-
The Princess and the Goblin
- Presented by Blackstone
- Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
- Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $10.88
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
The discovery of a secret stairway running to the top of the castle leads Princess Irene to a revelation even more weighty than the fiendish plans of the goblin community that miner boy Curdie has discovered. Will the Princess and Curdie understand the significance of what they have found, or will Harelip and the goblins successfully execute their evil plan?
Recommended for children aged 4 to 94.
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Phantastes
- A Faerie Romance for Men and Women
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
- Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The classic fantasy that influenced C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, considered one of George MacDonald's most important works, is the story of the young man, Anodos, and his adventures in fairyland which ultimately reveal the human condition. "I write, not for children," wrote George MacDonald, "but for the child-like, whether they be of five, or 50, or 75." All-at-once written with an innocent whimsy and soulful yearning, the heart of Anodos' journey through fairyland reveals a spiritual quest that requires a surrender of the self.
-
-
Finally
- By Aaron Elrod on 04-12-21
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin with A Christian Readers' Guide
- Two Books in One!
- By: George MacDonald, Jonathan St. John
- Narrated by: Tamaryn Payne, Jonathan St. John
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dive into George MacDonald’s journey with Princess Irene through secret mazes, epic battles, and beautiful relationships as the insightful words of Jonathan St. John illuminate the many Christian themes, motifs, and character arcs in this beloved tale.
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
Fairy Tales
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Georgina Sutton, David Timson
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
George MacDonald, described by W.H. Auden as "one of the most remarkable writers of the 19th century", was valued in his own time as an original thinker and spiritual guide. Of all his writing, it is the fairy tales that have retained their fascination, and this collection includes all 11 stories. The fairy tales feature the stock characters of traditional tales—fairies both good and bad, and children undertaking precarious journeys. Often adopting paradox and nonsense as Lewis Carroll did, the stories invite adults to deploy the same open-mindedness as children.
-
-
The greatest author OAT
- By M. Mules on 12-21-23
By: George MacDonald
-
At the Back of the North Wind
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Flo Gibson
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of the mystical travels of Diamond, a coachman's son, through distant lands and strange events while riding on the back of the beautiful North Wind.
-
-
When the Angels Are Too Happy to Sing Sense
- By Vicky on 01-25-18
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)
- By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner.
-
-
Hurray for Curdie!
- By Reg on 11-15-16
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
Sir Gibbie
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Gordon Jack
- Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A wonderful story of adventure through the different spheres of life by Scottish author George MacDonald. Listeners will fall in love with this "Christ-like" character, Gibbie, who is a mute, yet truly good in heart and in deed. A uniquely creative tale that will capture both the old and the young for ages to come.
-
-
Wonderfully read
- By ReaderIsland on 08-30-18
By: George MacDonald
-
Phantastes
- A Faerie Romance for Men and Women
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
- Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The classic fantasy that influenced C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, considered one of George MacDonald's most important works, is the story of the young man, Anodos, and his adventures in fairyland which ultimately reveal the human condition. "I write, not for children," wrote George MacDonald, "but for the child-like, whether they be of five, or 50, or 75." All-at-once written with an innocent whimsy and soulful yearning, the heart of Anodos' journey through fairyland reveals a spiritual quest that requires a surrender of the self.
-
-
Finally
- By Aaron Elrod on 04-12-21
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin with A Christian Readers' Guide
- Two Books in One!
- By: George MacDonald, Jonathan St. John
- Narrated by: Tamaryn Payne, Jonathan St. John
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dive into George MacDonald’s journey with Princess Irene through secret mazes, epic battles, and beautiful relationships as the insightful words of Jonathan St. John illuminate the many Christian themes, motifs, and character arcs in this beloved tale.
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
Fairy Tales
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Georgina Sutton, David Timson
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
George MacDonald, described by W.H. Auden as "one of the most remarkable writers of the 19th century", was valued in his own time as an original thinker and spiritual guide. Of all his writing, it is the fairy tales that have retained their fascination, and this collection includes all 11 stories. The fairy tales feature the stock characters of traditional tales—fairies both good and bad, and children undertaking precarious journeys. Often adopting paradox and nonsense as Lewis Carroll did, the stories invite adults to deploy the same open-mindedness as children.
-
-
The greatest author OAT
- By M. Mules on 12-21-23
By: George MacDonald
-
At the Back of the North Wind
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Flo Gibson
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of the mystical travels of Diamond, a coachman's son, through distant lands and strange events while riding on the back of the beautiful North Wind.
-
-
When the Angels Are Too Happy to Sing Sense
- By Vicky on 01-25-18
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)
- By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner.
-
-
Hurray for Curdie!
- By Reg on 11-15-16
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
Sir Gibbie
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Gordon Jack
- Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A wonderful story of adventure through the different spheres of life by Scottish author George MacDonald. Listeners will fall in love with this "Christ-like" character, Gibbie, who is a mute, yet truly good in heart and in deed. A uniquely creative tale that will capture both the old and the young for ages to come.
-
-
Wonderfully read
- By ReaderIsland on 08-30-18
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George Macdonald
- Narrated by: Peter Joyce
- Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Revolutionary for the time in encouraging children to think like children, the adventure of Princess Irene and Curdie, the boy miner, was to influence generations of writers, including Chesterton and Tolkien. Overflowing with fantastic ideas and images to delight the young and allegory to inspire their morality ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ has remained one of the most exciting tales for over 100 years.Irene lives in a castle on a mountain under which there is a labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by Goblins.
-
-
A Classic Fairy Tale for All Ages
- By Joseph on 03-05-12
By: George Macdonald
-
The Light Princess
- By: George Macdonald
- Narrated by: Nicki White
- Length: 1 hr and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A magical fairy tale, which features a feisty princess who has the unfortunate curse of life without gravity. Can the curse be broken before she floats away. Beautifully retold to entertain children of all ages.
-
-
A classic must read fairy tale!
- By J. Heuberger on 02-07-20
By: George Macdonald
-
Phantastes
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Brad Powers
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A young man named Anodos experiences dream like adventures in Fairy Land, where he meets tree spirits, endures the presence of the overwhelming shadow, journeys to the palace of the fairy queen, and searches for the spirit of the earth. The story conveys a profound sadness and a poignant longing for death.
-
-
THIS IS LIBRIVOX'S FREE RECORDING
- By C. M. W. on 12-24-18
By: George MacDonald
-
Lilith
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
- Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the story of Mr. Vane, an orphan and heir to a large house - a house in which he has a vision that leads him through a large old mirror into another world. In chronicling the five trips Mr. Vane makes to this other world, MacDonald hauntingly explores the ultimate mystery of evil.
-
-
INACCESSIBLE BOOK BECOMES ACCESSIBLE AND ENJOYABLE
- By Steve on 07-31-19
By: George MacDonald
-
Unspoken Sermons Series I, II, and III
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Scott M. Kingston
- Length: 19 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
First published in 1867, Unspoken Sermons Series I, II, and III is a series of sermons by George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. He was a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow writer Lewis Carroll.
-
-
Horrible narration
- By David McGlothlin on 02-27-24
By: George MacDonald
-
The Golden Key
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Paul Eggington
- Length: 1 hr and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Join the children Tangle and Mossy as they embark on a journey of faith, spiritual maturity and sanctification. Richly imaginative and sparkling with mythic qualities, this story communicates the joy of entering into faith as a child, traveling through life with a loving companion, and longing for the heavenly country.
-
-
Amazing!!!!!!
- By Christopher Uhles on 08-22-16
By: George MacDonald
-
The Chronicles of Narnia Complete Audio Collection
- By: C. S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh, Alex Jennings, Michael York, and others
- Length: 33 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For over 60 years, readers of all ages have been enchanted by the magical realms, the epic battles between good and evil, and the unforgettable creatures of Narnia. This box set includes all seven titles in The Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; and The Last Battle.
-
-
Comes without book subdivisions - chapter key below
- By Daniel on 01-07-20
By: C. S. Lewis
-
American Tall Tales
- By: Adrien Stoutenburg
- Narrated by: Carter Cathcart
- Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Eight exciting classic American Tall Tales! This collection includes the famed stories of Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, Stormalong, Mike Fink, Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, and Joe Magarac.
-
-
My beautiful hea
- By Elizabeth on 10-26-21
-
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
- The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
- By: Andrew Peterson
- Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
-
-
Fun fact in review. Excellent book. Sweet yet suspenseful.
- By kristy on 01-08-21
By: Andrew Peterson
-
James Herriot's Treasury for Children
- Warm and Joyful Animal Tales
- By: James Herriot
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Children have always found a delightful friend in James Herriot. His award-winning stories for young children bring the farmyard world of Herriot's Yorkshire to vibrant life. Featuring a host of adorable animals and colorful townsfolk, each of the stories is narrated by the country vet himself, with all of the warmth, caring, and good humor that have made James Herriot beloved the world over. Here, in James Herriot's Treasury for Children, we find all of his books for children collected in one beautiful volume.
-
-
Delightful
- By Jean on 12-09-17
By: James Herriot
-
To Kill a Mockingbird
- By: Harper Lee
- Narrated by: Sissy Spacek
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep south - and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred, available now for the first time as a digital audiobook. One of the best-loved stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than 40 languages, sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the 20th century by librarians across the country.
-
-
A gift to be treasured
- By David Shear on 07-09-14
By: Harper Lee
-
The Colour of Magic
- Discworld, Book 1
- By: Terry Pratchett
- Narrated by: Colin Morgan, Peter Serafinowicz, Bill Nighy
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Somewhere on the frontier between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a parallel time and place that might sound and smell very much like our own, but which looks completely different. Particularly as it’s carried though space on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown). It plays by different rules. But then, some things are the same everywhere. The Disc’s very existence is about to be threatened by a strange new blight: the world’s first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land.
-
-
TERRIBLE Narration!
- By Kayla I on 07-08-22
By: Terry Pratchett
Related to this topic
-
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)
- By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner.
-
-
Hurray for Curdie!
- By Reg on 11-15-16
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George Macdonald
- Narrated by: Peter Joyce
- Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Revolutionary for the time in encouraging children to think like children, the adventure of Princess Irene and Curdie, the boy miner, was to influence generations of writers, including Chesterton and Tolkien. Overflowing with fantastic ideas and images to delight the young and allegory to inspire their morality ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ has remained one of the most exciting tales for over 100 years.Irene lives in a castle on a mountain under which there is a labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by Goblins.
-
-
A Classic Fairy Tale for All Ages
- By Joseph on 03-05-12
By: George Macdonald
-
Dracula [Audible Edition]
- By: Bram Stoker
- Narrated by: Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, and others
- Length: 15 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The modern audience hasn't had a chance to truly appreciate the unknowing dread that readers would have felt when reading Bram Stoker's original 1897 manuscript. Most modern productions employ campiness or sound effects to try to bring back that gothic tension, but we've tried something different. By returning to Stoker's original storytelling structure - a series of letters and journal entries voiced by Jonathan Harker, Dr. Van Helsing, and other characters - with an all-star cast of narrators, we've sought to recapture its originally intended horror and power.
-
-
IS THAT NOT SO?
- By Jim "The Impatient" on 11-05-15
By: Bram Stoker
-
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz Bundle (Annotated)
- By: Lyman Frank Baum
- Narrated by: Whitney Gardner
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Book 1: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, better known and loved today as simply The Wizard of Oz, is a tale that has been cherished by readers and listeners throughout the years. This timeless story has inspired Broadway shows, cartoon series, and many films over the past few generations. I hope that this book has inspired your sense of creativity and wonder as much as it has mine.
By: Lyman Frank Baum
-
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens & Peter and Wendy
- By: J. M. Barrie
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Peter Pan and his fairy companion, Tinker Bell, fly in through the window of Wendy's nursery one night, it is the beginning of an adventure that whisks Wendy and her brothers, Michael and John, off to Neverland. There, they will find mermaids, fairies, pirates led by the sinister Captain Hook, and the crocodile who bit off his leg - and still pursues him in hope of the rest!
-
-
amazing
- By Tori on 07-05-18
By: J. M. Barrie
-
The Jewel of Seven Stars
- By: Bram Stoker
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The warning was inscribed on the entrance of the hidden tomb, forgotten for millennia in the sands of mystic Egypt. Then the archaeologists and grave robbers came in search of the fabled Jewel of Seven Stars, which they found clutched in the hand of the mummy. Few heeded the ancient warning, until all who came in contact with the Jewel began to die in a mysterious and violent way, with the marks of a strangler around their neck.
-
-
Mother of all Mummy-Stories
- By Dorothea on 03-15-08
By: Bram Stoker
-
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)
- By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner.
-
-
Hurray for Curdie!
- By Reg on 11-15-16
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George Macdonald
- Narrated by: Peter Joyce
- Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Revolutionary for the time in encouraging children to think like children, the adventure of Princess Irene and Curdie, the boy miner, was to influence generations of writers, including Chesterton and Tolkien. Overflowing with fantastic ideas and images to delight the young and allegory to inspire their morality ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ has remained one of the most exciting tales for over 100 years.Irene lives in a castle on a mountain under which there is a labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by Goblins.
-
-
A Classic Fairy Tale for All Ages
- By Joseph on 03-05-12
By: George Macdonald
-
Dracula [Audible Edition]
- By: Bram Stoker
- Narrated by: Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, and others
- Length: 15 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The modern audience hasn't had a chance to truly appreciate the unknowing dread that readers would have felt when reading Bram Stoker's original 1897 manuscript. Most modern productions employ campiness or sound effects to try to bring back that gothic tension, but we've tried something different. By returning to Stoker's original storytelling structure - a series of letters and journal entries voiced by Jonathan Harker, Dr. Van Helsing, and other characters - with an all-star cast of narrators, we've sought to recapture its originally intended horror and power.
-
-
IS THAT NOT SO?
- By Jim "The Impatient" on 11-05-15
By: Bram Stoker
-
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz Bundle (Annotated)
- By: Lyman Frank Baum
- Narrated by: Whitney Gardner
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Book 1: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, better known and loved today as simply The Wizard of Oz, is a tale that has been cherished by readers and listeners throughout the years. This timeless story has inspired Broadway shows, cartoon series, and many films over the past few generations. I hope that this book has inspired your sense of creativity and wonder as much as it has mine.
By: Lyman Frank Baum
-
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens & Peter and Wendy
- By: J. M. Barrie
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Peter Pan and his fairy companion, Tinker Bell, fly in through the window of Wendy's nursery one night, it is the beginning of an adventure that whisks Wendy and her brothers, Michael and John, off to Neverland. There, they will find mermaids, fairies, pirates led by the sinister Captain Hook, and the crocodile who bit off his leg - and still pursues him in hope of the rest!
-
-
amazing
- By Tori on 07-05-18
By: J. M. Barrie
-
The Jewel of Seven Stars
- By: Bram Stoker
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The warning was inscribed on the entrance of the hidden tomb, forgotten for millennia in the sands of mystic Egypt. Then the archaeologists and grave robbers came in search of the fabled Jewel of Seven Stars, which they found clutched in the hand of the mummy. Few heeded the ancient warning, until all who came in contact with the Jewel began to die in a mysterious and violent way, with the marks of a strangler around their neck.
-
-
Mother of all Mummy-Stories
- By Dorothea on 03-15-08
By: Bram Stoker
-
Tales from the Perilous Realm
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Combined into one volume, this is the definitive collection of Tolkien's five acclaimed modern classic 'fairie' tales in the vein of The Hobbit, read by Derek Jacobi. The five tales are written with the same skill, quality and charm that made The Hobbit a classic. Largely overlooked because of their short lengths, they are joined here in one volume which reaffirms Tolkien's place as a master storyteller for listeners young and old.
-
-
Enjoyable Tolkien short stories
- By Linda Luella on 03-28-17
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
-
Lorna Doone [Naxos]
- By: R. D. Blackmore
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 25 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Doones are a clan of murdering thieves, and among their victims is John Ridd's father. The strong, noble Ridd determines to avenge his father's death; but his plans are complicated when he falls in love with one of the hated family - the beautiful Lorna. Lorna is promised against her will to another; and that other will not let her go lightly. Set amid the political turmoils of the late 17th century, Lorna Doone brings West Country history and legends alive with wonderfully imaginative fiction.
-
-
I fell in love with this book
- By Linda on 11-20-12
By: R. D. Blackmore
-
The Silmarillion
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien
- Narrated by: Andy Serkis
- Length: 19 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor. Included on the recording are several shorter works. The Ainulindalë is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age, and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age.
-
-
TIPS when reading this book:
- By Anonymous User on 06-29-23
By: J. R. R. Tolkien, and others
-
The Best Ghost Stories Ever Told
- Best Stories Ever Told
- By: Stephen Brennan - editor
- Narrated by: J. M. Badger, Imelda Pot
- Length: 24 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A big, brilliant, spooky collection of classic and contemporary ghost stories that will make you hesitate before turning off that light.
-
-
A very mixed review
- By Michael Mayer on 08-05-15
-
Collected Stories
- By: Oscar Wilde
- Narrated by: Frank Muller
- Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Whether it's a 300-year-old ghost who's scared out of his wits, a tenderhearted statue with a mission of mercy, or the suave Lord Savile who cannot commit a crime, the characters in these stories by witty Oscar Wilde make the tales priceless delights. Absurd, ironic, poignant, or scathing, these small gems of the storyteller's art are sure to become favorites. This collection, narrated by Frank Muller, includes "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime," "The Model Millionaire," "The Nightingale and the Rose," and more.
-
-
Very Poor Recording
- By Anne in State College on 09-09-07
By: Oscar Wilde
-
Irish Fairy Tales
- By: James Stephens - editor
- Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This collection of 10 time-honored tales brims with enchantment, whimsy, and sly humor. Assembled by a renowned poet and student of Gaelic language and culture, this edition includes "The Birth of Bran", "The Little Brawl at Allen", "The Enchanted Cave of Cesh Corran", "Becuma of the White Skin", "Mongan's Frenzy", and other stories.
-
-
Woeful narration.
- By Zarkov on 02-23-19
-
The Mark of the Beast
- By: Rudyard Kipling
- Narrated by: B.J. Harrison
- Length: 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a carousing Englishman disgraces the consecrated effigy of Hanuman, a leprous "Silver Man" marks him with a hideous curse. The ensuing night brings new terrors to the house of the doomed man.
-
-
Must listen again
- By uffdasuzanne on 10-06-17
By: Rudyard Kipling
-
The Great God Pan
- Esoteric Classics: Occult Fiction
- By: Arthur Machen
- Narrated by: Shea Taylor
- Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Machen's novella The Great God Pan is often cited as one of Lovecraft's most notable influences. In it, Dr. Raymond's ultimate goal is to devise a way to open the mind of man so that he may experience all the world has to offer. He calls this "seeing the great god Pan". After much study of the human mind, he devises an experiment that involves minor brain surgery. He performs this experiment on a young woman named Mary, but when she awakens she is terrified and mentally crippled.
-
-
classic horror
- By Shantee on 05-04-16
By: Arthur Machen
-
A Christmas Carol
- By: Charles Dickens
- Narrated by: Benjamin May
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his adventures on Christmas Eve continue to teach an important lesson, even to this day. Author Charles Dickens introduces us to the main character by painting him in a negative light, a selfish and miserly old man who will barely pay enough money to keep his office heated. When Scrooge returns home after work, the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, visits him and tells him that because of the wrongdoing he had done during his life, he has been condemned to walk in his ghost years shackled....
-
-
A Fine audio Interpretation
- By Lee Gregory Stewart on 02-03-23
By: Charles Dickens
-
Wicked
- The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
- By: Gregory Maguire
- Narrated by: John McDonough
- Length: 19 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Heralded as an instant classic of fantasy literature, Maguire has written a wonderfully imaginative retelling of The Wizard of Oz told from the Wicked Witch's point of view. More than just a fairy tale for adults, Wicked is a meditation on the nature of good and evil.
-
-
It's not easy being green
- By PangaeaReads on 07-30-08
By: Gregory Maguire
-
Spindle's End
- By: Robin McKinley
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All the creatures of the forest and field and riverbank knew the infant was special. She was the princess, spirited away from the evil fairy, Pernicia, on her name-day. But the curse was cast: Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep - a slumber from which no one would be able to rouse her....
-
-
New title: Detailed lies.
- By Katie-Rose on 03-11-21
By: Robin McKinley
-
Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates
- By: Mary Mapes Dodge
- Narrated by: John McDonough
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Can young Hans Brinker win the silver skates that are the only hope of saving his family from ruin? Hans and his little sister Gretel live in Holland, a colorful and exciting country of windmills and great canals. Unfortunately, the Brinkers are very poor and their father is ill, and Hans wonders whether they'll survive the long, harsh winter. Then he finds out about an ice skating race, and the prize - a pair of shiny silver skates - that might help his family survive.
-
-
Entertaining except for the digressions
- By Ellen Spertus on 03-13-03
By: Mary Mapes Dodge
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George Macdonald
- Narrated by: Peter Joyce
- Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Revolutionary for the time in encouraging children to think like children, the adventure of Princess Irene and Curdie, the boy miner, was to influence generations of writers, including Chesterton and Tolkien. Overflowing with fantastic ideas and images to delight the young and allegory to inspire their morality ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ has remained one of the most exciting tales for over 100 years.Irene lives in a castle on a mountain under which there is a labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by Goblins.
-
-
A Classic Fairy Tale for All Ages
- By Joseph on 03-05-12
By: George Macdonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin with A Christian Readers' Guide
- Two Books in One!
- By: George MacDonald, Jonathan St. John
- Narrated by: Tamaryn Payne, Jonathan St. John
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dive into George MacDonald’s journey with Princess Irene through secret mazes, epic battles, and beautiful relationships as the insightful words of Jonathan St. John illuminate the many Christian themes, motifs, and character arcs in this beloved tale.
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)
- By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner.
-
-
Hurray for Curdie!
- By Reg on 11-15-16
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
Fairy Tales
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Georgina Sutton, David Timson
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
George MacDonald, described by W.H. Auden as "one of the most remarkable writers of the 19th century", was valued in his own time as an original thinker and spiritual guide. Of all his writing, it is the fairy tales that have retained their fascination, and this collection includes all 11 stories. The fairy tales feature the stock characters of traditional tales—fairies both good and bad, and children undertaking precarious journeys. Often adopting paradox and nonsense as Lewis Carroll did, the stories invite adults to deploy the same open-mindedness as children.
-
-
The greatest author OAT
- By M. Mules on 12-21-23
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Mark Bowen
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald is a classic fairy tale that intertwines the adventures of a brave princess named Irene and her encounters with magical creatures, including goblins and a mysterious great-great-grandmother. Set in a fantastical world, the story explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil. MacDonald weaves a captivating narrative filled with enchanting elements and moral undertones, making it a timeless and delightful read for audiences of all ages.
By: George MacDonald
-
Phantastes
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Brad Powers
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A young man named Anodos experiences dream like adventures in Fairy Land, where he meets tree spirits, endures the presence of the overwhelming shadow, journeys to the palace of the fairy queen, and searches for the spirit of the earth. The story conveys a profound sadness and a poignant longing for death.
-
-
THIS IS LIBRIVOX'S FREE RECORDING
- By C. M. W. on 12-24-18
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George Macdonald
- Narrated by: Peter Joyce
- Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Revolutionary for the time in encouraging children to think like children, the adventure of Princess Irene and Curdie, the boy miner, was to influence generations of writers, including Chesterton and Tolkien. Overflowing with fantastic ideas and images to delight the young and allegory to inspire their morality ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ has remained one of the most exciting tales for over 100 years.Irene lives in a castle on a mountain under which there is a labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by Goblins.
-
-
A Classic Fairy Tale for All Ages
- By Joseph on 03-05-12
By: George Macdonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin with A Christian Readers' Guide
- Two Books in One!
- By: George MacDonald, Jonathan St. John
- Narrated by: Tamaryn Payne, Jonathan St. John
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dive into George MacDonald’s journey with Princess Irene through secret mazes, epic battles, and beautiful relationships as the insightful words of Jonathan St. John illuminate the many Christian themes, motifs, and character arcs in this beloved tale.
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)
- By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner.
-
-
Hurray for Curdie!
- By Reg on 11-15-16
By: George MacDonald, and others
-
Fairy Tales
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Georgina Sutton, David Timson
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
George MacDonald, described by W.H. Auden as "one of the most remarkable writers of the 19th century", was valued in his own time as an original thinker and spiritual guide. Of all his writing, it is the fairy tales that have retained their fascination, and this collection includes all 11 stories. The fairy tales feature the stock characters of traditional tales—fairies both good and bad, and children undertaking precarious journeys. Often adopting paradox and nonsense as Lewis Carroll did, the stories invite adults to deploy the same open-mindedness as children.
-
-
The greatest author OAT
- By M. Mules on 12-21-23
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Mark Bowen
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald is a classic fairy tale that intertwines the adventures of a brave princess named Irene and her encounters with magical creatures, including goblins and a mysterious great-great-grandmother. Set in a fantastical world, the story explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil. MacDonald weaves a captivating narrative filled with enchanting elements and moral undertones, making it a timeless and delightful read for audiences of all ages.
By: George MacDonald
-
Phantastes
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Brad Powers
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A young man named Anodos experiences dream like adventures in Fairy Land, where he meets tree spirits, endures the presence of the overwhelming shadow, journeys to the palace of the fairy queen, and searches for the spirit of the earth. The story conveys a profound sadness and a poignant longing for death.
-
-
THIS IS LIBRIVOX'S FREE RECORDING
- By C. M. W. on 12-24-18
By: George MacDonald
-
At the Back of the North Wind
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Flo Gibson
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of the mystical travels of Diamond, a coachman's son, through distant lands and strange events while riding on the back of the beautiful North Wind.
-
-
When the Angels Are Too Happy to Sing Sense
- By Vicky on 01-25-18
By: George MacDonald
-
Getting to Know Jesus
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
MacDonald stressed the necessity of salvation and the importance of combining Christian faith with obedience to Jesus' teachings. He also believed that God's universal grace would eventually save everyone. Though written in the mid-19th century, these sermons, including "Mirrors of Christ", "Glorified through Trouble", "Salvation from Sin", and "The Giver of Rest", continue to provide contemporary followers with the spiritual guidance they seek.
-
-
Why do we call him
- By Regina on 02-11-05
By: George MacDonald
-
Lilith
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
- Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the story of Mr. Vane, an orphan and heir to a large house - a house in which he has a vision that leads him through a large old mirror into another world. In chronicling the five trips Mr. Vane makes to this other world, MacDonald hauntingly explores the ultimate mystery of evil.
-
-
INACCESSIBLE BOOK BECOMES ACCESSIBLE AND ENJOYABLE
- By Steve on 07-31-19
By: George MacDonald
-
Phantastes
- A Faerie Romance for Men and Women
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
- Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The classic fantasy that influenced C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, considered one of George MacDonald's most important works, is the story of the young man, Anodos, and his adventures in fairyland which ultimately reveal the human condition. "I write, not for children," wrote George MacDonald, "but for the child-like, whether they be of five, or 50, or 75." All-at-once written with an innocent whimsy and soulful yearning, the heart of Anodos' journey through fairyland reveals a spiritual quest that requires a surrender of the self.
-
-
Finally
- By Aaron Elrod on 04-12-21
By: George MacDonald
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: John Roland
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Princess and the Goblin" is a children's fantasy novel by George MacDonald. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives a lonely life in a mountainous kingdom, with only her nursemaid, Lootie, for company. Unknown to her, the nearby mines are inhabited by a race of goblins, long banished from the kingdom and now anxious to take revenge on their human neighbours. One rainy day, Irene explores the castle and discovers a beautiful, mysterious lady, who identifies herself as Irene's namesake and great-great-grandmother.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Carter on 08-04-23
By: George MacDonald
-
Unspoken Sermons Series I, II, and III
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Scott M. Kingston
- Length: 19 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
First published in 1867, Unspoken Sermons Series I, II, and III is a series of sermons by George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. He was a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow writer Lewis Carroll.
-
-
Horrible narration
- By David McGlothlin on 02-27-24
By: George MacDonald
-
Phantastes
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Nick Harper
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Written by George MacDonald in 1858, Phantastes is acknowledged as the first modern fantasy novel for adults, inspiring Lewis Carroll, C.S.Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and David Lindsay amongst others.
-
-
Come for the GMD, Stay for the ... David Bowie?
- By James on 04-19-24
By: George MacDonald
-
Sir Gibbie
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Gordon Jack
- Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A wonderful story of adventure through the different spheres of life by Scottish author George MacDonald. Listeners will fall in love with this "Christ-like" character, Gibbie, who is a mute, yet truly good in heart and in deed. A uniquely creative tale that will capture both the old and the young for ages to come.
-
-
Wonderfully read
- By ReaderIsland on 08-30-18
By: George MacDonald
-
George MacDonald
- By: C. S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
C. S. Lewis wrote of George MacDonald: "I know hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continually close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself." Lewis also claimed that everything he wrote was influenced by this Scottish pastor and novelist who lived a century before Lewis. George MacDonald serves as an act of appreciation, with Lewis gathering 365 of the best and most profound lines from his mentor as well as providing a preface detailing the impact MacDonald had on Lewis' own literary and spiritual career.
-
-
Meditations from Mac Donald
- By Brian D. Moore on 06-08-15
By: C. S. Lewis
-
The Princess and the Goblin
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Brooke Heldman
- Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the most successful and beloved Victorian fairy tales... The Princess and the Goblin is the story of Princess Irene and her friend Curdie, who come face to face with the dreaded mountain goblins. This children's fantasy novel was originally published in 1872. It uses subtle layers of symbolism to tell a story of courage and honor.
-
-
Great story—poor reader
- By Jules on 03-15-19
By: George MacDonald
-
Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare
- By: Edith Nesbit
- Narrated by: David Thorn, Bobbie Frohman, Laurallee Westaway
- Length: 5 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Edith Nesbit re-tells the stories of William Shakespeare's plays, making them accessible to children, while evoking the drama and excitement of the originals.
-
-
Frustrating
- By Michele Elliott on 10-08-10
By: Edith Nesbit
-
At the Back of the North Wind
- By: George MacDonald
- Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
- Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Originally serialized in 1868 and collected as a book in 1871, At the Back of the North Wind is the magical story of Diamond, the son of a poor coachman, who is swept away by the North Wind – a radiant, maternal spirit with long, flowing hair – and whose life is transformed by a brief glimpse of the beautiful country – at the back of the north wind.
-
-
For anyone
- By Bruce on 06-27-24
By: George MacDonald
What listeners say about The Princess and the Goblin
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Steven
- 06-05-22
Sweet and deep
A sweet story with much philosophical and theological interest. (I needed five more words.)
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- NixRaine
- 02-12-22
Filled with character building lessons...
Honestly, integrity, bravery, the value of truth and friendship are some of the lessons that shine through in this excellently written story. Our family wholly enjoyed this tale.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 06-06-23
wonderful l
I loved it! George McDonald is amazing! I can't wait to read the next one!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Click
- 09-08-23
Adventure and Excitement
I really enjoyed the story! It made me feel very adventurous! It gave me excitement through and through! E, age 11
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Katie-Rose
- 01-02-23
Great listen
I had first heard of this story when I was a little kid and my parents went on vacation without me. I cried so hard with person who was taking care of me. She decided to let me watch this movie and I stopped crying because I was so enthralled by the story. It’s so good to see the movie is just like the book! I can’t wait to read it to my kids 👑 📕
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- sharay head
- 11-04-21
delightful
I absolutely love this story and I'm looking forward to the princess and Curdie. I was a bit sad to finish
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 01-21-23
lovely morality tale
I am so surprised I never read this book before. Lovely as a small child'
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Hali Brooke Davidson
- 04-20-21
Terrific children's book, poor audio
The narrator himself was perfect, but it is quite evident it's from the 1980s, as you can every now and again hear other people in the background. The story was quite charming, albeit outdated in some ways (there was the usual sexism and racism found in older stories).
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lisa
- 05-27-22
a classic tale
loved this fairy tale, as an adult. glad to have discovered it. innocence is powerful.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- William
- 08-17-22
Seems a lot younger than 150 years old
Yes, this is a children’s book, but I remember reading it to my children many years ago and I thought it worth now reading to myself. As C. S. Lewis said, “A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.”
In fact, Lewis considered MacDonald to be the master storyteller and you will find that Lewis imitated a lot of MacDonald’s style and tone in his own writings to children and even to adults. George MacDonald (1824-1905) was a Scottish Congregationalist minister who had trouble fitting in with the strict intolerance of his denomination and thus became a writer. Today, he is most remembered for his children’s books but interestingly, he was also given Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” stories to read to his children (11 of them) before they were published.
This book may seem a bit old to a modern reader and it is. It was published 150 years ago, in 1872. It is really a type of fairy tale though the characters will seem a bit naive and too black and white for modern readers. But, that is just right for young readers. There is a princess, Irene, who is 8 years old and sounds like a very typical, though wiser and virtuous version of an 8-year-old. There are obviously goblins who are very materialistic and both jealous of the “sun people” (those who live above ground) while gloating about their own supposed superiority over them. There is magic and a mysterious great great great grandmother (let’s just call her grandmother) whom others can see or hear but in whom Irene develops a strong bond of trust. Of course, her father, the King, is a very responsible and good king, a true servant of his people with absolute love for Irene. And there is a hero, a commoner, the son of a miner, Curdie, though there is a hint that possibly he too is of long-forgotten noble descent.
The story is quite typical in that there is a grave threat that only the children know about and a resulting adventure. Irene and Curdie are both very brave and yet most of the adults do not believe in their warnings. No one believes, including Curdie, that her grandmother is in a room upstairs. No one believes in the gossamer thread that her grandmother has tied to her ring and which Irene can follow to find her grandmother when there is danger. No one, that is, except her father, though he tells Irene nothing about her. Curdie and Irene both save each other at separate times and them save the rest of the adults from the goblins.
The story is told by a narrator and the little asides that occur at intervals make it sound as if this is a tale being told off the cuff, not from print.
And, there are little things that one can use to broach difficult subjects with children, such as death. We never hear anything about the queen except in one short section when Irene is speaking to her father who has just returned from some distant part of the kingdom. She asks her father about the ring that she wears, wondering where she got it from.
“The king looked at it. A strange beautiful smile spread like sunshine over his face, and an answering smile, but at the same time a questioning one, spread like moonlight over Irene's. "It was your queen-mamma's once," he said. "And why isn't it hers now?" asked Irene. "She does not want it now," said the king, looking grave. "Why doesn’t she want it now?" "Because she's gone where all those rings are made." "And when shall I see her?" asked the princess. "Not for some time yet," answered the king, and the tears came into his eyes.”
It’s a book that teaches about faith, but also teaches one to be gracious when others don’t have the same faith that you have. In fact, it’s more than faith. It’s trust. Irene’s grandmother states that she does nto allow herself to be seen by those who don’t believe that she exists because even if they saw her, they would not believe. They would just blink their eyes and assume they had been dreaming. And, when she tells Irene that she must come back to see her on a certain day, she says that, if she believes that it was all just a dream, she will not be able to find her. And yet, she allows for some doubt as well, as long as one acts in faith even when they are not sure, she will still be there to take care of her.
There are stereotypical class distinctions. When Curdie shows manners and integrity, there is a comment that possibly he has noble blood. Goblins are ugly and grotesque. They are almost as broad as they are tall and they are not very tall, around 4 feet (1.3 meters). The princess is beautiful with eyes “each with a star dissolved in blue.”
It’s a book worth reading for adults as well as children and it has a sequel called “The Princess and Curdie,” but that’s for another time.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!