Product Description
Three of George MacDonald Fraser’s incomparable and hilarious novels featuring the lovable rogue, soldier, cheat, and coward: Harry Paget Flashman.

Praised by everyone from John Updike to Jane Smiley, Fraser was an acknowledged master of comedy and satire, an unrivaled storyteller, whose craft was matched only by his impeccable historical research. And his greatest creation was, of course, Flashman. The novels collected here find our hero in the midst of his usual swashbuckling adventures of derring-do: fleeing adversaries in the First Anglo-Afghan War; meeting and nearly deceiving a young Abraham Lincoln in America; alternately impersonating a native Indian cavalry recruit and wooing women in India; and managing, whatever the circumstances, to keep his hero’s reputation unsullied.

A must-have treat for the legions of dedicated Flashman fans, and a delightful introduction for those lucky enough to be encountering him for the first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (109)

A Rollicking, Good Read
Harry Flashman, bon vivant wastrel and ne'er do well, is the protagonist in this satire of mid-19th century English society and colonialism.Published over 40 years ago, the story is as raucous and entertaining as the day it went to print.

In this, the original Flashman novel, we are introduced to the primary school bully who is bounced from Rugby School at age 17 for drunkenness (among numerous other faults) and subsequently enlists in the 11th Light Dragoons.From this point, hilarity ensues as we follow the exploits of what can only be described as one of the most character deficient cads ever in print.

From a comfortable home office posting with the Dragoons, Flashman is relegated to the colony of India after a brief, disastrous stint in Scotland.Destined for a miserable position with the company troops of the East India Company, Flashman uses his charm and wiles to attach himself to a high ranking British officer, only to discover he is bound for Kabul, Afghanistan.What follows is one of the most humiliating chapters in British military history, and Flashman is in the center of the debacle.

Never before have I encountered such a likeable cad.At every juncture, Flashman seeks fame, pleasure and riches at the least risk to him, and is not above larceny to acquire them.Most refreshing is his candor and self recognition, expressing scorn and disbelief at those willing to risk life and fortune for noble or selfless causes.A rollicking good read.

Rogue, bounder, cad...and hero?
Flashman is a rogue, bounder, and cad: the archetypical anti-hero.Duplicitous and sneering, yet publicly charming, the most noble thing he does in this opening volume of the Flashman Papers (12 in all) is to seduce his father's mistress.After that, its off to foreign parts - India and Afghanistan - surrounded by historical figures and partaking of historical events, all told with wit and mocking insight.

In the 1960's George Macdonald Fraser set out to write some stories set in the golden age of the British Empire - well, golden from a certain point of view, anyway.To do this, he set an anti-hero loose in Victorian England, and gave him free reign to do as he would, so long as he reported truly.The Flashman Papers were the result - and apparently on first publication, some papers assumed that this was not a work of fiction, but a true history.

Sexist, racist, and whatever else, Flashman is unique.He gives us a new pair of eyes on which to view the past, and GMF tells the story in fine style.In addition, the history that Flashman occupies is true, and (comparatively) rigorously footnoted.Here Flashy is leaving school (as told in Tom Brown's Schooldays) and joining the Army, getting mixed up in the great events of the day.

This is superb reading, true history written as fiction.It is both laugh out loud funny and sombering, a wonderful window into the past.

Flashman Series

Would rather have an Unabridged version But if not available, this Abridged version is Very Good!

Not suggested reading for your bookclub
This was an unfortunate selection of my book club.While I like reading historical fiction, I refused to finish this book.The main character of this book has no redeeming qualities.He's a coward, a rapist and total jerk.I'm amazed to see so many positive reviews of this book.I do not understand how this book merited sequels.

flashy
Since the first time I picked up one of GMF's Flashman novels, about 35 years ago, I knew right from the getgo nothing was to be taken seriously.
Yes , Harry Flashman is a coward, Misogynist,blackguard and scoundrel, ooh just the kind of person mom told me to stay away from. Somehow though i just keep getting drawn back in by the spell of George MacDonald Fraser's anti-hero.
After having read some of the earlier revues, I gotta say, lighten up everyone. No one ever said the books were great literature, what they are, is a great read, all the books.
So what if Harry isn't anyone's idea of the typical Victorian hero, I'll let everyone in on a little secret: he's not supposed to be. Enjoy the stories for what they are, good historical fiction, with a little more than a touch of a hysterically cynical viewpoint of the human condition. ... Read more

Product Description
It’s 1868 and Sir Harry Flashman, V.C., arch-cad, amorist, cold-headed soldier, and reluctant hero, is back!Fleeing a chain of vengeful pursuers that includes Mexican bandits, the French Foreign Legion, and the relatives of an infatuated Austrian beauty, Flashy is desperate for somewhere to take cover. So desperate, in fact, that he embarks on a perilous secret intelligence-gathering mission to help free a group of Britons being held captive by a tyrannical Abyssinian king. Along the way, of course, are nightmare castles, brigands, massacres, rebellions, orgies, and the loveliest and most lethal women in Africa, all of which will test the limits of the great bounder’s talents for knavery, amorous intrigue, and survival.

Flashman on the March—the twelfth book in George MacDonald Fraser’s ever-beloved, always scandalous Flashman Papers series--is Flashman and Fraser at their best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

A British general goes on a desperate trek to save hostages from a mad king
Flashman is the Zelig of the 19th century, a fictional character inserted by his inventive creator into many and sundry historical events, introducing or reintroducing them to us in a far more entertaining fashion than the history books ever will.

Fraser here puts Flashman in a fascinating but forgotten piece of 19th century history - the British expedition deep into what is now Ethiopia to rescue hostages held by the mad King Theodore.

Led by General Robert Napier, the mission was a resounding success, against overwhelming odds of defeat. Naysayers (virtually everyone) predicted Napier and his troops couldn't make the trek, would run out of supplies or be cut off deep in the wild by fierce Abyssinian troops and would inevitably perish.

Napier not only reached the mountain redoubt where the hostages were being kept but retrieved them with virtually no casualties, then retreated without further entangling the British or seeking to expand the already enormous empire.

Theodore was a fascinating character - an admirer of Britain to the end. His pride, however, is offended when the Foreign Office fails to respond to a letter from him describing a favor he has done them.His madness swings between moments of genial lucidity where he mulls sending his son to a British school, and ones of flaming madness where children might be thrown over cliffs.

Flashman, in Trieste dodging authorities after dallying with a young Austrian girl on a voyage from Mexico, agrees to escort British cash to the Red Sea to bolster Napier's expedition. He thinks he'll be able to head home from there, but Napier - whose support Flashman needs to return to England - sends him on a risky mission: travelling deep inland to enlist the support of a rival queen against Theodore. Without it, Napier's military chances will be lessened considerably.

Flashman's guide is the queen's half-sister Uliba, gorgeous and an intrepid warrior. (And, of course, a vixen. This is a Flashman novel.) She serves as his introduction into the exotic ways of the land, a largely Christian kingdom virtually unknown to Europeans.

And it is she who shows him the savagery of King Theodore, who has not only tortured hostages but laid waste to large parts of his own country, killing thousands of his own subjects. It's a savage place to begin with; torture is common, enemies are dealt with in the most painful possible ways, and warriors often go into battle with the private parts of slain enemies dangling from their spears. Diners are often served raw meat cut from live animals on the spot.

It has its merits, of course, in its legions of gorgeous women who tend to go around topless.
Flashman finds his way into the court of Queen Masteeat and then, inevitably, into the company of King Theodore, whose madness he sees first-hand, and where he eventually witnesses a historic victory, but not before acquiring a respect for Abyssinian warriors.

Poorly Executed Xfer to the Kindle
THESE ARE COMMENTS ON THE KINDLE EDITION.

I love Flashman. When younger, I enjoyed Hornblower, but Flashman is more to my taste nowadays. Just the thing for an airplane trip or a summer at the beach.

Now someone tell me why this edition does not have footnotes that work. Lots of other Kindle books handle footnotes. Click, select footnote, click, read footnote, click, return to text. Great. But couldn't the publisher get off his duff and do the job properly?

Fraizer's footnotes about Flashy's historical setting are half the fun.

This One Came Out Of Left Field
Look, I've been a Flashman-o-phile for a good 35 years, but this one caught me totally off guard.Think about it - every one of Flashy's campaigns, adventures, trials, tribulations etc., etc. have, in previous novels, been discussed or mentioned, if only tangentially, without exception.Tell me, kind readers, where he or Fraser ever mentioned Abyssinia - ever.I truly don't know where this one came from, but it was a great disappointment and formulaic.That being said, it's still Flashy and it is readable, but hardly one of the best, and as I said above, a great disappointment.Sadly to say, at Fraser's age, the oft hoped for and most eagerly awaited Civil War adventure will probably never come to fruition.

Another great Flashman book
For those of us to whom his books brought such pleasure, "Flashman on the March" will always have an air of sadness about it, as it was the last Flashman book the late George MacDonald Fraser ever wrote. As with a prematurely deceased friend, we Flashman fans lament the adventures we'll never experience with our dear departed Flashman: the U.S. Civil War, the Mexican fiasco, Rorke's Drift, et al. However, we're thankful for what we were given, and this book is a worthy finale to the canon. The writing is as excellent as ever, the history as bizarre as it is true, and the story as vivid and enjoyable as any in the series. I appreciate the point of view of those who found this work a bit formulaic, i.e. the usual mix of exotic temptresses, unintended involvement in a horrific Victorian war, the disconnect between character and reputation, etc.However, there's nothing wrong with using a formula that works, and the formula that MacDonald Fraser developed in the original "Flashman" is pure gold. What do the critics want? To read a book about Flashman vacationing in the Lake District? Writing letters to the editor about Irish Home Rule? This isn't the best of the series, but it doesn't disappoint. Thanks for the laughs, GMF.

Flashman on theMarch
This book lives up to the high standard of humor previously set in all the other books in the Flashman series - and set in accurate history time-lines.

This is a great laugh all the way through - and very hard to put down.

The book was received in EXCELLENT condition ! ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Fiction / Fairy Tales, FolkloreAmazon.com Review
As always with George MacDonald, everything here is more thanmeets the eye: this in fact is MacDonald's grace-filled vision of theworld. Said to be one of J.R.R. Tolkien'schildhood favorites, The Princess and the Goblin is the storyof the young Princess Irene, her good friend Curdie--a minor'sson--and Irene's mysterious and beautiful great great grandmother, wholives in a secret room at the top of the castle stairs. Filled withimages of dungeons and goblins, mysterious fires, burning roses, and athread so fine as to be invisible and yet--like prayer--strong enoughto lead the Princess back home to her grandmother's arms, this is astory of Curdie's slow realization that sometimes, as the princesstells him, "you must believe without seeing." Simple enough forreading aloud to a child (as I've done myself more than once with mydaughter), it's rich enough to repay endless delighted readings forthe adult. --Doug Thorpe ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

the Princess & the Goblin.
I remember reading The Princess and the Goblin when I was in elementary school, which feels like so many years ago. When I came across it again just last year, I was hit with some nostalgia. I couldn't seem to recall the exact details of the book. I do remember that the grandmother freaked me out a little, and that the writing style was a little over my head at the time. But since I'm a little more educated now, I figured I could give it another go. I have an undying love affair for fairy tales, and the gorgeous old cover of the edition my library had made me fall head over heels.

The Princess and the Goblin follows Princess Irene, a young princess who lives in a removed house in the country. She was moved her, with a whole household of servants, when she was very young. She doesn't know why she is here and not in the castle with her father. One day, she wanders off and happens upon a staircase that leads to a mysterious room, which her grandmother is waiting. As mysterious as her rooms, her grandmother is magical and powerful while still being kind. The story also follows Curdie, a young but skilled miner, who saves Irene and her caretaker from the goblins when they become lost in the woods one night. He discovers a whole in the ever precarious seperation between the goblins and miners in the underground caves. He begins to follow a family of goblins to learn more about them. He uncovers a sinister plot that involves the young princess and the caves.

George MacDonald is an extremely influential writer. If you haven't read any of his works, than you can be sure that you have read the works of someone influenced by him. J.R.R Tolkien and and Madeleine L'Engle are just a few of the A-list writers who owe a lot of thanks to the works of George MacDonald. Not too mention C.S Lewis, one of my personal favorite authors, who was basically the president and number one fanboy of the George MacDonald fanclub during his lifetime. Lewis was so touched by MacDonald's work that he was even moved to convert to Christianity in part thanks to MacDonald, especially his work Phantastes. Like the Chronicles of Narnia, The Princess and the Goblin has a running undercurrent of theological themes. The story deals with the issue of faith: if you can't see something, can you really believe in it? And would you have the faith to remain a believer even when someone contradicts your beliefs? It is especially touching if you are a Christian, but it's not strictly allegorical. You don't necessarily need to be a Christian to get something out of the story.

The story and writing is reminiscent of old-fashioned fairy tales. In this day and age, our stories have to have pages and pages of characterization and relationship building to be considered 'acceptable'. The characters are mostly cariactures, focused mainly on one characteristic that defines their personality. Irene is precocious and a princess, which means that she is automatically more respectable, well-behaved, and honorable than other little girls in the world that George MacDonald has created. However, it is Irene's innocence that defines her and is the whole backbone of the story. She never lies, and yet her caretaker and friends are so quick to believe she is telling a lie when she reveals that she met her grandmother in the tower. She honorably believes that all of her people, who she will one day rule over, are created equal although her caretaker believes she shouldn't affiliate with the peasants surrounding her house. The relationship between Curdie and Irene reminds me of Peter and Wendy from Peter Pan, in that the reader knows that when they grow up (if, in the case of Peter) they would fall in love. However since they are only preteens, these relationships merely start and end with a simple kiss.

George MacDonald aims to be informal in his writing in The Princess and the Goblin. Since the style of writing and the wording is old-fashioned, the familiarity doesn't read as well in this day and age. The writing tends to go in circles, taking a few paragraphs to get back to the original thought. I also happen to write in circles in my writings, so I had little trouble following the train of thought. For someone who is a straightforward thinker, this task might not be as easy. If you are weary of redone fairy tales that twist a old tale into a modern story, I would suggest this story to you. It might help you get back into the original fairy tale frame of mind, while still being modern. Irene is a heroine, not a hero. She is not a damsel in distress, but a rescuer. She will not tire you with fainting or calling out in dispair for the hero to save her. I have added Phantastes to my To Be Read this list after reading this, not only because it so inspired C.S Lewis but as because George MacDonald writes such beautiful stories.

Great edition, except NOT unabridged.
I was very pleased with this book in most respects.It has high quality binding, the illustrations are nice (both original by A. Hughs and H. Stratton).However, when I purchased the book it was unclear whether the version was unabridged or not.Reading some other reviews, I knew that some editions leave out at least some passages.In the first chapter, there is an exchange between the author and reader/listener "THERE was once a little princess who-"But, Mr. Author, why do you always write about princesses?...".This exchange is shown on the book description (which is misleading)...BUT, it is not actually in this version of the book.I didn't know what else might be left out as well.I ended up returning this book and purchasing a used copy of an older version, (which I am pleased with).It's a shame because in all other respects (illustrations, binding, etc.) this is a very nice edition.

The Princess and the Goblin
I love 'The Princess and the Goblin'partly because it is very easy to read, but still of satisfying depth, and partly because nothing happened the way I expected it to.Kids love this story, and fortunately adults do too.It is timeless because it features a hero who, while being imperfect, doesn't waver from his values.

Great book, a little slow
It took a while to come, but it did make it before the date it promised. Make sure you leave a week or so extra to make sure you get it. Great book though. Wonderful allegory.

The Princess and the Goblin
This classic 19th Century fairy tale still holds up 100 years later. George MacDonald was in a sense a feminist ahead of his time; the beautiful and mysterious grandmother is a central and memorable character. The goblins are wicked but not too scary. The descriptions of the [Welsh?] landscape are vivid, and the relationship between the princess and the humble miner's son, Curdie, speaks of breaking down class barriers. ... Read more

Product Description
A classic children's story written in England in 1871, this enchanting fairy tale follows a sweet little stable boy in Victorian London who goes on adventures with the majestic North Wind. She is personified as a lovely and mysterious woman, both severe and kind, who teaches young Diamond about herself on their journeys. The innocent, perceptive Diamond is caught up by this powerful entity, and he acts as the perfect character for MacDonald to acknowledge social injustice, explore the place of death in the lives of human beings, and realize the deep need we have for love and forgiveness. MacDonald poignantly addresses questions and fears that all humankind must face in this insightful landmark in children's literature. Ultimately he uncovers the core of our deepest needs and their origin in eternity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

highly recommended
i bought this book because I wanted a copy of the book we read to my cousin while he was sick. he loved this and loved us reading to him

I'm not going to read it to my daughter
After recently re-discovering and being re-enchanted by The Princess and the Goblin, I took this out of the library. I was disappointed. While the back of the north wind is a magical place as one imagines from the title, it is also an afterworld from which the main character returns transformed into a living angel. The story-line is weak and the Victorian ideology strong, making for an interesting read for an adult or teenager, but one which I think children should skip. My daughter is 8 and in 3rd grade, and is a bookworm but I'm sure she would be quite bored by this.

a deep parable
i will have to agree with c.s.lewis. although i have yet to fully understand every allegory in the book, i found many many many insights into God's plan for my life and my salvation. it is not a book to simply read, it is a book to study, perhaps (as in my case) even throughout many years.

So Creative
One of my personal favorites - leads to sweet dreams! Good one for reading aloud to your kids!

Beautifully written
I found this book--correction: This book found me--shortly after my father's death.I was nine years old.What I needed then were books that would comfort as they took me to another place, a place where people lived surrounded with tenderness and loving kindness.If you are looking for books to read aloud with your children, I strongly recommend this one plus The Princess and Curdie and The Princess and the Goblin.These brilliantly written yet simple tales combine fantasy with spiritual issues... opening the door for many great discussions.I still love them today.... ... Read more

Product Description
The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by George MacDonald is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of George MacDonald then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Product Description
A Book of Strife in the Form of The Diary of an Old Soul (From Title page) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Treasure chest
MacDonald's book is a treasure chest, even though the modern reader may need to dig a little to understand some of the daily entries. What is often not known is that this it was written in the aftermath of the deaths of two of his children - a grown daughter engaged to be married, and a nearly-grown son. The heart cries are thus real, not merely the product of a wordsmith's imagination.

Richly expressed thoughts
MacDonald leaves you thinking about all the things that matter in this beautiful little book - devotional and poetic.

Rich Meditations
I would have to say that C.S.Lewis's remark--that he has never read anyone who is more continually close to the Spirit--fits the author quite well.MacDonald eloquently combines intellectual thought and creativity with the innocence of prayer, showing that both are able to be used together in the pursuit to intimacy with God.

This book has been a great help in my meditations.I would recommend it to anyone who desires to have a greater connectedness with the Spirit.The only downfall is the 200 year span in English terminology.If one can get past the "doths" and "thees" then this book will be sure to be a favorite in your collection.

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. ... Read more

Product Description
Unfortunately in China in 1860 a lot of people were depending on Flashman: the English vicar-s daughter with her cargo of opium; Lord Elgin; the Emperor-s ravishing concubine; and Szu-Zhan, the female bandit colossus, as practised in the arts of love as in the art of war.They were not to know that behind his Victoria Cross, Flashman was a base coward and charlatan. They took him at face value, and he took them for all he could, while China seethed through the bloodiest civil war in history, and the British and French armies hacked their way to the heart of the Forbidden City. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Flashman and the Taiping rebellion
Tricked into making what he perceives as easy money on an opium run, Flashman finds himself in the thick of the Taiping Rebellion. Once again Fraser takes a major event in history and plants his anti-hero right in the midst of it. A fascinating account of the development of the rebellion and its eventual defeat is the core of this book and Fraser does a great job of explaining the events and the principles making this a particularly satisfying Flashman adventure. The cast of characters are true eccentrics in many cases and make for humorous and exciting reading. This is one of the stronger Flashman novels I have read and maintains a nice balance of history and adventure.

Not Funny Enough...
... and altogether a lot of wasted opportunities for a really good novel. Flashman's encounter with Frederick Townsend Ward sets up the possibility of a truly dynamic historical interaction, but then Ward is sidelined, forgotten, and Flashman gets to spend the bulk of the book in sybaritic captivity again. The Caleb Carr book about FT Ward -- Devil Soldier -- is a much better read than this somewhat uninspired cliff-hanger.

If you're looking at reviews of Flashman and the Dragon, it's almost certain that you already know what you want from George MacDonald Fraser, that piquant blend of odious sexism and nauseous racism with delightful irreverence toward historical figures. In this installment, however, one beautiful woman after another gets the better of Flash, uses him and tosses him away you might say, including the most famous woman in the history of China. The dalliances aren't especially lurid, alas; Flash mentions the various 'pleasures' known only to imperial concubines, but he doesn't depict them. The racism, of course, is as rank as ever, but addressed against the Chinese chiefly in terms of their cruelty and treachery. I found it rather tedious and inapplicable even to hostile stereotypes. Still, I wouldn't recommend this book to any of my Chinese friends except the singer Randy Wong, who can appreciate any dark humor if it's snarky enough. The historical figures of the Taiping era get tepid mistreatment from Flash; the most famous of them, Chinese Gordon, is no more than a walk-on.

What's good, then, about F and the Dragon? Oddly, I'd say the best of the book is the description -- of the opulence of the Summer Palace, of the hollow might of the Imperial Army, of the squalor of backstreet Shanghai and Canton. I'd almost say that Fraser has evolved, in this book, into a travel writer.

Flashman novels
I began reading Flashman novels on the recommendation of a librarian in 1984.Flashman introduced me to history as enjoyable bedtime reading. This last month, in 2009, I began reading Flash again. I marvel atcharacters and incidents related so vivaciously and accurately. Making dragon ladies sexy,prime ministers klutzy, and generals comedichelps connect history to humanity. And Flash is funny, direct, and entertaining in some very dramatic settings and events of the 19th century. Rare are the opportunities to be successfully appealed to emotionally and intellectually. The sex is good, too. Long live Flashman!

Discredited History, but Still Flashman
Necessary disclaimer: I am a huge fan of the Flashman series and George Macdonald Fraser (check out his McAuslan in the Rough). I've now read eight of the Flashman books (in chronological order 1-4, 7-8, 10 & 12). Nonetheless, I struggled to fully enjoy Flashman and the Dragon - in large part because of its questionable historical accuracy.

Having narrowly escaped personal disaster whilst running 'opium' to Canton, Harry Flashman finds himself unhappily engaged in the British service on a couple of errands as an intelligence officer. First, Harry sails up to Nanking where he meets the leader of the Taiping Rebellion, a Chinese gentleman claiming to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ. Along the way he manages a vigorous romp or two with Triad bandit leader Szu-zhan.

After another miraculous escape, Harry heads north with Lord Elgin and the closing chapter of the Second Opium War. Flashy again manages to get himself captured. This time he's imprisoned in the Forbidden City where the Lady Yehonala (better known as the Dragon Lady or Dowager Empress Ci Xi) makes a nocturnal visit - just to have a peek at the barbarian - with predictable results. Harry escapes one final time and arrives back in 'Pekin' in time to witness the final negotiations to end the war and then the release of Harry Parkes as well as the discovery of a number of murdered British prisoners. Elgin decides to burn down the imperial Summer Palace as payback.

All well and good for a typical Flashman tale, but I found myself distracted by the grotesque way in which the book portrays the Chinese and the Manchu. This distraction came not not only from Flashman's 'papers, but also to the end notes. I expect Harry to express broadly, if cynical, pro-British Empire 19th century views, but expect a little more intellectual honesty from Fraser.

The Chinese and Manchu are presented without exception - either singly or in combination - as devious, deceitful, sexual deviants, weak, opium-addled, and immune to normal human feelings of honor and shame.While the story does hit many of the historical highlights, the record is so grossly distorted that the reader will be forgiven for not recognizing that the Second Opium War was started by the British on a pretext in order to open yet more Chinese ports to more foreign trade, including the importation of opium, and otherwise extend its influence.

The burning of the Summer Palace is presented as an act of British restraint. The reader would never guess that the propriety of this act was hotly disputed between Gladstone and Palmserton and derided by Victor Hugo (not to mention the Chinese and Manchu reaction). Lady Yehonala is falsely portrayed as a wanton sex- and opium-fiend. According to the end notes, Fraser based his story in part on the thoroughly discredited forger and con man Edmund Backhouse. See Hugh Trevor-Roper's Hermit of Peking: The Hidden Life of Sir Edmund Backhouse (History & Politics) and Sterling Seagrave's Dragon Lady: The Life and Legend of the Last Empress of China (published after Flashman).

Learning history from Harry Flashman should be undertaken with great care. Perhaps the better approach is to avoid taking the history too seriously and read them for the pro-imperial but humorous tales of the delightfully detestable Flashy. Flashman and the Dragon is best read as an entertaining period piece reflecting the prejudices of an earlier era.

Another "Good" Flashman
The title is unfair because all of the Flashman series is great but the character is always at his best when there is some type of war situation going on.The way in which the best anti hero of the Victorian age gets caught up in the Taiping rebellion and other such events in china is very true to form.

At some points a tragedy and at other times a total laugh riot. The historiography as always is excellent.

Overall-The only sad part is that with the death of the author we will now never know the exact route Flashy took from China to the American Civil War.
... Read more

Product Description
In this extensive biography, Michael Phillips paints a revealing portrait of George MacDonald. Phillips uses the facts of MacDonald’s life to shape a picture of the man, set against the Scottish land he loved. Looking at both his strengths and shortcomings, Phillips does not shy away from the issues that made MacDonald a controversial figure during his life and beyond. Previously out of print, this work will be welcomed by all who have come to love the Scottish storyteller's novels and his view of God as Father. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Best Bio on George MacDonald
The most thorough bio on George MacDonald that is readily available today.Author makes extensive use of MacDonald's own writings as well as the accounts of Greville MacDonald, his son.I find it comforting and helpful that someone like MacDonald lived as he did, unabashedly.I feel he is something of a living template for many of us today. And I trust someone who you can tell loves the Father and knows he is loved by the Father as well.This is all reflected so well in the bio.Of course, as great as the bio is, it is still no substitute for MacDonald's actual works which is where is spirit really shines through.I would recommend a good dose of MacDonald reading before taking on the bio...the details of a man's life can lessen what is in his heart sometimes.Phantastes and At The Back Of The North Wind are great places to start.

Despite challenges and controversy, a noble life emerges
Meet the man that C. S. Lewis and now Michael Phillips call their mentor.If you're wondering why you should take the time to become acquainted with a Scottish preacher, poet and novelist, perhaps the greatest endorsement of MacDonald comes from Lewis.Lewis expressed the thought that though MacDonald was not error-free, he knew of no writer who was so continually close to the Spirit of Christ.In his presentation of MacDonald's faith, Phillips makes the words of Lewis ring true.

Some of MacDonald's ideas are controversial but much of his thought gets at the core of what it means to follow Christ.His mystical side, which could see the hand of God in all of nature, and his emphasis on doing all that Christ said, remind one of St. Francis of Assisi.

MacDonald was a multi-faceted character and Phillips does a masterful job of fleshing out the person.Particularly fascinating is the glimpse we get of MacDonald's inward struggle to discover what God was really like.He had a difficult time reconciling God's nature with the stern Calvinism of his day that could leave a child in tears for failing to adequately learn his or her lessons about God.You see in his journey what led him toward the thought of universal redemption, an idea that circulated during his time.

MacDonald saw that for some Christians, hell was the greatest reality.But how does one reconcile the idea of eternal punishment for sin with a God that MacDonald came to believe was good and loving.His mystical side believed that even as the sun melts the snow; sin, death and even hell itself would eventually give way before the love of God.

One cannot help but be sympathetic, as Phillips is, to this remarkable account of one man's attempt to reconcile apparent opposing realities.On the other hand, some of his views are a little confusing and appear to contradict Scripture.

Those like MacDonald, who believe in a universal redemption, view the idea that some are lost forever as a defeat of God's ultimate plan and intention.They might say that to see it otherwise makes our sense of justice higher than God's.I don't think it necessarily follows that God has suffered a defeat because some are lost.God clearly states through the prophet Isaiah that we cannot fully fathom His thoughts and ways.We don't want to make the mistake of pronouncing as one thing what God sees as something else. We often see the death of a Christian as tragic, but for God it is something that is precious in His sight.

Our finite minds cannot always reconcile what seems to us contradictory.For example, many have tried to do that with the ideas of predestination and choice.That attempt has been a cause of error and a source of disagreement among Christians.On this particular issue, as in others, wisdom is found in acknowledging all that the Bible teaches while recognizing that from God's perspective, there is harmony.

Phillips portrays MacDonald as a seeker after the truth, and he does an excellent job of showing us where MacDonald's search led him.But it's still hard to understand how he could embrace the idea of universal redemption, when it's not clearly taught in Scripture. There's much more to MacDonald than this particular issue, but this book serves as a fascinating study of it.

I now understand why a Calvinist, one who among other things believes in a limited atonement--Christ died only for the elect, would want nothing to do with MacDonald.It's interesting to note that Calvinism is reportedly making a comeback today among the young.It's not the strict Calvinism of MacDonald's time, but the essential doctrines are the same.That Calvinism would begin to experience a renewal of sorts shows that a divide remains between Christians when it comes to the finer points of doctrine.

Whether it is in relation to disagreements, or one's views in general, some people make themselves almost despicable through their pettiness.MacDonald was the exact opposite.He was exceedingly broad-minded, a noble soul that inspired and elevated those he touched through his life and writings.He was, as he came to be known by friends, Mr. Greatheart of The Pilgrim's Progress.His thoughts were often grand, original and challenging.

We are the richer for this insightful glimpse into the heart of the man.I can't imagine a better book on MacDonald's inward journey, and I can't escape the conclusion that he was a strong believer in Christ.The majority of his thought is profound and valuable to any Christian.It's amazing to see how widely he is read and quoted even today.

Originally published in 1987, this revised and updated edition commemorates the 100th anniversary of MacDonald's death.It starts off slow because of the abundance of background information, but it's a great read for those who want to get to know a life that despite challenges and controversy was exceptionally noble.

A Masterful Work
Truly great writers oft are known to have troubled, tragic, or challenging lives. George MacDonald certainly walked a mile or two in everykind of worldly storm -- his theological beliefs, particularly, rocked the religious boat in his day. Independent thought, however, is the first of those characteristics which mark the great writers. Of course, it takes one to know one, and in this case Michael Phillips has certainly gotten to know his subject and proven himself the scholar capable of penning such a tremendous biography. George MacDonald: A Biography of Scotland's Beloved Storyteller, is a masterful piece of work. Phillips paints the whole portrait, not merely the man, but the man in his relationships personal, public, and professional with those around him. We get to know his family, and it sometimes seems as if Phillips stepped back in time and walked along with MacDonald, across the Scottish highlands, along the English and Mediterranian shores, and down the streets of MacDonald's very boyhood.

I am somewhat saddened that the works of George MacDonald were introduced to me as a young reader. Certainly his voice and his spiritual convictions that ingrained themselves so deeply, and positively, in the lives of the men and women of his generation could be the healing balm, or perhaps the catalyst for change, for this modern generation. Phillips shows us of MacDonald as man, as preacher, as scholar, as awestruck child of a living and powerful God who, despite the trials of life and the naysayers, persevered. I am happy, however, that introduction has finally been made, and I can think of no one better chosen for the task.

Michael Phillips' writing talent shines through in this rich and inspiring work. Readers will come away with the desire to know more of Mr. MacDonald's work -- not to mention wanting to read more of Mr. Phillips' other works as well. ... Read more

Product Description
"If Jesus Christ were amongst them, they would deceivehim," it was said of the plunders, raiders, and outlaws who terrorizedthe Anglo-Scottish Border for over 300 years. Theirs is an almostforgotten chapter of British history, preserved largely in folktalesand ballads. It is the story of the notorious raidingfamilies--Armstrongs, Elliots, Grahams, Johnstones, Maxwells, Scotts,Kerrs, Nixons, and others--of the outlaw bands and broken men, and thefierce battles of English and Scottish armies across theMarches. The Steel Bonnets tells their true story in itshistorical context-- how the reivers ran their raids and operatedtheir system of blackmail and terrorism, and how the March Wardens,enforcing the unique Border law, fought the great lawless community. Asuperb work of scholarship and a spellbinding narrative. GeorgeMacDonald Fraser is the celebrated author of the Flashmannovels, The Candlemass Road, The Pyrates, and thePrivate McAuslan stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

The Lawless Land...
In the sixteenth century, the border between Scotland and England was the much fought-over scene of frequent warfare between the two kingdoms.The families on both sides fell into an armed, semi-nomadic existence whose economic mainspring was raiding the other side for cattle, property, and slaves.In "The Steel Bonnets", accomplished journalist, novelist, and historian George MacDonald Fraser takes on the challenging task of making sense of the Anglo-Scottish border reivers, as these raiders were called.Proof of his success may lie in the fact that "The Steel Bonnets" has never been out of print since first publication in 1971.

In his characteristic animated prose, Fraser lays out the background of the border area, identifies its people, and describes their distinctive lifestyle.His narrative is commendably even-handed.If violence, robbery, and chicanery was a way of life for the reivers, he provides the necessary context.In a land without law, armed force was a necessity for survival.The long conflict between border families, and with the uncertain law enforcement of the border districts, has many layers.Fraser does his best to make sense of it all.He makes liberal use of colorful anecdotes to move the narrative along and to characterize a complicated history.

With the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603, the shelter of the border went away; the reivers were scourged out of existence in just ten years by a ruthless application of hanging justice.Fraser notes the similarities of the Anglo-Scottish border in its lawless heyday with the present-day frontiers of Pakistan and Afghanistan; those responsible for pacifying that bloody border may find here some useful lessons."The Steel Bonnets" is very recommended as a superb example of well-written history.

FOR MY BROTHER
Book a came before my brother arrived. When I gave it to him, he scanned through it and thought it was a great book for his collection.

The best resource on this subject
I have read one other book on this topic, plus lots of online historical documentation. Fraser, born in the border town of Carlisle, England,has compiled the most extensive history I have found. The border reiver families' conflicts and alliances are dealt with in detail, as are the English and Scottish attempts to bring the border marches under control. It is gang warfare, politics, nationalism, religion, and economics in one treatise. If you want to buy only one book, this is it.

Excellent
I bought this used - but you'd never know it.It arrived timely and in perfect condition.Wonderful history - well written.

Shaking Loose the Border
When Scott says they abhorred and avoided the crime of unnecessary homicide, one can only comment that they seem to have found homicide necessary with appalling frequency.-The Steel Bonnets by George Macdonald Fraser

This delightfully cynical line is one of my favorites of the book. It shows Fraser's sardonic personality as well as giving a healthy contempt for the romanticism of brigandage.

In The Steel Bonnets, the author describes a world in which law was half broken, the sword was the ruler, and woe betide the weak. It is the old Anglo-scottish border. Long a frontier of war, people could not count onnormal guarentees of their survival. With civilization stolen from them, they became barbarians. And remained so for centuries. And the tales of their life still remain.

The Steel Bonnets gives a picture of life on the border. It describes local customs, the techniques of raiding, as well as some of the most important clans. It is pleasingly unsentimental and does not regard border chieftains as heros simply because they were successful raiders. But it does give a fascinating portrait of their life. And it does not hide that, if border raiders were vicious, the English and Scottish governments, were not pillers of virtue either. It also gives a history of border politics and ends finnally with the brutal pacification of the region by King James, who as the author wryly acknowledges, was acting in a manner not dissimilar to his victims.

The most attractive figure in the book was the Elizabethan lawman Robert Carey, who deserves to be better known, for he handled the difficult job of policing the border honestly, valiantly, and not without mercy.
The Steel Bonnets is a book that is very much worth reading. ... Read more

Product Description
The Lost Princess was first published in 1875 as fairy tale by George MacDonald. This story describes how a woman of mysterious powers visits two young girls: a princess and a shepherd's daughter. The girls are forced to choose between good and evil. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best of George MacDonald
The Lost Princess, along with At the Back of the North Wind is truly MacDonald at his best.Through the help of a wise woman,two spoiled girls, "princesses" in their own homes learn to see themselves as they really are and find out how to change.A learning experience for all who read.

George Macdonald's "The Lost Princess"
This wonderful story is my favorite of all George Macdonald's fairy stories. The great mistake here is to assume that fairy stories are for children. This is an inspiring and soul-searching story for readers of allages. A wise old woman brings purity and character to the heart of anarrogant selfish princess, helping her to become a TRUE princess. ... Read more

Product Description
Eight fairy tales by the nineteenth-century Scottish minister who struggled for a living, turned to writing, and became a literature professor at London University. ... Read more

Product Description
The Gray Wolf is one volume in the four-volume collection of the complete fantasy stories of George MacDonald, the great nineteenth-century innovator of modern fantasy, whose works influenced C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams. ... Read more

Product Description
George MacDonald was a spiritual and literary forbear of writers such as C. S. Lewis, W. H. Auden, G. K. Chesterton, and Madeleine L'Engle."Lilith" is the account of a man who has never thought much about the laws of nature or his place in the universe or much of anything for that matter.Then, while minding his own business in his own home and his own library, he suddenly finds himself face to face with another world.It is his own world, but he had never known there was more to it.Likewise, he discovers that there was more to himself.But first he must meet Lilith, and find his way, and himself, in the swirling relationship between her, Adam and Eve, and God himself. ... Read more

Product Description
Scotland's master storyteller unfolds a classic novel noted for its profound truth wrapped in disarming simplicity

The Poet's Homecoming was written at a time when five of George MacDonald's six sons were in their early to mid-twenties, and he was no doubt observing and pondering their struggles of growth toward adulthood. In this story, Walter Colman leaves the country farming life to pursue fame and fortune in a literary career. But he is actually leaving much more. With the love of his father behind him, the road before him is one filled with rough places that will take their toll. Enchantment and ideals must face the rest of emerging manhood.

Sometimes the profoundest truths come wrapped in the humblest garb. The tale of the Good Samaritan was not noteworthy for its complexity, but it remains one of the most striking teachings in the Gospels. MacDonald, too, when conveying the magnificence of God's Fatherhood, does so with an amazing acuity of vision and simplicity of word.

"The radiance of the message shines through with unclouded clarity the message that, as MacDonald himself says, obedience is the opener of eyes."

Michael R. Phillips (from the Introduction)

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is not by George MacDonald
This is another one of the books by George MacDonald edited, revised and re-titled by Phillips.George MacDonald is a wonderful writer.Read him in the original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

an amazing story
the first few chapters i though it was boring, but once i got into it i couldn't put it down. A story of a woman who loves a man, and teaches him to change; yet not out of his love for her, but simply because it was the right thing to do.

I loved this book!!!
George macdonald quickly became my favorite author.He has really inspired me alot.A couple of the reasons why I personally loved this book is because I love to read about the scottish highlands and I like how he showed the way that a brother and sister's relationship should be.He doesn't teach morals in an annoying way. You find yourself learning them without realising it.

This timeless story of love is one of the best ever
This story centers around a young peasant girl and her growing love for the young laird (lord) of the local manor. The whole point of this timeless tale is a simple pure love of "brother and sister, man and woman, and a simple boy and his god." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The best...
George MacDonald is far and away my favorite author. What joy to read his works for the first time! How I wish I could read them in the Scottish dialect they were originally written in. His portrayal of the attributes of his various characters rivals that ofDickens in its complexity and depth.

Excellent book, deep insights into the nature of God and how he speaks to us
I love all of George MacDonald's books - his theology through his novels makes you think in a way you might not otherwise about your relationship with God and how he watches over us.

This is an EDITED version of a good book
If you want to read George MacDonald, one of my all time favorite authors, then read him in the original.He is wonderful and inspiring.I fail to understand why anyone would want to read an edited version instead of the words and phrases as the author intended.

One of my favorite MacDonald books!
I've read a lot of MacDonald books; I love the spiritual aspects that come into the story and plot.This book, coupled with The Gentlewoman's Choice (as mine was), are two of my favorite MacDonald books.The spiritual journeys that the protagonists travel are personally applicable; the questions raised should be asked of the reader, as well.And the simple (clean!) "romantic" novel side of the story is pulling, as well.

I love MacDonald, and haven't read a book of his I didn't like; but this is one of my favorites.

Brilliant
MacDonald was C.S. Lewis' favourite author and for good reason. Few men ever wrote with the passion and insight of MacDonald.

This book is enjoyable and intellectually challenging. It would make a great gift for university lecturers as it challenges many of today's views about land rights, culture and religion.

I cannot praise this book too much. If I had the money I'd by a million of them and give one to every influental person in the western world. ... Read more

Product Description
Forced to live in poverty as his family's land is sold to pay their debts, Cosmo Warlock, a young Scot, learns the importance of a spiritual inheritance. ... Read more

Product Description
One of literature's most delightful rakes is back in another tale of rollicking adventure and tantalizing seduction. The plucky Flashman's latest escapades are sure to entertain devotees as well as attract new aficionados. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Enter the mutiny..not as light hearted as usual

It only makes sense the Fraser's series puts his anti-hero right in the middle of the Indian mutiny. But the brutality of the violence puts a different spin on this episode Flashman series, where generally speaking the hero comes out relatively unscathed amidst all the danger and death, but this time leaves Flashman with a bit more emotional scarring tham usual. Pushed into duty to work undercover in India, Flashman falls for the leader of Jhansi and then tumbles into the utter chaos of the Mutiny, where friend and foe are slaughtered without mercy. Even Flashman's egocentric nature is touched by the slaughter of women and children and it adds a sour note to the book, but a welcome one, as this episode of history should not be dealt with light-heartedly. The causes of the Mutiny are seen through Flashman's rather jaundiced point-of-view, but clearly keep the idea that oppression led up to this outpouring of rage and ferocity. This book is an excellent look at a brutal period of history with just a bit of the Flashman flair.

interesting at times but a generally tiresome historical novel
'Flashman in the Great Game', first published in the mid-1970s, in terms of sequence is in the middle of the pack of Flashman novels.If you are not familiar with Flashman novels then I suggest going directly to the first novel in the series.'Flashman in the Great Game' would be rather bewildering to those not familiar with what Flashman is all about (..a fictitious mid-19th century British officer who inexplicably pops up in major battles around the world and is adorned as a hero despite being a coward and a rogue).

In this installment of the Flashman series we have our lovable (?) scoundrel in India helping to quell rebellion.Yes, his sex life is still quite remarkable.And he finds himself in a some rather horrific situations of massacre, violence and torture.Yet in the end he lives to fight another day, as we knew he would all along.But this novel isn't a particularly good addition to the series.The narrative, written in the first person, is quite jumbled.Too many character names are strewn about, too many recollections about unrelated people, places and things disturb the flow of the story.For me this was a rather tedious read only partially redeemed by a some rather startling action sequences.

Oh, the Flashman character also refers to the native Indian populace as a bunch of "n****rs" (yes, the "n" word).Although such language is totally in character with a 19th century aristocratic Brit and is not meant to be inflammatory (..I guess), some people might find such flagrant use of this word to be unpleasant.


Bottom line: for Flashman devotees only.

First-Rate but Rowdy History
In FLASHMAN IN THE GREAT GAME, Flashman is in India in 1857, doing undercover work for Lord Palmerston, when the Indian Mutiny erupts. Consistent with his other Flashman novels, George McDonald Fraser shows an immense talent for comic plausibility as he moves Flashman here and there but always into the thick of the action. As a result, Flash witnesses the outbreak of the rebellion at Meerut, survives the siege and massacre at Cawnpore, does his duty at the fortress at Jhansi, where the Brits have laid a siege, and watches horrified as the beautiful Rani Lakshmibai, who Flashy may have bedded, dies in battle at Gwalior.

As a Yank, the Indian Mutiny was mostly new to me, and I frequently found myself on Wikipedia, trying to learn more about the issues and events of this terrible war, where both sides behaved with great cruelty. In doing so, I gained further respect for Fraser, who communicates the information that's on Wikipedia but with flair, occasional humor, and admirable concision. In his hands, the Mutiny becomes a tale of great adventure, where Flashman becomes a surprisingly sympathetic character, who seems mean-spirited only among other Brits.

In the first 100 pages of FitGG, Fraser sets up his story and introduces his characters. Admittedly, these pages are a little slow. But, thereafter, hold onto your hat! This is an exciting and first-rate action narrative, with Flashy, really an ordinary man, illuminating history.

Harry situations in India
There aren't many nice things you can say about Harry Flashman.He's a cad and a coward, a rogue and a racist, but he's also - at least retrospectively - honest about these traits.He's also quite entertaining to read about, an attribute that continues in the fifth Flashman book, Flashman in the Great Game.

As with all Flashman novels, Harry is in the middle of some great historic event and encountering many real-life characters.In this tale, it is the Indian Mutiny of 1857 when the natives of India rebelled against their British overlords.If Harry had his way, he'd be nowhere near it, preferring the comforts of a leisurely life in England.Unfortunately, his undeserved reputation for heroism gets him drafted into an adventure as a spy, seeking out Russian interference in British rule.

Although he often tries to weasel himself out of danger and discomfort, circumstances always seem to place Flashy in the thick of it.When assassins try to kill him, he is forced to go undercover as an Indian soldier, forcing him to take abuse from his English "superiors."With most people, this might serve as a lesson about racism, but such concepts elude Flashman:to him, all true Indians deserve the abuse; he doesn't, because he is of a "higher" race.

Done improperly, Harry's darker and often dominant traits would make him thoroughly unlikeable, but author George MacDonald Fraser succeeds in making Flashman likeable, primarily because - despite often brutal events - the narration has enough humor to keep things from being too serious.This is clever satire aimed at poking holes in the image of heroism.This might not be the best book to be introduced to Flashman, but for fans of the preceding books, this one will not disappoint.

One of the best of the Flashman series
With the exception of "Royal Flash" and two of the stories in "Flashman and the Tiger", I give all the Flashman stories 5 stars. They are that great. However, for sheer twisted brilliance of plot, I rank this one up there with "Flash for Freedom". In those two books, George MacDonald Fraser puts his protagonist through the most hilarious, yet unbelievably sadistic situations you could possibly imagine, and just when you think our (anti) hero has finally escaped the jaws of death, GMF delightfully trips him up and throws him back to the wolves. This ending of this particular novel is pure genius and would alone be worth the price of the book, even if it weren't preceded by some of the greatest historical fiction and humor ever written. Who ever thought the Indian Mutiny could be so much fun? ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Amazon.com Review
"Lilith is equal if not superior to the best of Poe,"the great 20th-century poet W.H. Auden said of this novel, but thecomparison only begins to touch on the richness, density, and wonderof this late 19th-century adult fantasy novel. First published in 1895(inhabiting a universe with the early Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, andOscar Wilde--not to mention Thomas Hardy), this is the story of theaptly named Mr. Vane, his magical house, and the journeys into anotherworld into which it leads him.

Meeting up with one mystery afteranother, including Adam and Eve themselves, he slowly but surelyexplores the mystery of the human fall from grace, and of ourredemption. Instructed into the ways of seeing the deeper realities ofthis world--seeing, in a sense, by the light of the spirit--the readerand Mr. Vane both sense that MacDonald writes from his own deepexperience of radiance, from a bliss so profound that death's darknessitself is utterly eclipsed in its light. --Doug Thorpe ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

Thought I would like it, but...
Since I like MacDonald's novels in general, I thought I would like Lilith, but I didn't. Maybe it's too difficult for me. I fought through it and enjoyed certain portions, but I was tempted not to finish it. I think it might be "over my head." I'm not talking about the "universalist" theology of it, because I understand what he is saying there, although I think the Bible clearly does not support it (I sense a temptation within myself to wish universalism were true), but I could have found much value in the story anyway if I could have understood it more thoroughly. I'm writing this review as a warning to readers like me who enjoy MacDonald's non-fantasy novels (and I prefer his originals there to the modernized versions) but will find Lilith to be a far different reading experience, one that they may not enjoy.

Vintage MacDonald
Great read.It's not an easily decipherable 1-to-1 allegory, but full of symbolism.I don't think it's my favorite MacDonald work, but still very good.Especially if you like this author.This particular book was much bigger than I expected.It's large-ish print with lots of space.I would have gotten a different version had I realized that.

Not Up to Other Horror Greats of His Era
This book put me to sleep every time I went to read it.I read dry histories without falling asleep.This is a mighty indictment from me.

Re-read every few years
This is one of my all time favorite books.You will find tinges of this book in the writings of CS Lewis... and JK Rowlings.
The images MacDonald creates and the story line, will haunt you for years to come.And the theology... though challenging and a bit controversial... will force you to rethink some of your ideas about salvation and damnation.
An important note on this particular edition (by Wilder Publications) is that the cover picture, as well as the write up in the back cover are for a totally different book... so if you just want an extra copy for your personal use (as I did) then buy it... but if you are looking at a copy you can give or loan, I would purchase one of the other editions.

Dreamlike
Even according to my usually odd tastes, Lilith is a strange read, certainly stranger and more surreal than the works of C.S. Lewis, who was greatly inspired by MacDonald. The beginning has a standard fantasy feel. The hero, Mr. Vane, is seeing to his estate. One day in the library he sees a strange apparition. Curious, he follows the spirit of the enigmatic Mr. Raven and finds himself led into a fantastical otherworld. From there the narrative becomes decidedly bizarre. Reading Lilith is like peering into a dream as Vane encounters a steady procession of inexplicable situations and grotesque images. In fact, MacDonald packs the book with so many symbols and lessons that the narrative structure tends to break down a little, and I found the story dragged quite a bit in the middle. This and MacDonald's sometimes awkward attempts at exposition made finishing the book questionable for me for a large portion of the story.

Yet I persisted... and I'm glad I did! I find it a little difficult to say why I liked Lilith. MacDonald was writing for Christian readers, and I am not one of them. I wanted to read it because of my general interest in religious imagery in fantasy and a more specific interest in the odd ways that particular mythological character has been reinvented and reinterpreted by different people. I certainly do not embrace all of MacDonald's moral ideologies fully, and some I find vaguely distasteful. Even so, I was enthralled with the images MacDonald chose to describe Vane's spiritual journey. I was intrigued when Mr. Raven subjects Vane to a Zen-like line of questioning at the beginning of the novel. I found the description of Vane's redemption and rebirth deeply moving and beautiful. Perhaps this is just my Christian upbringing showing through, but I like to think it also speaks to the relatedness of all spiritual seeking, and to the deeps well of myth and imagination from which MacDonald drew. ... Read more