The Princess and the Goblin is a children's fantasy novel in the vein of the best classic fairy tales. The simple narrative follows Princess Irene as she discovers a ghostly relative living in a castle tower only she can access. During a walk outside one day, she encounters the threat of the lair of goblins living near the castle-and meets a new friend, a young miner named Curdie. She and Curdie must stop the goblin threat before they can carry out their evil plot.

First published in 1872, the novel is considered one of the foundational works of modern fantasy literature, admired for its warmth, its imaginative underground goblin world, and its gentle moral vision. Its blend of homely detail and otherworldly wonder went on to influence writers such as C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.

Readers who love timeless fairy tales full of courage, wonder, and quiet moral depth-and anyone drawn to the Victorian fantasy tradition of George MacDonald-will find this a delightful and enduring read.

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