George MacDonald was a writer of fantasy and children's literature. Influential works like Phantastes and The Princess and the Goblin inspired authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
If you enjoy reading books by George MacDonald then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy George MacDonald’s imaginative storytelling and spiritual symbolism may find C.S. Lewis a fascinating author to explore. Lewis admired MacDonald’s stories deeply and shared a similar ability to weave meaningful moral lessons into vibrant fantasy worlds.
In his classic book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lewis brings four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—to the magical land of Narnia. Narnia is a place trapped by endless winter, ruled harshly by the cruel White Witch.
The children’s arrival marks a turning point, guided by a wise and mysterious lion named Aslan whose presence challenges the Witch’s oppressive rule.
Through their adventures, loyalties are tested, betrayal is confronted, and courage shines brightly in darkness, echoing many of the themes MacDonald’s readers cherish.
J.R.R. Tolkien is an author that fans of George MacDonald often enjoy. He is best known for creating detailed fantasy worlds such as Middle-earth in his book, The Hobbit. This story follows Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit who finds himself unexpectedly pulled into an adventure.
Bilbo teams up with dwarves, encounters all sorts of amazing creatures, and must face dangers far beyond the gentle comforts of his home. Tolkien’s narrative is rich with inviting characters and a sense of wonder that makes his fantasy worlds live vividly in reader imaginations.
Readers drawn to MacDonald’s imaginative storytelling and exploration of good and evil will find Tolkien’s writings similarly satisfying and filled with meaningful journeys.
Books by G.K. Chesterton often blend fantasy, morality, and imagination, making them a treat for anyone who enjoys George MacDonald’s storytelling style.
Chesterton’s novel The Man Who Was Thursday explores a strange world where poets and anarchists collide in a surreal chase across Europe.
The protagonist, Gabriel Syme, is a poet recruited into Scotland Yard’s fight against an anarchist council, each member named after a day of the week. As Syme navigates secret plots and hidden truths, the boundaries between allies and enemies blur.
Chesterton layers philosophical questions within humor, mystery, and suspense, creating a uniquely imaginative journey for readers drawn to profound yet whimsical tales.
William Morris was a British author who blended fantasy and myth in imaginative tales. Readers who enjoy George MacDonald’s enchanting storytelling may find Morris equally captivating.
His novel The Well at the World’s End follows the journeys of Ralph, a young prince determined to find a legendary well said to grant eternal life. On his quest through perilous lands, Ralph encounters mysterious creatures, ancient cities, and trials of bravery.
Morris creates a rich medieval world full of romance and adventure, sure to please fans of timeless fantasy adventures.
Books by E. Nesbit offer readers a friendly entry into imaginative worlds filled with magical adventures, similar to those of George MacDonald. Nesbit is famous for her ability to blend ordinary lives with extraordinary magic in fresh ways.
In Five Children and It, five siblings find a strange but funny creature called a Psammead, or sand fairy, who grants wishes. At first, the children are thrilled, but soon they see that wishes have unexpected results.
The magic doesn’t always work the way they hope, so the story becomes lively with their efforts to fix surprising troubles.
The charm and wit in Nesbit’s storytelling, combined with the realistic personalities of the children, make this book a delight for readers who have enjoyed George MacDonald’s imaginative tales.
If you enjoy the imaginative worlds and mystical tones of George MacDonald, then Arthur Machen might be an author worth exploring. Machen blends fantasy and supernatural elements beautifully, creating stories where the ordinary world hides mysterious forces.
In his book The Great God Pan, Machen tells a haunting tale of a scientific experiment gone terribly wrong, which opens the human mind to ancient and dangerous realities.
As readers follow the unsettling events triggered by the experiment, they will find characters who struggle to comprehend forces beyond their control. Machen’s storytelling reveals the thin boundary between our everyday lives and the hidden, darker truths beneath.
Walter de la Mare was an English writer known for his captivating blend of fantasy and gentle mystery. Readers who appreciate George MacDonald’s imaginative storytelling and poetic style might enjoy de la Mare’s book The Three Mulla-mulgars.
It is a magical tale about three adventurous monkey brothers who set off on a journey to find their lost kingdom. Their travels take them through enchanting landscapes, strange encounters, and unexpected challenges.
De la Mare’s rich language and dreamy atmosphere create a sense of wonder similar to MacDonald’s fairy-tale worlds.
The imaginative quests and charming characters in The Three Mulla-mulgars make this book an appealing discovery for fans seeking another storyteller who crafts beautiful and mysterious fantasy worlds.
Books by L.M. Montgomery offer charming, imaginative adventures filled with beautiful descriptions of life and nature, themes that fans of George MacDonald deeply appreciate.
One of Montgomery’s beloved novels, Anne of Green Gables, follows Anne Shirley, an orphan girl mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.
Though they initially hoped to adopt a boy to help on their farm, Anne wins them over with her lively imagination and endless curiosity.
Set on Prince Edward Island, the novel captures Anne’s humorous mishaps, poignant friendships, and her deep love for the beautiful countryside around her.
Montgomery’s writing gently blends wit, warmth, and wisdom, creating stories readers treasure for their heartfelt depiction of childhood and growth.
If you enjoy George MacDonald’s imaginative and meaningful allegories, you might appreciate John Bunyan. Bunyan, an English author from the 17th century, wrote the classic Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress.
It follows a man named Christian as he journeys from the City of Destruction toward the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces vivid challenges in places like Vanity Fair, Doubting Castle, and the Slough of Despond.
The journey isn’t easy, and the characters Christian meets mirror trials familiar in everyday life. Bunyan’s characters feel real and relatable, combining spiritual truths with lively storytelling.
Charles Williams was a writer who explored spiritual and supernatural themes in insightful ways. If you enjoy the imaginative worlds of George MacDonald, Williams may interest you with his novel Descent into Hell.
The story weaves together two narratives set in the same English village. The characters find themselves confronting visions, personal fears, and the reality of spiritual choices they never expected.
Williams thoughtfully explores the boundary between spiritual and earthly realities. The villagers’ experiences lead readers toward a deeper understanding of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of human decisions.
This novel offers readers an engaging blend of the supernatural and the everyday, reminiscent of MacDonald’s thoughtful storytelling.
Readers who enjoy George MacDonald’s blend of imaginative storytelling and deep human emotions may appreciate Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s fiction. Jhabvala beautifully captures cultural contrasts and personal struggles, especially in her novel Heat and Dust.
This book alternates between two women living decades apart in India. Olivia, a British colonial wife in the 1920s, faces social pressure and forbidden desire within a complex Indian society.
Years later, her step-granddaughter explores Olivia’s past, drawn into a similar emotional conflict herself. Jhabvala’s exploration of love, identity, and cultural clash is thoughtful and powerful, offering readers a rich reading experience.
Readers who enjoy George MacDonald’s gentle storytelling and rich imagination may appreciate Elizabeth Goudge. Her novel The Little White Horse draws readers into a magical and warmly painted world.
The story follows young Maria Merryweather, who moves to Moonacre Manor after losing her father. Maria soon discovers the Manor is filled with mystery and enchantment, from secret doors to ancient family legends involving magical creatures.
Goudge beautifully weaves themes of hope, family ties, and redemption, creating a charming tale filled with warmth and a touch of wonder. Fans of MacDonald’s thoughtful characters and imaginative landscapes will likely find themselves right at home in Goudge’s Moonacre.
If you enjoy George MacDonald’s blend of imaginative storytelling and thoughtful exploration of morality, you might appreciate the works of George Orwell. Orwell’s stories often explore profound questions through accessible and thought-provoking narratives.
You may find Animal Farm especially interesting. This short novel portrays a group of farm animals who rebel against their oppressive human farmer. At first, their dream of equality seems achievable, but soon the pigs who lead the revolution become oppressors themselves.
The clever allegory and the story’s clear yet powerful message about power, corruption, and idealism will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Books by Philip Pullman are magical journeys into thoughtful fantasy worlds. If you enjoy George MacDonald’s way of layering fantasy with deeper meanings, you may find Pullman’s The Golden Compass very appealing.
This book tells the story of Lyra Belacqua, a spirited young girl who uncovers dark secrets after her friend is kidnapped. She sets off on a fascinating and dangerous quest across a richly imagined and mysterious world.
As she travels, Lyra learns about an amazing tool called the alethiometer—it looks like a golden compass—and it helps her unlock truths that others want hidden.
Pullman builds a rich story filled with adventure and complex ideas about freedom and choice that readers of MacDonald’s imaginative tales might truly appreciate.
Readers who appreciate George MacDonald’s blend of fantasy, adventure, and insightful storytelling may also enjoy T.H. White. White is best known for his book The Sword in the Stone, where he retells the early years of King Arthur with humor, heart, and imagination.
The story follows young Wart, a curious boy guided by the wizard Merlyn through magical adventures and life lessons. Merlyn transforms Wart into various animals, each experience teaching Wart about courage, kindness, and wisdom.
White brings fantasy and rich character depth together in a memorable tale that explores the making of a legendary king.