Fantasy Classics for ChildrenFantasy Classics for Children brings together some of the fantasy literature known to have inspired J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The HobbitThe Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and other eminent fantasy authors. Tolkien in particular is known to have read such fantasy classics as The Marvellous Land of SnergsThe Marvellous Land of Snergs by E. A. Wyke-Smith, The Princess and the GoblinThe Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald and Lord Dunsany’s Book of WonderBook of Wonder to his children, and Andrew Lang’s Red Fairy BookRed Fairy Book and Lilac Fairy BookLilac Fairy Book contain many early versions of both beloved and lesser-known fairy tales that helped inspire fantasy stories enjoyed by children the world over.
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George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister.
Known particularly for his poignant fairy tales and fantasy novels, George MacDonald inspired many authors, such as W. H. Auden, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, E. Nesbit and Madeleine L'Engle. G. K. Chesterton cited The Princess and the Goblin as a book that had "made a difference to my whole existence."
Even Mark Twain, who initially disliked MacDonald, became friends with him, and there is some evidence that Twain was influenced by MacDonald.
MacDonald grew up influenced by his Congregational Church, with an atmosphere of Calvinism. But MacDonald never felt comfortable with some aspects of Calvinist doctrine; indeed, legend has it that when the doctrine of predestination was first explained to him, he burst into tears (although assured that he was one of the elect). Later novels, such as Robert Falconer and Lilith, show a distaste for the idea that God's electing love is limited to some and denied to others.
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