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Hey KZfaqrs!
Welcome back to The Piper's Mantel. Since my first fantasy novel is going to be published in the second half of this year (provided there are no delays), I just wanted to talk about the book that started it all, the book that made me want to be a writer. This book didn't just impact me; it also impacted C.S. Lewis, the author of "The Chronicles of Narnia".
The book I'm referring to is, of course, "Phantastes: A Faerie Romance" by George MacDonald. A lot of people haven't even heard of George MacDonald, but he's considered by many to be the father of modern fantasy, and the master of faerie.
Phantastes was the first fantasy novel of the modern era, out of which everything else sprung forth. The fantasy genre evokes a sense of longing for something greater than ourselves - there's something about it that forces us to take a break from ourselves, so we can then learn about ourselves.
The works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien have always remained close to my heart. But six years ago, when I stumbled upon George MacDonald's "Phantastes", it literally changed my life.
"Picking up a copy of Phantastes one day at a train-station bookstall, I began to read. A few hours later", said C. S. Lewis, "I knew that I had crossed a great frontier."
I completely agree with C.S. Lewis. I've read "Phantastes" several times, and I have no doubt that I'll read it many times more throughout my life. No other work of fiction has broken down my ideals like Phantastes. Exploring the human condition through fantasy or - truth through fantasy - was something that George MacDonald did best.
If, like many people, you're struggling with your own ideals, then "Phantastes" is the perfect book to break them. Not only will you have your illusions of self and worldliness destroyed, but you'll also be getting a great story, filled with adventure, action, and romance.
"Phantastes" will encourage the reader to find his/her own worth, which may be apparent to others, but not themselves. Everyone is unique, and everyone has value, which is the greatest lesson you'll learn by reading this book.
"Phantastes" is like no other book I've read, and George MacDonald's writing has a way of entering the soul, exposing it to new realities and endless possibilities!
To read "Phantastes" for free, just follow this link -
www.gutenberg.org/files/325/3...
For a hardback edition with colorized images -
www.tyndale.com/p/phantastes/...
For a paperback or eBook copy with black & white images -
store.doverpublications.com/0...
You can also listen to an audiobook of "Phantastes" on KZfaq for free -
• Phantastes: A Faerie R...
If you would like to see more of these documentary-style videos about other authors, please let me know in the comments below.