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Mary Marston by George MacDonald

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Bringing historical fact spiritedly to life, Fraser tells the rollicking tale of how "the Black Ajax" became as famous a figure in England as Napoleon -- and just as much a threat to its establishment -- before he passed into boxing legend and created a precedent for modern black prizefighters.Amazon.com Review
In Black Ajax, George MacDonald Fraser tells the storyof a black man from the United States who nearly became England'schampion boxer during the early 19th century. This historical novel isbased on the true story of Tom Molineaux, a former slave who won hisfreedom in a boxing match, then traveled to England, refined hisskills, and almost became the first black champ. The story is told byover a dozen witnesses to Molineaux's bouts with the reigningchampion, Tom Cribb. Molineaux's trainer recalls the fighter'sawe-inspiring strength and speed. A butler who asks to remainanonymous divulges information about the fighter's love affair with anEnglish noblewoman. Molineaux's manager, a former slave and retiredboxer, speaks bitterly of his disappointment in the youth for failingto prove to the English that a black man could be as capable a fighteras any white man. Nearly all the witnesses to the first match betweenthe two fighters thought Molineaux lost mainly because the judges gavethe white opponent an unfair advantage.

All the characters in thisnovel speak in 19th-century dialect, and it's diverting to try todecipher their many odd turns of phrase. For those who cannotdetermine the meanings of words such as "Spike Hotel,""toco," "winker," and "wistycastor" fromcontext, the author provides a glossary at the end of thebook. Unfortunately, almost all of the characters seem overly fond ofusing racial epithets, which draws attention to the shortcomings ofthis book. The main one is that Tom Molineaux, who undoubtedly was acomplex, fascinating character, comes across as a stereotype here: ahulk with not many brains but a lot of sex drive. Although Fraserfails in that respect, this novel does vividly chronicle an intriguingepisode in the history of sport and race relations. --JillMarquis ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Another great book
George MacDonald Fraser once again proves his true calling he should have been a sports writer.That's really all I need to say can't say enough good things about the author or this book.

Overall-Even Flashman fans will not be disappointed in this installment.

Fraser at his best
Fraser works his charcters and plots with taste and ease. They are real people and real places. Makes you want to read more and find out what happened next. A real grabber.

Masterful story
"Black Ajax" is a fascinating fictionalized history/social commentary/boxing story about the American ex-slave Tom Molineaux who fought the Englishman Tom Cribb for the Championship of the world back in 1810 and 1811. The story is presented in monologues as told by the principal participants to an unnamed fictional biographer/reporter some time after Molineaux's death. Of course, the dialogue and some of the characters are invented (most notably Buck Flashman, the rakish father of MacDonald Fraser's most famous creation), but I was surprised to learn after reading this book that its main incidents and characters were real. George MacDonald Fraser is simply a master storyteller with a jeweler's eye for historical detail who has written yet another masterpiece. In this retelling of the story of Tom Molineaux, it's striking how boxing's seamy template of racial animosities, financial exploitation and pathetic physical ruin isn't just a 20th century story but goes back as far as Regency England, and probably back to the Coliseum. This is a great book. It's too bad the old fellow can't go on writing forever.

Almost...but not quite
This book is very good as a stand alone - but if you expect the usual Flashy antics, they are not there.Nevertheless as a canvas of 19th century English boxing, this is first rate.

Tom Bertenshaw

Fine story of a freed-slave boxer in Regency England
From the real-life story of the meteoric rise, and subsequent fall of Tom Molineaux, freed slave who comes to England with one purpose alone--to defeat the reigning champ, Tom Cribb. Seen through the eyes of various people who saw him (including, notably, Harry Flashman's father) (Flashman himself gets a brief mention) and who are telling their experiences to an unknown person, presumably an author or writer.

Since Tom's fate is revealed in the prologue, watching Tom's arc, which will bring him achingly close to the top only to fall, is painful. But what makes this book is watching the attitude of those arond him, and the Napoleonic-era society which is delighted to embrace him as a novelty--and to turn against him the instant he becomes a threat or a failure. For all the wine, women and song he is given, the turning point in this book is when the misunderstood Tom realizes he will never be accepted, as a non-white, non-English contender, society and the mob will turn against him the instant he is seen as likely to become the champion.

Fraser, as he showed for the later 19th century in the Flashman books, and as he did for the Edwardian era in Mr. American, shows an intimate knowledge and understanding of Regency England, which is brought to life for our enjoyment. ... Read more

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But here a heavy step descending the stair just outside the room attracted her attentionand checking the flow of her speech perforcewith three ungainly strides she reached the landing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Classic
A bit cheesy, but not as much as Jayne Eyre.MacDonald tends to be a bit formulaic in some of his books, and this one is the epitome of that formula.And possibly the apex. If you only read one book by old Georgie, this would be the one.It will warm your heart if you let it.A rugged old Scottish Cinderella story.As a side note, MacDonald was a Christian and the influence is seen.This is the man who inspired CS Lewis in writing. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed for school districts, educators, and students seeking to maximize performance on standardized tests, Webster's paperbacks take advantage of the fact that classics are frequently assigned readings in English courses. By using a running thesaurus at the bottom of each page, this edition of St. George and St. Michael by George MacDonald was edited for students who are actively building their vocabularies in anticipation of taking PSAT¿, SAT¿, AP¿ (Advanced Placement¿), GRE¿, LSAT¿, GMAT¿ or similar examinations.
PSAT¿ is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation neither of which sponsors or endorses this book; SAT¿ is a registered trademark of the College Board which neither sponsors nor endorses this book; GRE¿, AP¿ and Advanced Placement¿ are registered trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which neither sponsors nor endorses this book, GMAT¿ is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council which is neither affiliated with this book nor endorses this book, LSAT¿ is a registered trademark of the Law School Admissions Council which neither sponsors nor endorses this product. All rights reserved. ... Read more

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Home Again by George MacDonald

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Customer Reviews (2)

George MacDonald's "Home Again"
This is an inexpensive paperback edition of an important book. However there are some typing errors in the text; there is no identified publisher; and the title page states "Home Again"/ "The Elect Lady"--implying there are two George MacDonald novels in the volume instead of only one.

Disappointment with Home Again
I was disappointed with Home Again because it was so familiar, I believe
it is taken from another MacDonald book.His works seem to overlap which
is not a criticism.I love George MacDonald's works and will continue to
read all I can.
Yvonne Barrett ... Read more

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The Flight of the Shadow by George MacDonald

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My Least Favorite MacDonald Book So Far
George MacDonald is one of those writers who seems to have had a great impact in the literary world and yet who is little read today.CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, among others, held MacDonald in very high regard.His innovative method of reviving fairy tales and using them for adults greatly influenced their fertile minds.And yet, while his works are imaginative and hopeful, they probably aren't the best pure writing you will come across.

In this book, MacDonald explores a tricky romance beset with obstacles between Belorba (your narrator) and John.MacDonald first gives you all the background on Belorba's idyllic upbringing with her loving uncle.He then sprinkles details of John's past throughout the book...details which greatly influence much of the action of the book.While you mostly see and experience everything through the eyes of young Belorba, this story is not solely concerned with her coming of age story.MacDonald allows you to appreciate the growth and revelations of other characters as well.

In my opinion, "Flight of the Shadow" highlights MacDonald's weaknesses as well as his strengths.Oftentimes in his life he was not so much a story-teller as a minister with a heart to bring hope to the weary.While doing so in his distinct, dreamy manner, his end goal in this book is always in sight; you never escape the sense that he is trying to prove God's goodness and thus the story is often didactic at best.

To me, the one promising aspect of this book that could lift it from simply being an overly manufactured piece was his exploration of the fantastic.In his Princess tales as well as in "Lilith" and "The Portent" (also known as "The Lady of the Mansion"), he created breath-taking, mind-boggling ethereal realms that intersected and contradicted our everyday world.Such concepts thrilled my mind and stimulated my dreams.However, in this piece, the fantastic element is reduced to a rationalistic interpretation, and all I was left with was a nice but slightly didactic tale.

My favorite George MacDonald book so far!
Flight of the Shadow is an exciting story wrought with mystery, intrigue, and evil.Unlike many of George MacDonald's other novels, you will find none of the author's preaching and musing. The story is seen through the eyes of Mrs. Day as she records the episodes from her life in a journal. The book is shorter than many of MacDonald's other books, but unveils many valuable truths in the telling of the story.

What is the insideous secret behind the behavior of John's mother? And why does Belorba's uncle appear on the moor at night during the storm when he is believed to be at home? What is the terrible secret he is ashamed to admit that torments him throughout his life?

As with all of MacDonald's works, this book is chock full of spiritual nourishment.I was especially touched by Belorba's deep love for her uncle and his love for her. Reading about John's mother, her own spoiling upbringing and her desire to control every aspect of her son's life, was so poignant as to make me feel not a little unsettled in some of my own parenting practices.

The Flight of the Shadow is a beautiful book which I will enjoy reading again. It is an easy read with no dialect and no veering from the story as occurs in other MacDonald books.

Historical Mystery Weaved Full of God's Love
Though the book is sometimes hard to follow due to its historical setting and language style, it is definitely worth the effort. As Belorba and her fiance' struggle to solve the mysteries of their ancestors' pasts in orderto clear the way for a happy marriage, they cling to God's faithfulness anddiscover His loving, yet sovereign plan. Belorba's unique narrative stylemakes the reader feel like a present listener. The surprise ending neatly,and delightfully, ties up all loose ends. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time in four years comes a new book in George MacDonald Fraser's long-running series chronicling the adventures of Sir Harry Paget Flashman. Eleventh in the series, Flashman and the Tiger features not one, but three stories of international intrigue that find the fictional Flashman thrown headlong into historical events around the world.

This time out Flashman is thwarting an attempted assassination of Austria's Emperor Franz Josef ("The Road to Charing Cross"); getting to the bottom of the Tranby Croft gaming scandal–and the Prince of Wales' involvement in it ("The Subtleties of Baccarat"); and, in the title story, impacting the Zulu war while hunting down a longtime enemy. At once meticulously faithful to fact and wildly fanciful, Flashman and the Tiger is an educational romp through the annals of history; thirty years after he began the series, Fraser is at the top of his game.
Amazon.com Review
Flashman and the Tiger is George MacDonald Fraser's 11th chronicleof Sir Harry Flashman, a "celebrated Victorian soldier, scoundrel, amorist,and self-confessed poltroon." Written with great wit and ingenuity, theseries is presented as a succession of long-lost memoirs, which Fraser issimply editing for a modern readership. Thus does he interrupt Sir Harry'svoice with footnotes, appendices, and tail-gunning apologies. Indeed,Fraser, whose editorial persona is humorless and academic, seems almostembarrassed in the presence of his subject's unbridled self-love.

This time the year is 1878, and Flashman is poking his nose into some deeppolitical intrigue for a journalist friend who's done him various unsavory favors. Our favorite swashbuckler has just returned from Paris, where hewas awarded the Legion of Honor. Yet readers familiar with Flashman's sagawill know this is simply one more piece of tin to add to his capaciouscollection--and that even as he's revered by those around him, he finds itimpossible to take himself seriously. Instead he regards himself as "one ofthose fortunate critters who ... are simply without shame, and wouldn't knowConscience if they tripped over it in broad day."

As usual, Flashman stumbles through history like a bull in a china shop. Atthe end of the first section, "The Road to Charing Cross," we realize thathe's delayed the onset of World War I by various wranglings with thewould-be assassins of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria. The followingsections put him in contact with the Prince of Wales, a procession ofremarkable whores, Zulu warriors, and yet more remarkable whores. Fraser'sbrashly perfect prose both fuels and awakens the imagination. And in theend the reader has to wonder: which wars almost came to pass, but wereaverted by a half-drunk war hero with a lust for life? --Emily White ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

True to form
Given that my introduction to the Flashmen series almost coincided with the tragic (although not unexpected) death of George Macdonald Frasier I have made it my news years resolution to let people know about his wonderful books.

I have to say that this installment of Flashy is actually a better, rounder and tighter notation then a story that is the length of a novel.The first story is in my opinion only a three star but it may be just what other people have ordered it is not my place to judge.

The other two installments are where this particular collection shines in the second story readers finally get to see what I have what I have suspected for awhile Flashy's wife is capable of being quite devious when she wants to be.

The third story where the collection gets its name is probably my favorite Flashman yet Fraser managed to pull the nose of old Sir Arthur Conan Doyle good for him.

You will find yourself wanting more of this particular installment but they are alas too brief.If ordinary Flashman novels aren't your thing you might want to give these collections a try.

Recommended Only for Established Flashman Fans
'Flashman and the Tiger'; consists of a novella and two short stories. The shorts, which involve an infamous baccarat scandal that touched the Prince of Wales, and the unexpected fallout from the Rorke Drift military disaster are a definite improvement over the novella, which treats an assassination attempt of Emperor Franz Josef in the 1880's.





The novella occupies roughly two-thirds of the book and wanders along aimlessly. If you are unfamiliar with Flashman and especially the Royal Flash (Flashman) you are likely to be more confused than amused.





Fraser is not at his best here. The whole book has an unfinished, unpolished feel. Flashman is aged at the time of the events (not just at the time of the writing them down), but I don't think that is the problem. Flashy still rogers along or fondly recalls past rogering, shrinks from danger, and does his foes dirty - behind their back, of course.





The final short, the eponymous Flashman and the Tiger, contains a good riff on Sherlock Holmes deducing (wrongly on all points).





Recommended only for established Flashman fans. If you are new to to Harry Flashman, best start in the beginning.Flashman: A Novel (Flashman).

Necessary for the collection
"Flashman and the Tiger" is made up of 3 short stories, the only book of the Flashman series written in such a format. The writing is just as good as ever, but the stories lack the zest and frisson of the others, perhaps because they deal with a late middle-aged and elderly Flashman, which necessarily limits the deranged situations the author has in which to place his creation.

The first and longest story- "The Road to Charing Cross"- involves Flashman in a plot to save the Emperor Franz Josef from an assassination. The story, while amusing, is rather far-fetched and none too memorable. The second story, "The Subtleties of Baccarat", is worth the price of the book. It is expertly constructed and written, based on a historical incident, with a surprise ending which will leave you laughing in shock. The third story, "Flashman and the Tiger", has its moments, particularly the elderly Flashman's verbal sparring with Oscar Wilde and his run-in with Sherlock Holmes, but it too is somewhat contrived and a little silly. All in all, a fun book, but two of the stories just don't rank in quality with the other Flashman books.

3 Flashies for the price of 1
Flashman and the Tiger is more a collection of 3 Flashman short stories than a single coherent novel.As a result, it is sort of a mixed bag.The first (and longest of the three) is also the best.It deals with an attempt on the life of Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz-Josef's life, and true to Flashman form is full of debauchery, double-crossing, and cowardice mistaken for courage and honor.

The second centers around a gambling scandal with the Prince of Wales, the third with a matter of honor and Sir Flashman's granddaughter.Both of these stories were good, but sort of a let down after the delightful and complicated first story.Nonetheless, Flashman fans will be sure to enjoy the book as did I.

You'd think Flash would have to repeat himself
Fraser squeezed another Flashy episode into that brief human life and me, I'm glad.So will you be also.

The Flashman Papers continue to offer up new episodes in this series.In this one Flashy's reflections are more more mature, but his cynicism remains intact, his wisdom a human one recognizing our weaknesses as humans, none more than his own. ... Read more

Product Description
The words and wisdom of George MacDonald, one of the nineteenth-century's greatest thinkers, are now available in modern paperback editions. Discovering the Character of God and Knowing the Heart of God have been carefully put together by editor Michael Phillips. Combining thematically relevant portions of poetry, sermons, and fiction, each title will help lead serious readers into deeper regions of faith in God. Knowing the Heart of God presents MacDonald's philosophy for discovering life's great truths. He insisted this could be done in a simple two-step process by first realizing who God is, and then obeying him. MacDonald trumpets obedience as the door in knowing God intimately. A challenging work, Knowing the Heart of God ultimately brings readers to the very feet of a loving father who wants to be known by his faithful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Love George!
Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord!!!...and here came George MacDonald...Father's Love...Jesus...
Love This and All Of George MacDonald's books...
The Book arrived in excellent condition...this one is a gift...the second one passed forward...you'll find yourself gifting it too...

Knowing the Heart of God
George MacDonald is great, my kids have read almost all his books.So I am reading them also.He writes so well, I'd recommend any of his books.

A Broad introduction God
Stories, poems, commentary - all provide an introduction to the God of the universe who is much bigger and more unfathomable that most religeous organizations would have you know.Opinions, theology and descriptions fall far short of a life lived in pursuit and obedience to this God.He has and still is bigger than anything our minds can envelope.

Insipiration for C.S. Lewis
I am a huge fan of C. S. Lewis.He has written of the affect George MacDonald had in his life.Since this book is a compliation ofsermons, poems, and fiction, I thought I'd might get an sampling.

I see now why Lewis mentioned MacDonald so often in his own writings.MacDonald writes from a bone-deep spirituality, of heart and mind. His common sense, everyday relationship with God is there for all to see as he writes about the difficulty of obedience.At the same time, his reverence, reliance, and awe come through as he describes the desire to draw ever closer to "Our Father."

Although MacDonald died in 1905, his insight and encouragement to others is just a relevant today as it ever was.I highly recommend the book to christians, seekers, or anyone interested in hearing from man who knows who he is, what he wants, and is ready to do whatever it takes achieve it.

Obedience the path to knowing God
I have purchased many of this title for gifts and always have a copy on hand for myself.It would be impossible to overestimate the contributions of George MacDonald to the Christian understanding generally and to the understanding of Who God is and how to know Him specifically.
One pervading theme in all of MacDonald's works, both fiction and non-fiction, is his belief that simple obedience is the one and only path to truly knowing God and growing in spiritual understanding.It is not about what you know; it is about what you do! And the doing, beginning with the most simple thing you KNOW to do, is the beginning of knowing God.Without that first step of obedience, you will never know Him, though you might fill your head with all kinds of lofty theology.
The only complaint I have with this book (if you can call it a complaint) is the way Phillips inserted poems and excerpts from MacDonald's novels at random before and at the end of each chapter.Having read most of MacDonald's novels, even I had to struggle to place the short excerpts in their context. A reader who has not read any of his novels might find this confusing.The excerpts are best left in their original context, that is, in the novel itself.
Yet, I will not fault Phillips for his efforts in putting this together because he has done a tremendous service, in my opinion, in editing many of MacDonald's books for modern readers, who otherwise might find them daunting.
If you enjoy MacDonald, make sure to pick up "George MacDonald "Victorian Mythmaker" by Rolland Hein and read about the man himself.Also, MacDonald's "Unspoken Sermons" ...

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Product Description
Three Beloved Victorian Novels Are Now Available in One Special Edition!

This unforgettable trilogy depicts the spiritual awakening of curate Thomas Wingfold and the lives of those he touches. Surgeon Paul Faber believes in nothing but his own goodness until a beautiful patient reveals her secret past. Richard Tuke searches for the truth behind his mysterious heritage with the help of a thoughtful and independent woman. Filled with suspense and love, these novels reveal God's intimate and loving means of drawing hearts near.

Previously released as The Curate's Awakening, The Lady's Confession, and The Baron's Apprenticeship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Deep Well
My dad introduced me to George MacDonald about five years back.I was a little afraid that I would drown in details, like my sister had threatened I would.The first book of his I picked up was the Curates Awakening and I fell in love right away.It had romance, suspense, conflict etc. but shared in a deeper way than most novels I've read.I felt like I too was having an encounter with God right along with the Curate.I highly recommend this trilogy as well as any other books by George.You won't be disappointed.

Curate of Glaston, The
C.S.Lewis once wrote a review using the words, "Here are beauties that pierce like swords or burn like cold iron...Good beyond hope".These words say what I would say of this trilogy.

A shadow of the real thing.
If you really want to read this story then you will find a copy of "Thomas Wingfold" by George MacDonald.I can't imagine why anyone would want to read an edited version when the real thing is available.Check out theofficial George MacDonald website.Many of his works are available on line, I'm not sure about this one.George MacDonald was one of the great ones and his stories, novels, poems and spiritual writings hold up well, in spite of the Victorian language.It is worth the extra effort to read the real thing instead of its shadow.

Slow Starter but Worth the Time
A wonderful tale of a minister's search for Christ and the lives that are affected because of it.It was because of this book that my interest in George Macdonald began!

Three books under one cover, a treasure; don't miss this one
Michael Phillips is a superb editor of George MacDonald's books, in case you haven't discovered that.The first book is about a minister who doesn't know the Lord, but comes to it. He makes aquaintance of some surprising people who are dwarfs and they share their lives with him (and us)in a touching, incredible way; they really are at the heart of the story. Also in this is a wonderful, albiet difficult love of a sister for her brother that could be today, not the late 1800's, when it was written. Another is about a doctor and a beautiful woman. I read every Geroge MacDonald I can find, and this is one of the best. ... Read more

Product Description
The Shepherd's Castle is a companion volume to MacDonald's The Baronet's Song. A classic love story in the gothic style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

WOW! castles, ghosts, romance, and written by a master!
The first George MacDonald book I ever read and it permanently hooked me! I couldn't put it down, and neither could my teen aged sons. All this plus it manages to teach wonderful values too! GREAT! ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of stories by 19th-century writer George MacDonald gives you three excellent books for the price of one. Set in Victorian England, the three sensitive romances-A Quiet Neighborhood, The Seaboard Parish, and The Vicar's Daughter are among MacDonald's best-loved works. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Parish Papers
The book condition was like new.Superlative insights for living woven into a delightful, very readable love/family story.

Omnibus collection of some hard to find stories, but...
This is an omnibus editon of George MacDonald's three Vicar Walton stories, the second and third of which are fairly difficult to find.Excellent reads, very enjoyable. The only drawback is this particular edition is edited into modern English, so the original flavor of MacDonald's writing is lost.While that has its advantages, especially in readability, still this aren't the books that MacDonald wrote and that C. S. Lewis named as some of his favorites.If you are a casual reader that just wants some of the finest English fiction from the late Victorian period, I highly recommend this edition.If you're a fan of MacDonald, though, you might want to keep looking for the unaltered originals.

Surprisingly Good
When a friend recommended this book to me, I thought she was out of her mind. The stories were written in the 1800s and the writer was from Scotland, of all places. I decided to read it anyway, and was greatly surprised! It takes a little while to get into it, and if you can overlook the fact that it's not a modern setting, it actually gets pretty good. This book is actually three books in one. It starts with the story of an unmarried vicar in a small Scottish town, and ends years later with his daughter's story. There are some very interesting characters in this book. The vicar is very human and very loving (and non-judgmental). I would recommend this book to middle/high schoolers. It would make a great summer reading or even a homeschool supplement.

Great book!
One of the more challenging books I've read but well worth the effort.MacDonald weaves a wonderful story about a vicar and his family.Hamilton did a great thing when he edited this trilogy for generations to come.Take up the challenge and end up with a jewel of a book!

Wonderful Reading
A lovely collection of stories.A delight in today's sea of romances. Very thought provoking. Recommended for adult and young adult alike. ... Read more

Product Description
Cross Purposes and The Shadows 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

Customer Reviews (2)

Comments on The Shadows
In general, this story is less interesting than the previous stories I read, The Princess and Curdie and The Princess and the Goblin. An impression is that the shadow does good and help humans.

Strong points: author shows his deep understanding of human society, and his great imagination.

Weak points: the story lacks of plot, which appears less attractive.

Anyway I have no such imagination by looking at shadow to create a story.

Margins too narrow hard to read near binding edge
These are great stories by George MacDonald but if you want an easy to read large print, look for another edition. First it's a wide format paperpack (I should have checked the dimensions). But worse than that, the margins are too narrow so that it's difficult to open the book wide enough to read the text near the bound edge of the pages. Maybe one should steer away from books by its publisher: Bibliobazaar. ... Read more

Product Description
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Customer Reviews (1)

A Young Girl Comes Awake to Life.
This is a very nice story of a disfunctional family which includes a distant father, an emotionally weak mother, a cold sister, a rotten big brother, and a physically weak little brother. The story focuses on thesister and her struggles between love for a rich cousin and her desire tohelp the poor of London. Thrown into the mix is an eccentric uncle who haseyes for his niece and an inheritance which complicates the issue. Thequestion is: Is love stronger than hate, humiliation and the comforts ofsociety. This is not a fast paced story but very rewarding for thoseseeking to develope their own spiritual perspective on life. ... Read more

Product Description
St. George and St. Michael - Volume III by George MacDonald

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A gift.
I have read manyMacDonald books. This one is new to me. I am giving it as a gift to my son, whoalsoloves George MacDonald. It arrived in great condition. ... Read more

Product Description
Wilfrid Cumbermede by George MacDonald

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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. ... Read more

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She immediately took off her ring and put it under her pillow. As she did so, she fancied she felt a finger and thumb take it gently from under her palm . . . and then, feeling with the forefinger of her right hand, [she] soon found her grandmother's thread, which she proceeded at once to follow . . .

Customer Reviews (4)

loved it
some books are timeless-----this one written over a hundred years ago!just sent a copy to my niece who is 12. plus a necklace was attached(which i was unaware of when ordering).

Wonderful Children's Story
My grandfather used to read this to us (one of the first copies...darn I wish I knew what happened to that book!) when I was a child and years later I read it as an adult and found it was just as good.It's a wonderful book to read to children in the evening.

some people will praise anything . . .
Father of fantasy, my foot. I gave this ridiculous "story" sixty pages and am still waiting for something to happen. The epic tradition of Tolkien and (arguably) Lewis hails from the Mabinogion and (also arguably) the Kalevala, not from some pathetic effort by Macdonald to pen a "fantasy" that my twin four-year-olds could outdo.

Pretty "Princess"
It's a credit to "Princess and the Goblin" that its author was a personal favorite (and shaping influence) to fantasy titans C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. But if their liking for George MacDonald's works isn't enough to impress, then take it just for what it is: A creepy, unique, compelling work of early fantasy.

Little Princess Irene has always been kept in ignorance of the goblins -- until one night when she and her nursemaid stay out a bit too late, and are chased by a bizarre creature. They are rescued by a young miner boy, Curdie, who tells her the way to deal with them.

While mining, Curdie explores underground caverns where the goblins dwell, uncovers a terrible plot -- and is taken captive by the malignant goblin queen. And Irene explores a mysterious tower where her magical "great-grandmother" lives -- not knowing yet that she's at the center of the goblins' plotting, and that Curdie may be her only hope.

Like many early fantasy stories, "The Princess and the Goblin" is a book completely free of cliches. Written in the 1800s, this book has the flavour of a long-forgotten fairy tale that MacDonald simply dug up and presented to the public. We have goblins, monsters, a heroic young boy, a brave princess, noble kings and magical ladies. What else is a fairy tale about?

It's also striking for its mixture of childlike optimism and extraordinary writing. MacDonald often writes some scenes with the sort of twee flavour of many nineteenth-century novels, with chirrupy kids and kindly servants. But he also can whip up some truly amazing atmosphere: exquisite moonlit scenes that play out like dreams, or underground disasters that sound like nightmares.

Similarly, it's a credit to him that the characters of Curdie and Irene are as likable as they are. Irene in particular is a triumph, since she borders on twitty sometimes. Perhaps that was deliberate, since this little girl gradually grows in strength and guts as the book progresses, bringing her up to speed with the more mature Curdie.

Part fable and part-fairy tale, and populated with goblins, miners and magical grandmothers, "The Princess and the Goblin" is an enchanting prelude to the modern fantasy genre. ... Read more

Product Description
The seventh volume of the "Flashman Papers" records the arch-cad's adventures in America during Gold Rush of 1849 and the Battle of Bighorn in 1876, and his acquaintance with famous Indian chiefs, American soldiers, frontiersmen and statesmen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Half a great book
The seventh installment in the Flashman Papers is by far the longest, at 479 pages. The reason is that Flashman and the Redskins is really two books in one: one recounting Flashman's exploits as a '49er, scalphunter and adopted Apache, and another with his involvement in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The two stories are self-contained and only tertiarily connected, and there's little need for them to be compiled into one volume.

After opening with an aged Flashman putting down a soppy idealist bemoaning the fate of the Native Americans - Fraser at his most pointed, irreverent and funny - the first half is a direct sequel to Flash for Freedom, with Flashman and Latin-spewing slaver John Charity Spring fleeing the law, going to California with a New Orleans madam and a wagonload of whores. The first half is Fraser at his best, with intricate plotting, colorful characters (particularly the ghoulish scalphunters), exciting action, pleasant bawdiness, a vivid description of places and events and Fraser's usual acidic humor. Flashy's exploits in New Mexico would stand alone as one of the best in the series, if Fraser had left well-enough alone.

The second half of the book, on the other hand, is pretty much useless. The Battle of Little Bighorn has been covered in numerous films, books and other works, and Fraser adds little to the littany of Custer-related literature. Indeed, with Flashman flitting back and forth between the Indians and Cavalry, it smacks more than a bit of Little Big Man. The ties to the first part - mostly through Flashman's spurned lover Cleonie - are poorly done, and Flashman's illegitimate son is tacked on as a mere plot contrivance.

My biggest problem, though, is that there's no need for the second half. Flash For Freedom! covered a great deal of time and space, but all the events were connected - improbably, but believably, through intricate, detailed plotting and related events and characters. Flashman at the Charge was less successful, covering too much time and space, but at least there was flow and connection between scenes. The leap of twenty-seven years here is a cheat, and since each Flashman book is essentially self-contained, its inclusion is inexplicable. It should have been published separately, if at all.

The epilgoge is worth reading the book
The book brings the times alive.The height of the action is the Little Big Horn, seen through the terrified but wily eyes of Flashman, MacDonald Fraser's strapping British cavalry officer, who was thoroughly engulfed but yet again survived.The epilogue is MacDonald Fraser's poignant visit to the scene today, which is all silence and stolen markers.

The Reprehensible Flash Rides Again - and Again and Again
The seventh entry in the Flashman series is two books in one. The book picks up where Flash for Freedom! (Flashman) ended. It's 1849 and Flash is in New Orleans, on the run from the law. He reacquaints himself with Susie Wilnick, a local madam who is moving her brothel west to join the flood of Forty Niners heading to California. Flash marries - again - but even at great personal risk he cannot help his roving eyes...and hands and so forth.

He leaves Susie along the west (and in order to take his leave, he commits a deed that is shameful even by Harry Flashman's standards.) He then begins a wild trip across the Old West, even living with Apaches for awhile (where he weds yet again). Along the way, the reader meets many historical characters including Spotted Tail, John Joel Glanton, Mangas Coloradas, Geronimo, and Kit Carson. One of the more interesting historical bits involves Bent's Fort and its mysterious destruction. Harry was there and resolves the mystery.

As always Fraser deflates the mythology surrounding historical figures. This characteristic debunking is a bit odd because Fraser believed the mythology about his own army and his own war, the Indian 17th Division of the British Army fighting in Burma during the last months of World War Two (See his war memoir Quartered Safe Out Here: A Harrowing Tale of World War II).

Flashman manages to escape the Apaches and returns to England. In Part Two, Elspeth, his `real' English wife convinces Harry to return to the States, which introduces us to even more historical figures and eventually lands Harry right in the midst of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. I found the first part more entertaining and the ending was more than a bit of stretch.

Fraser is a marvelous story teller and as he spins out his entertaining tales one also picks up a good deal of history. The reader should exercise caution in accepting Fraser's history. His version tends to be based on older sources and he eschewed more modern works (and certainly rejected modern viewpoints). Enjoy it for what it is: well-told speculations on historical mysteries.While some will be offended by Flashman's views on women, Indians, Africans, and other people of color, in fairness, he also did not generally hold other white men in high regard, perhaps because Harry knew what a scoundrel he was himself.

A kinder, gentler Flashy?Probably not.
Among fictional cads, few can top George MacDonald Fraser's Harry Flashman.Originally a villain in a 19th Century book called Tom Brown's Schooldays, Flashman was taken by Fraser and given a life far beyond that modest beginning.What makes Flashman such an outstanding character is that he is unredeemable:though he rarely aspires to acts of pure malice, he also never does anything worthwhile unless he can see a profit in it.He never repents from his minor evils and never really becomes a better person due to his misadventures.

That said, the Harry in Flashman and the Redskins is almost a kinder and gentler version of previous incarnations.At least his general cowardice, greed and racism seem slightly less pronounced in this book (though it's still there).This book is the longest in the series thus far, but really it is a pair of connected shorter novels.

The first part of the book follows right on the heels of Flash for Freedom!, which was a couple books ago (Fraser relates Flashman's tales in a non-chronological order).It is 1849, and Harry is accidentally an accessory to murder in New Orleans.Escape involves marrying a wealthy madame who is moving her brothel to California to take advantage of the Gold Rush (the fact that this is bigamy doesn't faze our hero one bit).From there, he will get entangled with nasty Indian hunters (How bad?Read Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian which features some of the same people and is one of the most relentlessly violent books I've ever read) and later some Apaches, including the future Geronimo.

The second half of the book takes place in 1876.Now wealthy and regarded as a hero, Flashman is coerced by his wife into taking a tour of the United States.This will get Flashy mixed up with, among others, George Custer.Since Flashman seems to get in the middle of all sorts of historic battles, you can be sure he'll be at Little Big Horn.How he gets there involves some of his past sins coming to visit him in an unexpected way.

As with the other books in the Flashman series, this is another historical novel with a sense of humor (however dark), something rarely found in that particular genre.It is also very well-written, offering a cynically alternative take on both historical events and historical figures (besides Geronimo and Custer, this novel also includes Ulysses Grant, Crazy Horse and Wild Bill Hickock among others).If you're new to this series, this book might not be the best place to start, but for existing fans, this is another fun read.

Great Fun
I have read all the Flashman books and this is an excellent story. If you have read any of the others you will know what to expect and if you have not, this is a good place to start. I would recommend you begin at the beginning simply so you will get all the back story, but that is not necessary.

Just pick it up and enjoy it for its simple lighthearted fun. That is something we do not get enough of these days. There is no grand lesson here, although you will learn things you did not know before, but the intent of the book is simply to entertain and you will be entertained.

Don't worry if it could have happened or didn't or if the time periods are correct to the year and month. Just enjoy Harry Paget Flashman at his best or would that be worst. ... Read more

Product Description
With nearly one million books in this series sold, another George MacDonald classic novel retold for today's reader by Michael R. Phillips.

Written at the very height of George MacDonald's literary career, A Daughter's Devotion is a splendid story centering around the life of a simple merchant's daughter. Mary Marston's unswerving commitment to love God and others is seen against the backdrop of an intriguing array of diverse characters and a complex and sometimes mysterious plot.

Scotland's master storyteller allows his memorable characters to run the gamut from delightful to devious, and as such they serve as models. All eventually must stand before God in the silence of their own hearts and choose the direction of their life and growth. Thus the dynamic impact of George MacDonald upon his readers.

A Gentle Story Full of Insight into the Responses of Men and Women to God.

Customer Reviews (2)

george Mac donald
MacDonald books are always a good read.They speak to your heart of spiritual things without being preachy.
This book..while it has no real plot...will nevertheless endear itself to you.Mary..the devoted daughter is such a good character study...and you will enjoy all the people she touches with her simple faith in God.
If the story starts a bit slow...stick with it....it is worth investing your time in.I have read it at least three times...and always come away from it feeling uplifted!

Satisfying Macdonald
This was a satisfying Macdonald story, delivering some excellent Christian philosophy, in you don't mind being preached to--and if you do mind that, you shouldn't read any of Macdonald's books--while entertaining you with believable and interesting characters and some twists and turns in plot. The ending was somewhat surprising and very good. ... 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. ... Read more