91 pages • 3 hours read
George MacDonaldThe Princess and the Goblin
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1872A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald is a Victorian children’s fantasy in which eight-year-old Princess Irene, raised in a farmhouse in the mountains, encounters humanlike goblins inhabiting underground caverns. She befriends Curdie, a miner boy who helps her navigate various dangers posed by the goblins, including plots to flood the mines and kidnap her. Their adventures are intertwined with magic, bravery, and friendship as they work to thwart the goblins' plans.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin enchants readers with its imaginative fairy tale setting and moral depth. Celebrated for its richly woven narrative and endearing characters, particularly Princess Irene and Curdie, it appeals to both children and adults. Critics, however, note a somewhat dated prose style that may challenge modern readers. Overall, it remains a beloved classic.
Who Should Read The Princess and the Goblin?
Fans of classic fantasy tales with moral undertones, such as those found in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, will appreciate George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin. The narrative blends whimsical adventure with profound wisdom, ideal for both children and nostalgic adult readers.