Phantastes, A Faerie Romance

1878, a rare two-volume early printing of George MacDonald's fantasy novel

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First thus. Two volumes (complete). Small hardback in green pebbled cloth with gilt titling to spine. Each 14 × 8.5cm, 225pp & 217pp.

Published as Volumes 5 and 6 from George MacDonald's 'Works of Fancy and Imagination'. MacDonald's Phantastes (1858) is a landmark in the development of fantasy literature and has the distinction of being the first fantasy novel written exclusively for adults (if you exclude earlier works in other genres such as The Tempest, or The Faerie Queen).

In Phantastes, a young man named Anodos is pulled into a dreamlike fairyland, where he embarks on a spiritual and allegorical quest. Throughout his adventures, he chases an ideal of beauty, represented by a "Marble Lady," but must overcome temptations and confront his own inner shadow and fears. Ultimately, the journey is one of self-discovery, requiring him to surrender his ideals and himself to gain true wisdom and joy.

Condition

This set is in good condition for age. The green cloth is rubbed at the corners and spine ends, with a small ring mark to the rear board of volume one, and dark markings to the rear board of volume two. Internally, the books remain in strong readable condition, the title page and first two pages of text of volume one are starting to loosen but still attached. There is some age-toning throughout but generally clean. Volume two has a later handwritten quotation to the front pastedown and an advert for MacDonald's Dealings with the Fairies tipped in to the ffep.

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