Phantastes

Phantastes tells the tale of Anodos, who inherits a key from his father and finds in the drawer to which it goes an ancient fairy who gives him a glimpse of Fairy Land. The next morning, Anados awakes to find his bedroom taking form of a glorious wood and thus begins his adventures in Fairy Land. 

In this remarkable, quixotic fairytale, George MacDonald weaves intricate narratives as his protagonist combats tree-spirits and his shadow, journeys to the palace of the fairy queen, and searches for the spirit of the earth. 

Credited with influencing the fantasy writings of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Phantastes is a magnificent tale of spiritual questing and sacrifice.

Most myths were made in prehistoric times…. But every now and then there occurs in the modern world a genius…who can make such a story. MacDonald is the greatest genius of this kind whom I know. (C. S. Lewis)

 

George MacDonald (1824–1905) was a Scottish author, poet, and clergyman. Recognized particularly for his work with fairy tales and fantasy novels, Mac­Donald inspired and influenced such literary masters as G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, and E. Nesbit. His Collected Tales for children are also available from Cluny, in three volumes.

Paperback. 266 pages.