George MacDonald 
The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories 

The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories is a collection of fairy tales. The Light Princess is a Scottish fairy tale by George Mac Donald. It was published in 1864 as a story within the larger story Adela Cathcart. Drawing on inspiration from 'Sleeping Beauty’, it tells the story of a princess afflicted by a constant weightlessness, unable to get her feet on the ground, both literally and metaphorically, until she finds a love that brings her down to earth.

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George Mac Donald (1824–1905) was a pioneering figure in the field of fantasy literature and a mentor to fellow writer Lewis Carroll. His use of allegory and his deep moral and spiritual sensibility have made his work a lasting influence on authors such as C.S. Lewis, who considered Mac Donald to be his 'master’. A Scottish author and Christian minister, Mac Donald’s writing spans various genres, including fantasy, fairy tales, and Christian allegories. His literary style often intertwines elements of the whimsical and the profound, as seen in his celebrated work 'The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories’. Mac Donald’s foray into fairy tales was marked by a unique blend of humor and metaphysical contemplation, challenging and entertaining both children and adults. The titular story of his compilation, 'The Light Princess’, is particularly noted for its innovative narrative and the emotional depth of its characters. Mac Donald’s contribution to literature extends beyond his fairy tales, encompassing novels such as 'Phantastes’ and 'The Princess and the Goblin’, which are also notable for their vivid imagination and rich symbolism. As a seminal figure in the development of modern fantasy literature, Mac Donald’s influence is profound, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated for their creativity, ethical depth, and spiritual insight.