Books

First edition. 8vo. 323pp. Original blind-stamped olive green cloth. The first edition of George MacDonald's first story to be published in book form. A fine copy in its original state, finely blind-stamped olive cloth with diamond shaped central blossoms and petal motif, elaborate borders on both covers, spine with gilt stamped leaf emblem and lettering, original yellow endpapers. MacDonald's faerie romance was aimed at an adult audience. The similarities between MacDonald and Lewis Carroll, who published Alice in Wonderland eight years later abound, culminating with Carroll asking MacDonald and his wife to read the draft of Alice. About as fine a copy as ever seen by this enduring and important classic. The copy of Sir Charles Oman (inscribed) ,noted military historian, and later, John Sparrow, English academic and book collector, both bookplates appear at front. In superb custom made chemise and green morocco-backed slipcase.

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.