I’m a footnote hunter. By that I mean, when I find an author I particularly like I search out their sources and the writers they rely on and who influenced them. I’ve actually found some of my favorite books this way, and I encourage you to do the same. One of the authors for whom I hunt footnotes is C.S. Lewis and it is because of this that I first encountered George MacDonald and his writings. Lewis described MacDonald as his master, and in a George MacDonald Anthology compiled by Lewis, Lewis says, “I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.”
MacDonald was an 18th century Scottish pastor, poet, theologian, author. Most of his works are available online for free if you wish to read them, but I recommend having books — I always do. His fantasy stories are highly engaging and filled with depth that cannot be plumbed upon a single reading. His collection of sermons, while dated in their language, are full of deep thoughts and great insights. But it is his Faerie Romance, Phantastes, that I think is his crowning jewel.
I will not claim that Phantastes is an easy read, but if you give it time and effort it will be a good read. For on its pages (should you choose an actual book) you will find layers of meaning and experience, something I believe we are lacking in this world today. We are often simple-minded people wanting clear-cut answers for every question we pose of life, the universe, and everything. This may, in fact, explain why STEM is such a major movement in education today. Anything we can test, measure, and quantify is of utmost importance: anything else is meaningless. But as we push forward in the sciences, we often avoid the arts and literature which can open our eyes to the deeper mysteries of life. And we can easily minimize this fantastic world which has been created beautifully and functionally for our enjoyment.
Lewis understood this as did MacDonald. Most have read the Narnia books where Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan step through an ordinary wardrobe to find themselves in an extraordinary world. At the heart of this journey is Lewis’ life-long search for the truth found lurking around every corner. In fact, it was due to this search through ancient mythology, that Lewis was Surprised by Joy — the Joy of the Lord. And, it was because of MacDonald’s Phantastes that Lewis had, in his words, “his imagination baptized.”
I realize I’ve said very little about Phantastes in this recommendation, and that is by design. I wanted to tell you what sort of book this is without ruining its content. If you are willing to open yourself to a fantastical world, not just on the pages of a book but written on the leaves of the universe, then I would recommend taking deliberate steps to do so. Let George MacDonald’s Phantastes be one of those first steps. I don’t think you will regret it.
