George MacDonald

George MacDonald was born on December 10, 1824, in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. After studying at the University of Aberdeen and Highbury Theological College, he served briefly as a Congregationalist minister but turned to writing due to his unorthodox views on salvation. MacDonald wrote over 50 books, including fantasy novels for children and adults, such as "The Princess and the Goblin" (1872) and "Lilith" (1895). His work blends Christian allegory with fairy-tale imagination, deeply influencing later writers like C.S. Lewis, who called him his master, and J.R.R. Tolkien. "At the Back of the North Wind" (1871) follows the adventures of a boy named Diamond and the mysterious North Wind, exploring themes of death, suffering, and divine love. MacDonald died on September 18, 1905, in Ashtead, England, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of modern fantasy literature.