The Violent Munkee

The Princess and the Goblin continues to be an inspiration and influence on my moral thinking. The sequel, The Princess and Curdy is somewhat less good (and has a very disturbing ending with anihilationist overtones) but one scene continues to haunt me. The fairy godmother gives Curdy the gift of being able to tell the character of an individual by shaking hands with them. So if their hand feels like a wolf's paw or a snakes body, he can tell they have sub-human souls. But she warns him that the judgment is not absolute by remarking:

"Earlier today you met your father and stopped to talk with him on the side of the mountain. You were both at the same spot, but one was going up and the other was coming down."

That warning that you cannot always tell the trajectory of a soul even if you know its current state has been very helpful to me in dealing charitably with unpleasant people.
 

I have read "The Princess and Curdie" and a short story by him.
 

As I remarked in person, Lilith and Phantastes are two remarkable works of fantasy by MacDonald. Both are well worth the read. Especially Lilith. Phantastes continues to haunt me, despite the fact that after reading it each time I feel as if I have woken up from a dream. MacDonald's prose has its faults, but his evocation of faerie is done better by none.

I've read his shorter stories long ago. Maybe it's time for another go round.
 

I read The Princess and the Goblin many moons ago. I don't remember much, but I do remember how profound it was. Maybe it's time to pull it out and share it with my boys.

Thanks, Aaron!
 

Funny... We were on our church camping trip when our Dn. was telling us about these books. We have never read them. And then I come home and you are writing about them on your blog! I just went to my library website and requested them for us. Sometimes I need to be told twice that I need to do something:)
 

You might also try his "On the Back of the North Wind." It is a terrific read. I went on a jag years ago, reading authors that influenced C.S. Lewis such as George McDonald, as well his fellow Inklings: Dorothy Sayers and Tolkein are well know, Charles Williams less so, though his spiritual thrillers are haunting, particularly "Descent into Hell."
 

Dude. When are you going to post again?
 

I know exactly what you mean about mcdonald. why don't I read more of him?
my daughter has read more than I.
you find libravox ok?
I haven't had much luck with the narrators I've found on there.
 

I've just been staring and George MacDonald. You need a new post dude.
 

Number four! Amazing! Congratulations, Aaron!!
 

C. S. Lewis said on reading Phantastes that he felt as if his imagination had been baptized. George McDonald is a wonderful author. His adult literature is very thought provoking, but my favorite is The Wise Woman. It has made me think about my own child rearing practice more than once. Definitely worth a read.