At the Back of the North Wind

Written by George MacDonald, At the Back of the North Wind presents a children’s, fantasy work first published in 1871. The work draws its energy from curiosity, growth, imagination, friendship, and the testing of values, giving George MacDonald room to explore how people respond to pressure, desire, and change. Rather than depending on topical novelty, the book builds its interest through the interaction of character, situation, and idea. The book’s distinctive character comes from a clear, lively style designed to make wonder and danger immediately accessible. At roughly 90,845 words with a very easy reading profile, it offers a reading commitment that is easy to judge before beginning while still leaving room for close attention. Readers still return to it because of its place in the development of literature written for younger readers. Its strongest appeal lies in the meeting of curiosity and clear, lively style designed to make wonder and danger immediately accessible, giving the book both immediate character and lasting interest.