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MacDonald, George, 1824-1905.

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1824-1905

Biographical Statement

George MacDonald was a popular Victorian author, now best known for his children's stories, such as At the Back of the North Wind and The Princess and Curdie, and his fantasies for adults, Phantastes and Lilith. One of only a few writers of his time to write symbolic fiction, his romantic vision of spiritual realites has greatly influenced such writers as W.H. Auden, G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis.

A native of Scotland, MacDonald attended the University of Aberdeen, but although receiving a master's degree in chemistry and physics in 1845, was uncertain about what to do with his life. Desiring to bring others to the Christian faith, and having a gift of preaching, he attended Highbury College, London, graduating in 1850 with a divinity degree. The following year he assumed the pastorate of a Congregationalist Church in Arundel, near the southern coast of England, and also married Louisa Powell, with whom he would eventually have eleven children. Within two years his congregation asked him to leave for theological reasons, particularly his insistence on the duty of obedience to the principles of Christian living. In poor health, struggling to support his growing family, and searching for a means to communicate his beliefs, MacDonald turned to writing. In 1858 his long poem "Within and Without" was published and well received, helping to establish MacDonald's reputation. Three years later Phantasteswas published to literary acclaim but little public enthusiasm. MacDonald took up lecturing to support his family and about 1860 became Professor of English Literature at Bedford College, London, a post he held for seven years. In 1863 his novel, David Elginbrod, was published and proved very popular. For the next forty years MacDonald lectured and wrote realistic novels, fantasy, children's stories, and poetry, enjoying popular and financial success. MacDonald produced some of his best works during the last 15 years of his life, including There and Back and Lilith. MacDonald died in 1905 at the age of 80.

MacDonald took issue with the strict Calvinism of his upbringing and the emphasis on theological systems to the neglect of the Gospel of God's love. God the Father's love for humanity, as exemplified in Christ, was an overriding principle for MacDonald, and imagination and symbolism were his keys to knowing that love. A common theme of Macdonald's is a journey that springs from the main character's longing for or wanting to know more about some unknown, a search which brings one ever closer to God.

Citation:
http://www.wheaton.edu/wadecenter/Authors/George-MacDonald

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Author Societies Archive

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Wade-A-14 through A-15
Abstract

The materials in this archive relate to groups and societies dedicated to promoting the works and lives of the seven authors in  the Wade Center's collections.

Dates: Created: 1965-2019

Events File Archive

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Wade-A-126, 126a, 127, and B-36
Abstract

This archive includes materials from various events related to the Wade authors, including dramatic performances, conferences, academic courses, exhibitions, etc. More additions may be included in this archive at any time.

Dates: Created: 1966-2023

Glenn Sadler Collection

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: Wade-B-4
Abstract

The materials in this archive include publications, correspondence, illustrations, and other items relating to Glenn Sadler's research on the artist, Arthur Hughes (1832-1915), who served as the illustrator for many of George MacDonald's published works. Also included: a set of corrected proofs for Thomas Wingfold, Curate by George MacDonald.

Dates: Created: 1849-1994; Other: Date acquired: 12/31/1969

Greville MacDonald Papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: Wade-A-123
Abstract

This archive contains letters and documents relating to Greville Matheson MacDonald (1856-1944), the son of George MacDonald.

Dates: Created: 1848-1935; Other: Majority of material found in 1910-1935

Rolland Hein Papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: Wade-A-122
Abstract

This collection contains documents relating to the teaching and personal research of Dr. Rolland Hein, Professor Emeritus of English at Wheaton College. The majority of the materials consist of research on George MacDonald, and teaching notes from the class  Modern Mythology LIT: 431.

Dates: Created: 1900-2004

Additional filters:

Subject
MacDonald, George, -- Archives. 3
Barfield, Owen, 1898-1997 -- Archives. 1
Barfield, Owen, 1898-1997 -- Societies, etc. 1
Barfield, Owen, 1898-1997 -- Societies, etc. -- Archives. 1
Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936 -- Archives. 1