will of her Lord: the child was not hers but the Lord's, lent to her for a season! She must walk softly, doing everything for him as under the eye of the Master, who might at any moment call to her, "Bring the child: I want him now!" And she soon became as cheerful as before, but never after quite lost the still, solemn look as of one in the eternal spaces, who saw beyond this world's horizon.Download Description
After that talk with her father about the child and his mother, a certain silent change appeared in Maggie. People saw in her face an expression which they took to resemble that of one whose child was ill, and was expected to die. But what Maggie felt was only resignation to the will of her Lord: the child was not hers but the Lord's, lent to her for a season! She must walk softly, doing everything for him as under the eye of the Master, who might at any moment call to her, "Bring the child: I want him now!" And she soon became as cheerful as before, but never after quite lost the still, solemn look as of one in the eternal spaces, who saw beyond this world's horizon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Shorter Work with an Impressive Spiritual Lesson.
I have just finished this novel and I was very pleasantly surprise at how good it was. The first couple of chapters are a little dull, but as the story gets moving, it is as good as any of George MacDonald's otherstories. Now there is quite a bit of Scotch dialect and the story focusesmore on one event than do some of the author's other works, but I found thespiritual insight very, very helpful. This book was the next to the lastone that this author wrote. And he wrote it when he was 71 years old, so itrepresents an entire life of spiritual development.

The story revolvesaround a young preacher, Mr. Blatherwick, who because he is self-confidentand prideful, makes a very big mistake which dogs him like the hound ofheaven throughout the story. He refuses to face himself, his faults and hisneed for a redeemer until his conscience almost drives him mad. He hadbecome a preacher to make a name for himself, and in reality he had nothingto offer and everything to hide.

The characters here are very sympatheticand well drawn. We follow a grieving young girl, a compassionate olderminister from the neighboring town, the wise shoemaker and his daughter,and the dissapointed and alienated parents of the young preacher. Theending is quite a shocker.

Where pride rules, the soul is lost and the heart is dead.
James Blatherwick, the only son of Marion and Peter Blatherwick, is an arrogant, self-centered, independent individual who is firmly convinced that he requires no outside assistance, not even from God. He is proud, self-possessed and has no doubt that his intellect will guide him through the direst of circumstances.

It is, while disappointing, not at all surprising that such a one as he is preparing to enter the church as one of God's ministers. Is he dedicated to God, does he revere the Almighty Creator, are his motives pure and altruistic, does he ache for the lost, hurt for those who hurt, cry with those who cry? Not hardly. The ministry offers him the opportunity to display his intellectual prowess and scholastic achievements as well as provides a vehicle by which he may readily obtain prominence, position, power, influence, and a quite comfortable living with minimal exertion-not unlike many pastors, priests, and ministers who I have personally had the distinct misfortune toencounter in this century.

Rather than called of God, for he does not know God, to minister to His flock, Blatherwick has chosen the ministry as a profession. He cannot minister, for he cannot love. He cannot heal, for his heart knows no compassion. He cannot do anymore than repeat, from the pulpit, the words that he has memorized, the words that hold absolutely no meaning for him, the words which he himself does not truly believe.

There abides, however, a loving and patient God who will take whatever steps He deems necessary to redeem and recover His lost sheep. While Blatherwick feels himself quite safe and secure within his thin veneer of pride, the Almightybegins to work.

There resides in the same town in which Blatherwick is comfortably ensconced, a humble cobbler and his daughter, both, having neverattended seminary, know more of God than Blatherwick could have conceived possible. It is through the love, patience, understanding, and lives of these two children of God that Blatherwick begins to enter the 'fiery furnace' ofredemption and repentance.

The redemption of a single soul is, indeed, a process of rebirth, for intrinsic to this procedure is often to be found agonizing and excruciating birth-pangs. It is doubtful whether it could be accomplished otherwise. The old must die, and he does not die willingly, while the new struggles midst cries of pain, sorrow, andsuffering to the surface. As the new birth is taking place midst the death of the old, there are prayers innumerable ascending toward the Throne of God. The angels and saints in Heaven, the children of God on earth-all participate in this glorious event.

You are cordially invited to attend both the death and the rebirth of James Blatherwick. In attendance there may be many with whom you have had no prior experience. I ask that you pay particular heed to one old cobbler and hisloving daughter, Maggie. I also request that you not be shy, for this is truly a wondrous occasion. The Blatherwick family will be only too pleased towelcome you to the birth of their new son. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Most enlightening
I began reading this book after I had read many of George MacDonald's books that were edited by Michael Phillips.The book does an excellent job of explaining life events that influenced MacDonald's writings and relating those life events to the books George MacDonald wrote during those times.Familiarity with the books has helped me relate more to his life.Having read this book, I have a MUCH better understanding of George MacDonald, his relationships with family members and his faith in God.It makes me appreciate his books even more. ... Read more

Product Description
A fantasy novel for adults, Lilith is the story of the aptly named Mr. Vane, his magical house, and the journeys into another world into which it leads him. Encountering one mystery after another, he explores the mystery of humanity\'s fall from grace--and of their redemption. Instructed into the ways of seeing the deeper realities of this world--seeing, in a sense, by the light of the spirit--the reader senses that MacDonald writes from his own deep experience of radiance, from a bliss so profound that death\'s darkness itself is utterly eclipsed in its light. Newly designed and typeset in a modern 6-by-9-inch format by Waking Lion Press. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lilith
G.K.Chesterton once said, "Fairytales are the sunny land of common sense." And if anyone can make a charming, funny, exciting fairytale and bring it to life that, my friends, would be the wonderful George MacDonald. Snaps to George for having such a fanbloodytastic mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Like an embarassingly drunk uncle at a tea party...
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.

Not Flashman, but undeniably Fraser
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.

good, for fans
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.

A Real Breath of Fresh Air
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!

With ineffable cheek
"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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Like an embarassingly drunk uncle at a tea party...
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.

Not Flashman, but undeniably Fraser
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.

good, for fans
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.

A Real Breath of Fresh Air
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!

With ineffable cheek
"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. ... Read more

Book Description
George MacDonald (1824-1905), the great nineteenth-century innovator of modern fantasy, influenced not only C. S. Lewis but also such literary masters as Charles Williams and J. R. R. Tolkien. Though his longer fairy tales Lilith and Phantastes are particularly famous, much of MacDonald's best fantasy writing is found in his shorter stories. In this volume editor Glenn Sadler has compiled some of MacDonald's finest short works-marvelous fairy tales and stories certain to delight readers familiar with MacDonald and those about to meet him for the first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful and Warm-hearted Fantasy
This is a wonderful book, containing four beautiful and soul-touching stories.But now it's out of print!I had lent the book to a friend, who mislaid it -- but thankfully he found it, and returned it to me today!Thestories are classic and universal, and I am deeply disappointed withEerdmans for discontinuing this title. ... Read more

Book Description
A Master of Character Development!

Robert Falconer, who appears briefly in The Tutor's First Love, is the main character in this compelling story of a young man's search for meaning to life and spiritual reality.

Robert's mother had died when he was very young. His father, overwhelmed with grief and responsibility, eventually disappeared, leaving Robert to the care of his austere, very strict grandmother. In her sincere yet misguided devotion to God, she is constantly on guard against any weak characteristics from her wayward son which might appear in her young grandson. Will his sensitive nature be permanently marred by the harsh realities of life under her domination?

His friendship with Mary is one of the bright spots in his life during those dark years. The dim memory of his father continues to haunt Robert. Is he still alive? Will Robert ever know for sure?

The Powerful Story of Robert Falconer, George MacDonald's Favorite Character!

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a wonderful book.
The main character in this book is thought to be patterned after the Author himself. It's the story of a young man who was raised by his Grandmother. Her narrow Calvinist beliefs nearly drive him away from her.The pure love of God in his heart gives him patience and understanding forher, and endears him to others he meets as he grows into manhood. This bookalso provides a glimpse into Scottish life in the late 1800's. ... Read more

Book Description
In this Radio Theatre audio drama adaptation of George MacDonald's classic story, a beautiful woman known as the North Wind blows through a small village in Victorian London, and everyday lives are mysteriously enveloped by a power and a glory. Along the way, she visits a poor stable boy named Diamond and takes him with her on her journeys. At the Back of the North Wind explores the place of death in our lives, social injustice, and our deep need for love and forgiveness.

C. S. Lewis, author of the classic Chronicles of Narnia series, said of MacDonald, "What he does best is fantasy--fantasy that hovers between the allegorical and the mythopoeic. And this, in my opinion, he does better than any man. MacDonald is the greatest genius of this kind whom I know." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not really fiction
I too found these books to be outrageously funny and insightful regarding the life of a postwar highland regiment.Just a note to the previous reviewer, George McDonald Fraser in his autobiography "A light on at the Signpost" mentions that he ran into his old company comander from the McAuslan days at a book signing.His commander loved the books and asked GMF why he labled them fiction? GMF said he mumbled something about lawyers and goes on to tell all of us readers that these books are essentially taken from true envents in his post war service.

GMF passed away in January 08 from cancer- I for one will miss him.

On par with Flashman, and perhaps even better.
The title of this missive is misleading. Comparing Flashman to McAuslin is like comparing Heroditus to Camu. It's senseless. Except that both entertained me greatly (not so much Herotditus). This is the case with this collection.

Because this is a compendia better reviews than this one have doubtlesly been written. At the very least they must be less grammatically fragile (to say nothing of my oafish spelling. But i'm a chemist not a writer!). I'm merely waiting for a bus at a public library, killing time waiting for the bus at a public library criticizing my favorite author.

I owned the three books before this was released. They were not at all easy to find back then before Amazon. I consider it a great inspiration that the public at large will be able to access this incredibly funny, mostly ficticious account of the worlds dirtiest soldier and the regiment of personalities in which he is immortalized.

This is a fantastic collection of short stories to have on hand for times (such as now) when keeping on top of an entire novel is not easy. There is a great deal of informative history along with incredibly entertaining and funny storys. I was not always biased completely in favor of the author. My initial impression of The pyrates was unfavorable and I found Mr American to be a slow, serious, meticulous read that I have only been able to accomplish twice. Candemass Road is written in a language I barely understand, a testament to the authors grip of Tudor speach and accents which in this tome is expressed in the dialect of the highlanders and presumably Cumberland and the borders.

Since my origional copies of these books are ragged tatters it's good to be able to have them all whole and in one place. Without question, within a few years, I will need a new copy because I cannot help but read many of these stories countless times.

On a final, practical note, this book is not dense in both senses of the word. It's a large tome but not heavy, which makes it as excellent a travelling book as the origional three paperbacks. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

A Soildier's Up Close Story of The Jungle War in Burma During WWII:
George MacDonald Fraser, who has written many successful fiction books based on well researched history quite often starring his very British Flashman character, writes a chronicle of his own personal experiences in the final stages of WWII fighting the Japanese as a 19 year old member of a rifle company that is composed of a handful of men run by a sergeant and a corporal. Fraser, who just recently passed away, writes of his first hand experiences in a very descriptive personal way, capturing the various English dialects of his fellow citizen soldiers expressing all their frustrations of life in harsh conditions in the jungle dealing with swamps, leaches, mosquitoes, questionable orders but generally good leadership although sometimes well questioned by the troops.Fraser gives you an excellent description of what it was like in the field, mixed with the real humor from the men who bonded close together, although having their differences with occasional culture clashes; they generally endure their punishment with a delightful sarcasm. And Fraser gives you the full flavor of the different troops in the field such as the courageous Gurkha soldiers, Indians and native tribesmen that fight with the British while also interacting with the tribes inhabiting the Burma jungles often caught between the two sides.Fraser does not write a political correct book and he is quite clear about that, which makes the book a realistic read, he echoes what the troops in the field really felt and he makes no bones how they felt about their enemy. An excellent picture of very young and veteran soldiers in the field that gives you the feel for the tremendous challenges and conditions them faced.

Great book!
Well-written account of fighting in Burma. There is a lot of honesty about war in this book - he doesn't sugarcoat either side. An honest book about a tough fight in a brutal war.

ChinaWar
My father was a Ranger ( Mars Task Force), who fought alongside the British and Chinese in this forgotten part of WW2. He is presently reading this book. He did enjoy the introduction and called it true to life. I will supply a more in depth review after he finishes the book. It will be a while as he is caring for my mother.

A Great and Politically Incorrect View of War
This is an outstanding true story of the Burma war, with none of the malarky that passes for reporting these days. The author does not excuse or whitewash "Jap", as he calls him, and does not engage in soul-searching about tactics used to defeat a brutal enemy. When compared to the all-out determination of the entire British (and American) nation to win, the near-treasonous undercutting of their own country since the end of WW II by Liberals of all stripes becomes even more despicable. This is a fine story of the bravery and confusion of war from the foot soldier's point of view.

War in Burma
The author of the Flashman chronicles has produced a vivid account of what it was actually like to be a young soldier in Burma in the later stages of World War II. Refreshing & politically incorrect. ... Read more

Book Description

After twelve gloriously scandalous Flashman novels, the incomparable George MacDonald Fraser gives us a totally hilarious tale of derring-do from a different era.

It’s the turn of the seventeenth century (sort of), we’re in the wild Borders of Scotland, and a casket of jewels, an accidental murder, an estate at risk and a plot to overthrow the king are the order of the day. The irresistible and feisty Lady Godiva Dacre and her “chocolate-box pretty” companion Mistress Kylie Delishe find themselves stranded on a desolate road as highway robbers threaten their lives and possessions. Seemingly out of nowhere, the dashing Bonny Gilderoy (think Johnny Depp on a horse) single-handedly defeats the villains, but not before stealing Lady Godiva’s treasured jewels—along with her heart.

After making it safely to their destination, Godiva and Kylie find themselves thrown back together with that charming scoundrel Gilderoy. A mysterious man named Archie Noble comes to their aid and also makes a play for Godiva’s affections. Despite preposterous alliances and uproarious complications of the heart, they must rely on one another as secret identities are revealed and a perilous coup endangers the Scottish throne. It is through equally daring feats of courage and outlandish costumes that our heroes wade through salacious nightlife, confront wizards and witches and endure terrifying and ridiculous odds to preserve national pride and resolve the love triangles that threaten national security.

Customer Reviews (1)

Funny, but not his best
The Reavers is very much in the style of Fraser's "Pyrates" but, in my opinion, not as successful.For those of you more familiar with the Flashman books, both The Reavers and Pyrates are more over-the-top, more fantastic, and the narrator is constantly interjecting with a wink and a nudge.

Pyrates is probably my all-time favorite Fraser novel-- but The Reavers felt more like a rehash.Even so, I definitelyenjoyed it.

If you haven't read Pyrates yet, I'd recommend reading it instead. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Funny, but not his best
The Reavers is very much in the style of Fraser's "Pyrates" but, in my opinion, not as successful.For those of you more familiar with the Flashman books, both The Reavers and Pyrates are more over-the-top, more fantastic, and the narrator is constantly interjecting with a wink and a nudge.

Pyrates is probably my all-time favorite Fraser novel-- but The Reavers felt more like a rehash.Even so, I definitelyenjoyed it.

If you haven't read Pyrates yet, I'd recommend reading it instead. ... Read more

Book Description
The Diary of an Old Soul is an important collection of daily religious sonnets by author George MacDonald. This book is a collection of devotionals meant to be read each day of the year as a means for creating and/or maintaining a spiritual connection with god, this is one of MacDonalds most important and touching works. The Diary of an Old Soul is highly recommened for individuals who are seeking one of the key collections of daily devotionals and also those who enjoy the writings of George MacDonald.Download Description
George MacDonald offers a prayer for each day of the year, reflecting on some aspect of God's relationship with us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Diary of an Old Soul
George MacDonald is brilliant.
But I think there might be a typo or two in this publication of his work.

Maybe Later
Imagine Psalms minus the drama and soul-searching quandries. But in rhyming verse. I'm not saying the book is bad. It may be that my soul just isn't old enough to see the value here. Each entry is very short. If you're the sort of person who can comtemplate a single line of poetry, you may get a lot out of this. If you're not, you can flip through this book in a single afternoon (but you probably won't). Maybe I'll appreciate this work later in life. Maybe not.

I really like his book of "Unspoken Sermons", though.

Chalked full of Life
Seemingly endless thoughts of God drift through the mind of this brilliant man of faith.An awesome tool as a daily devotional, but good luck...once opened, it's easy to devour Macdonald's writings all at once.His Sonnet's spring to life and speak directly to the heart.Not in a wishy washy, overly heady, sort of way but in simply truths pointed to the core of Christian life.

Aweful - Horrible Edition
Origionally, I was given this book in 1979;it is profound and awe inspiring in the faith provoking poetry that George Macdonald wrote - one 7 line poem/meditation for each day of the year.

I boughtt this new book as a gift. However this edition is horrible in that it appears to have been pasted together, daily poems may be numbered at the bottom of one page and begin on the next. Or the day's poem may be split between one page and the next. Several were mostly gibberish.Also there is no introduction,library of congress number or date of publication (or origional publication)to this edition.

It is a mess !

Honesty, Beauty and Depth
If you want to be led out of your darkness and into the beauty and depth of God I would suggest this book. ... Read more