Dealings With the Fairies

Comprises: The Light Princess; The Giant's Heart; The Shadows; Cross Purposes and The Golden Key

MACDONALD, George

INSCRIBED BY MACDONALD TO MRS LA TOUCHE

MACDONALD, George Dealings With the Fairies Comprises: The Light Princess; The Giant's Heart; The Shadows; Cross Purposes and The Golden Key

Alexander Strahan, 1867.

First edition. 12mo. Original green cloth over bevelled boards, with gilt lettering and decoration stamped in gilt and black. All page edges gilt. Inscribed by MacDonald on the half title, "Mrs La Touche with kindest regards from George Macdonald." Twelve fine black and white illustrations by Arthur Hughes. The Pre-Raphaelite style of Hughes illustrations "convey the sense of magic and lyrical quality of MacDonald's writing perfectly." (Dalby) A very good copy of this scarce and fragile book. The book has a repair to the rear hinge and has a few small nicks to page margins, plus the occasional spot of foxing. Overall in much nicer condition than usually encountered.

In the period that this book was written George MacDonald acted as a go between for his two friends, John Ruskin and Rose La Touche. Ruskin met La Touche when she was only a child, but formed a deep attachment to her and in 1865, when Rose was 17 years old, Ruskin proposed to her. Rose's Protestant mother vetoed the marriage on religious grounds, as Ruskin declared himself an atheist. A long and close relationship was to unfold between Ruskin and La Touche, whom he considered to be the love of his life. Throughout the affair Macdonald was a confidante and message bearer. Ruskin was to propose again, but Rose declined and suffered a breakdown, resulting in her being placed in a nursing home, where she died in 1875.

Stock ID: 22172

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