Renowned as a luminary among novelists of his era, George MacDonald wielded his pen across a spectrum of genres—crafting poetry, penning reviews, composing essays, scripting plays, delivering sermons, and executing translations. Yet today, his legacy shines brightest as the pioneering architect of modern fantasy, a beacon for twentieth-century giants like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Much of his fantastical storytelling was crafted with young readers in mind.

Born on December 10, 1824, MacDonald hailed from a Scottish agricultural family in Aberdeenshire. He was one of eleven siblings, several of whom, like him, battled tuberculosis. The shadow of this illness claimed his mother when he was merely eight. In 1840, he embarked on his academic journey at the University of Aberdeen, delving into chemistry and physics. However, financial hurdles stretched his path, delaying his degree until 1845. During this time, while organizing the library of a grand mansion, he stumbled upon English romance and German mystical literature. This discovery pivoted his curiosity from the natural realm to the supernatural. Convinced that his calling lay in the ministry, he pursued a seminary degree and was appointed to a Congregational Church near London in 1851, marrying in the same year. Soon after, a pivotal moment in his life unfolded: his congregation ousted him for his allegedly unorthodox theology. His principal "heresy" was a compassionate stance toward non-believers and heathens, whom he believed were not automatically condemned to eternal damnation.

Despite the setback, MacDonald remained steadfast in his belief that the ministry was his true calling, yet he needed to support his burgeoning family. Thus began his journey as a writer. Writing fulfilled dual purposes for him: it attracted a paying audience and allowed him to continue his ministerial expression. On the verge of financial ruin before his debut novel's release in 1863, MacDonald slowly carved out a place for himself. Although he never amassed great wealth, he enjoyed the camaraderie of many leading writers of his time. Among his dear friends was Lewis Carroll, who first tested the tale of an unpublished "Alice in Wonderland" on MacDonald's children. Despite his devotion to his literary pursuits, MacDonald never abandoned his desire to minister. When time permitted, he articulated his religious sentiments, directly through sermons or indirectly through enchanting tales like "The Golden Key." His journey concluded on September 18, 1905, in Ashtead, Surrey, England.