The Poet and the Pauper

by George MacDonald, Michael R. Phillips (Editor)

Tells the story of "Wee Sir Gibbie of the Highlands," a seemingly destitute orphan whose life communicates truth and goodness despite his inability to speak, and the story of Gibbie's best friend, Donal Grant.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Poet and the Pauper" contains the edited versions of two George MacDonald books: "Sir Gibbie" and "Donal Grant."

The first part, previously published as "The Baronet's Song", is all about the Wee Sir Gibbie. After his father dies, the mute child witnesses a terrible murder. His innocent faith in humanity is shattered, and his destiny seems to lie in climbing "Up Daurside"( these being some of the last words he heard from his father). So up the mountain he journeys, unexpected adventure and opportunity awaiting him.

The second part (" The Shepherd's Castle") focuses on Gibbie's friend, Donal Grant, the tutor of an earl's son.

"The Baronet's Song" is definitely my favorite. Gibbie is so surprisingly naive while at the same time displaying wisdom far beyond his years. And Ginevra is positively wonderful! Quiet and dignified and sometimes a little patronizing... but so protective and quietly strong. Absolutely my kind of heroine.

"The Shepherd's Castle" is also fascinating, but the setting is much too similar to "Malcolm." Only it isn't as good! The characters have less depth and are simply not intriguing to me. The creepy castle atmosphere is a nice touch and I enjoyed Donal's Bible lessons with his student. I simply think the plot and characters need more development.

Read this book when in need of inspiration and a nice Scottish mood setter!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love George MacDonald's stories. The Poet and the Pauper seems to have something for everyone ~ adventure, mystery, romance and creepy. :)

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poet and the Pauper is actually two books "The Baronet's Song" and "The Shepard's Castle" published together. Separately, I would have given the first story five starts and the second four. Their overlapping cast and contiguous timelines support the matching, but the tone of the two stories is very different. "Baronet's" is probably George MacDonald's best-loved tale, that of "wee sir Gibbie" and is a natural favorite among readers old and young. "Sheperd's" is a bit more--no, a lot more preachy (and all his stories were merely a means to advance MacDonald's version of Christianity) and relates Donal Grant's finding his place in the world.

[Jennifer Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this pair of stories. The old fashioned language, and the wonderful moral characters. . . sobbed and laughed and felt my heart strings tremble.

[Sonia Schoenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the first book about Wee Sir Gibby. A very sweet story, told like a fairy tale, fun to get lost in.

[Bethany Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Macdonald portrays the humanity of disabled people in a time well over 100 years ago where most people viewed them with fear, hate, and misunderstanding. The first story is astounding in that the main character has a disability himself. He survives with the help of God and friends despite ill treatment, circumstance and misfortune and everyone who gets to know him has their lives changed for the better as is true for people today. I was surprised by the ending and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the second part as well, good characters and plenty of mystery.