George MacDonald 
The Princess and Curdie 

“The Princess and Curdie” is Scottish author George Mac Donald’s 1883 sequel to his classic children’s fairy tale “The Princess and the Goblin”. In this beautiful and exciting tale, the reader finds Princess Irene and Curdie a year or two older. Life has returned to normal for Irene and Curdie until they must overthrow a set of corrupt ministers who are poisoning Irene’s father, the king. When Curdie finally meets Irene’s mysterious and magical Grandmother, he is sent off on a quest with a strange dog-like creature named Lina, who was once human, to help save Irene’s father and the kingdom. Curdie is at first wary of this odd and ugly creature, but he soon finds that Lina is the most loyal friend he could have wished for on this dangerous adventure as the creature saves his life numerous times. Curdie once again shows his bravery and loyalty, and with help from Irene’s powerful grandmother, he risks his own life to save Irene and her sickly father from the evil plot. A classic tale of fantasy, “The Princess and Curdie” is one of George Mac Donald’s most magical and exciting children’s tales. This edition includes a biographical afterword.