George MacDonald, born on December 10, 1824, in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was a pioneering author, poet, and Christian minister, best known for his works in the fantasy genre. Raised in a devout Calvinist family, MacDonald grew up with a strong religious influence, which later shaped much of his literary work. He attended the University of Aberdeen, where he showed a keen interest in literature and science, and then went on to study theology at Highbury Theological College in London. MacDonald initially pursued a career as a Congregationalist minister, but his unorthodox views on topics like universal salvation eventually led to his resignation. Despite this setback, he remained deeply spiritual, using his writing as a means to explore and express his philosophical and theological ideas.MacDonald became one of the foremost figures in Victorian literature, authoring novels, fairy tales, and poetry that often wove together elements of fantasy, morality, and Christian allegory. Some of his most famous works include Phantastes (1858) and Lilith (1895), which are considered groundbreaking in the fantasy genre. His children's books, such as The Princess and the Goblin (1872) and At the Back of the North Wind (1871), broke new ground by incorporating mystical themes and treating young readers as capable of engaging with profound moral questions. His unique blend of spirituality, imagination, and storytelling strongly influenced future writers like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L'Engle, establishing him as a foundational figure in modern fantasy literature.Throughout his life, MacDonald also traveled extensively and lectured on literary topics, gaining a dedicated following both in Britain and the United States. Though his works did not always achieve commercial success during his lifetime, his legacy grew posthumously, with later generations of readers and writers recognizing his contributions to literature and theology. George MacDonald passed away on September 18, 1905, in Ashtead, Surrey, England, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire and shape the fantasy genre.
