George MacDonald

This sparkling study of George MacDonald's playfulness is an important and serious contribution to MacDonald scholarship. Gabelman orchestrates Dante, Dionysius, and St Paul to delineate in MacDonald a theology of folly that raises soul and body to ecstasy. Rarely do Oscar Wilde, Byron, and Moltmann share a text—but here they unite to urge MacDonald's project of ludic transformation.

~Alison Milbank, Associate Professor, The University of Nottingham

A rare achievement. Not only does he shine a new and liberating light on the person and work of George MacDonald, he does so with a clarity and depth of thought, expression, and scholarship that engages the mind while lifting the heart. In this insightful volume, Gabelman rescues the idea of levity and lightness of being from the modern literary ash heap by breathing into it a fresh, robust sense that is salutary.

~Christopher W. Mitchell, Director, Marion E. Wade Chair of Christian Thought, Wade Center, Wheaton College

Erudite, informed, clever, and welcome, Gabelman's study understands MacDonald's lightsome stories in a way that honors his theology while celebrating his humour and his artistry. George MacDonald just might be the best study we have of George MacDonald's fiction. This book is long overdue—sensitive and convincing.

~Roderick McGillis, Emeritus Professor of English, The University of Calgary

...for anyone interested in the study of fairy tales, or in theology, Gabelman's book comes as a much-needed breath of clear air.

~Dr. John Patrick Pazdziora, University of St Andrews, VII

Gabelman uses explanations of relevant context to clarify and inform, rather than to lecture or instruct. He offers a detailed yet articulate expansion of knowledge, and this eloquence will enlighten both the erudite scholar and the lay reader.

~Christine Chettle, The Lion and the Unicorn

…extremely worthwhile…

~Bonnie Gaarden, Mythlore