First Line Friday #39: The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald

Thanks to Carrie at
Reading is My Superpower
for the Link-up

 

 

Title:  The Princess and Curdy
Author:  George MacDonald
Genre: Children's Fantasy

    〰First Line〰

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Curdy was the son of Peter the miner. He lived with his father and mother in a cottage built on a mountain, and he worked with his father inside the mountain.

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Synopsis:  (From Goodreads) 

Curdie, the miner’s son, meets a mysterious wise woman who gives him a magical gift and sends him off on a dangerous journey to the city of Gwyntystorm, where the king resides. On his way, Curdie meets with strange creatures and makes unlikely friends, before uncovering a great threat to the king’s household and the whole kingdom. Will he and the Princess Irene be able to avert disaster? What will the fate of Gwyntystorm be? In this classic tale of adventure, George MacDonald weaves his storytelling magic—the same enchantment which has inspired many noteworthy fantasy writers over the past century, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. If you’re a fan of Narnia and Middle Earth, you’ll find in MacDonald’s stories many elements which are at once familiar and entirely unique. Enjoy these beautifully designed editions—again and again—or share the wonder of "The Princess and Curdie" with someone special.

 〰First Thoughts〰

One of my favorite YouTube channels is Malcolm Guite's channel.  I was introduced to his writings during my studies at Colorado Christian University.  He mainly films from his study where he shares gems from his own writings as well as insights on his favorites authors.  One of his favorites is the Scottish-born fantasy author and poet George MacDonald (I've included one of Guite's videos below).  MacDonald's writings have also been mentioned by C. S. Lewis as part of the reason he became a Christian.  Hearing all this--plus a recent reading of one of his biographies-got me curious about his writings.  Then I remembered that a friend had given me a copy of The Princes and Curdy.  

My only trepidation about reading this is my fear of not understanding it.  From what I have observed from scholars and experts on MacDonald, his writings can be convoluted and difficult to decipher.  I'll have to employ the same strategy with this volume as I did when I made my third (and finally successful) attempt to read through all the Chronicles of Narnia series last year--don't get bogged down with trying to find a deeper meaning; just be a kid and enjoy the story for what it is. 

 

So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?