Books

London: Smith, Elder and Co, 1858. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good -. 8vo. FIRST EDITION, 1858. Phantastes by George MacDonald. This book had a huge influence on C. S. Lewis. He first read it when he picked up a copy at a train station when he was about 17. He was an atheist at the time but later, after his conversion to Christianity, he said that the reading of this book as a teen "baptized his imagination." Shaberman 8. Half leather on marbleized boards. 323 pp.  CONDITION: The exterior is rough and heavily rubbed. The interior has occasional foxing but is quite satisfactory and the binding is tight. One owner's name but no other writing. End sheets have been replaced. Shelley and Son Books specializes in C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien & the Inklings. Full refund if not satisfied. Full refund if not satisfied.

Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women is a fantasy novel by Scottish writer George MacDonald, first published in London in 1858. The story revolves around the character Anodos and his dream-like adventures in fairyland which serve as an allegory to the inner spiritual journey of self-discovery. This work had a profound influence on later authors, including C.S. Lewis.

First editions of 'Phantastes' published by Smith, Elder & Co. in 1858 would likely be bound in the original publisher's cloth, feature the date on the title page, and have no mention of later print runs or editions.