The Princess and the Goblin
by George MacDonald · first published 1872
3mentions
1recommended by
3HN commenters
2020–2024first – last mentioned
33% recommend33% neutral33% critical
There was once a little princess whose father was king over a great country full of mountains and valleys. His palace was built upon one of the mountains, and was very grand and beautiful. The princess, whose name was Irene, was born there, but she was sent soon after her birth, because her mother was not very strong, to be brought up by country people in a large house, half castle, half farmhouse, on the side of another mountain, about half-way between its base and its peak.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
…read quite a few - and it's a book that rarely makes people's short lists. It's long and I haven't finished it, but as much as I've read so far continues to impact me. Edit: I almost forgot! I read The Princess and the Goblin several years ago. It is a fairy tale intended for children, and is yet one of the best books I have ever read on the subject of girlhood, and I have spent a lifetime searching for them. If you have…
on “Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read?” ↗…from different mythologies, and images from different poetical traditions. He also mercilessly raided the writings of George MacDonald for characters and plot elements (try reading ‘Phantastes’ or ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ to appreciate just how freaking much he is indebted to him). And still the end result feels somehow original and fresh. Perhaps, one can say that Tolkien is 20th century‘s Shakespeare: a writer who invented…
on “Tolkien’s Mythic Plan for England” ↗> try reading ‘Phantastes’ or ‘The Princess and the Goblin’ to appreciate just how freaking much he is indebted to him You know, I did try to read The Princess and the Goblin. I think I got through it. There is a sequel, The Princess and Curdie. I tried, but…
on “Tolkien’s Mythic Plan for England” ↗