91 pages 3 hours read

George MacDonald

The Princess and the Goblin

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1872

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald is a Victorian children’s fantasy in which eight-year-old Princess Irene, raised in a farmhouse in the mountains, encounters humanlike goblins inhabiting underground caverns. She befriends Curdie, a miner boy who helps her navigate various dangers posed by the goblins, including plots to flood the mines and kidnap her. Their adventures are intertwined with magic, bravery, and friendship as they work to thwart the goblins' plans.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin enchants readers with its imaginative fairy tale setting and moral depth. Celebrated for its richly woven narrative and endearing characters, particularly Princess Irene and Curdie, it appeals to both children and adults. Critics, however, note a somewhat dated prose style that may challenge modern readers. Overall, it remains a beloved classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Princess and the Goblin?

Fans of classic fantasy tales with moral undertones, such as those found in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, will appreciate George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin. The narrative blends whimsical adventure with profound wisdom, ideal for both children and nostalgic adult readers.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Book Details

Genre

Fairy Tale / Folklore

Fantasy

Classic Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Society: Class

Topics

Religion / Spirituality