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Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood
This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 1871
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About the author
George MacDonald
1,804 books2,529 followersGeorge 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.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 26, 2010
George MacDonald, Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood
“For my part, I do not write for children, but for the childlike, whether of five, or fifty, or seventy-five.” (The Fantastic Imagination)
There are few authors who approach Jesus’ valuation of children and the childlike spirit so closely as George MacDonald. In nearly every one of his works he at the least alludes to the idea that his stories are for adults as well as children. Those ‘childlike’ in spirit are people in whom imagination is not worn threadbare and left destitute by a modern, ‘realistic’ deconstruction of beauty, mystery, and life. MacDonald believed in magic and miracles, believed that life itself is rooted in a deep enchantment that defies all of our scientific attempts to house the unknowable in our fragile rationale systems. Of those still able to immerse themselves in the wonders and joy of life, children above all are the most inclined to an appreciation and daily celebration of this magic. They bask in it, derive from it their joy, energy, and love. Much of what is defined in society as ‘adulthood’ is a betrayal of those soul-yearnings for more life, and this is often simply for the sake of attaining a social status, or a mode of living that yields less resistance. Childhood in the mind of MacDonald may not necessarily be ‘good’, but it is a state of being that is full of potential and may be all the more nearer the good in it’s natural state of innocence, joy, and trust.
Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood is a story about childhood, derived in part from MacDonald’s own experiences. However, this is not a story about childhood development in general, but mostly a story about how a good child grows. The eyes of a child are equipped to see God, but that does not guarantee that God is seen by all children. To be able to see God one must grow towards the light, as a seed grows up through the soil towards the sun, and Ranald’s course through childhood describes exactly that. We should not be surprised to find once again that the author has crafted a moral tale for parents, in which one may find strength and guidance in a depiction of a child that ‘turns out right’.
Ranald Bannerman chronicles events that are not necessarily extraordinary in nature or woefully tragic.
“It will prove a very poor story to such as care only for stirring adventures…but those whom their own history is interesting—to whom, young as they may be, it is a pleasant thing to be in the world—will not, I think, find the experience of [Ranald:]…wearisome because ordinary.”
In lieu of a thrilling ride, the author chooses rather to trace Ranald’s awakening from a morally dormant childhood to an awakened adulthood (childlike but not childish in MacDonald’s mind) in a fashion that captures the essence of what it means to be a boy, and near the end of the story, what it means to be a man.
“For my part, I do not write for children, but for the childlike, whether of five, or fifty, or seventy-five.” (The Fantastic Imagination)
There are few authors who approach Jesus’ valuation of children and the childlike spirit so closely as George MacDonald. In nearly every one of his works he at the least alludes to the idea that his stories are for adults as well as children. Those ‘childlike’ in spirit are people in whom imagination is not worn threadbare and left destitute by a modern, ‘realistic’ deconstruction of beauty, mystery, and life. MacDonald believed in magic and miracles, believed that life itself is rooted in a deep enchantment that defies all of our scientific attempts to house the unknowable in our fragile rationale systems. Of those still able to immerse themselves in the wonders and joy of life, children above all are the most inclined to an appreciation and daily celebration of this magic. They bask in it, derive from it their joy, energy, and love. Much of what is defined in society as ‘adulthood’ is a betrayal of those soul-yearnings for more life, and this is often simply for the sake of attaining a social status, or a mode of living that yields less resistance. Childhood in the mind of MacDonald may not necessarily be ‘good’, but it is a state of being that is full of potential and may be all the more nearer the good in it’s natural state of innocence, joy, and trust.
Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood is a story about childhood, derived in part from MacDonald’s own experiences. However, this is not a story about childhood development in general, but mostly a story about how a good child grows. The eyes of a child are equipped to see God, but that does not guarantee that God is seen by all children. To be able to see God one must grow towards the light, as a seed grows up through the soil towards the sun, and Ranald’s course through childhood describes exactly that. We should not be surprised to find once again that the author has crafted a moral tale for parents, in which one may find strength and guidance in a depiction of a child that ‘turns out right’.
Ranald Bannerman chronicles events that are not necessarily extraordinary in nature or woefully tragic.
“It will prove a very poor story to such as care only for stirring adventures…but those whom their own history is interesting—to whom, young as they may be, it is a pleasant thing to be in the world—will not, I think, find the experience of [Ranald:]…wearisome because ordinary.”
In lieu of a thrilling ride, the author chooses rather to trace Ranald’s awakening from a morally dormant childhood to an awakened adulthood (childlike but not childish in MacDonald’s mind) in a fashion that captures the essence of what it means to be a boy, and near the end of the story, what it means to be a man.
August 1, 2021
This was an interesting portrait of life way back when; if this novel is autobiographical, it kind of made me feel bad for the author, as it sounds like he had a rough life.
March 24, 2009
This is the story of a boy growing up in rural Scotland. It arcs through Ranald Bannerman's entire boyhood right up to the precise moment he knew it had ended. While the focus is certainly on the life of Ranald himself, and involves many different characters and adventures, I take it primarily as a story of the relationship between the boy and his father. For this, I enjoy it especially.
If you read nothing else in this book, chapters five through eight are choice!
If you read nothing else in this book, chapters five through eight are choice!
November 5, 2010
Some books go down like a good cup of tea, they warm you as you drink them in. "Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood" was like that for me. Just a simple story, nothing outrageous, but one that seems true. Ranald grows up alongside his best friend Turkey, and makes all the mistakes that kids do - being cruel, being adventurous, being scared. Macdonald's portrayal of Ranald's father as a thoughtful and caring, if at times distant minister is the first I've liked of that type in a long time. Rather than pounding religion into his children, he shows them by example what he believes - through kindness, honesty, and his behavior towards them when they misbehave or when he and Ranald find themselves in trouble during a snow storm. This is one of those stories that illustrates how having just one or two good influences in one's life (in Ranald's case - his Father, Kirsty, and Turkey) can make all the difference, and how children learn far more from our actions than from our words. A good read for those who like old-fashioned (in the best sense of the word) coming of age stories.
January 15, 2022
A really delightful story that follows the life of Ranald Bannerman.
Great detail to world building. Mac Donald never fails to create splendid scenery and atmosphere of nature and country life.
Many life lessons to be had, which I found thought provoking.
There is minimal Scottish tongue used and is easier to read. As usual, MacDonald reveals himself as author in some places, but I didn't find that jarring.
The ending is a little sad, and as promised, ends with the end of Ranald's end of his boyhood.
No content concerns
Great detail to world building. Mac Donald never fails to create splendid scenery and atmosphere of nature and country life.
Many life lessons to be had, which I found thought provoking.
There is minimal Scottish tongue used and is easier to read. As usual, MacDonald reveals himself as author in some places, but I didn't find that jarring.
The ending is a little sad, and as promised, ends with the end of Ranald's end of his boyhood.
No content concerns
February 24, 2021
A wonderful comfort read!
October 26, 2011
George MacDonald is the best. How on earth can one man write so many unerringly GOOD stories?
October 4, 2010
Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood by George MacDonald. First published in 1871.
My heart always ends up totally immersed in the lives of MacDonald’s characters, causing me to think about them long after the book is over. It was delightful to cavort with Ranald through the fields and lanes of his spirited boyhood in Scotland. The loving interaction of his widowed father with Ranald and his brothers was refreshing to follow; I loved the depiction of the true respect and admiration he had for his father (interspersed with times of rebellion and repentance). The story is full of the deep friendships and animosities that developed between the family and their hired servants, adventures Randall had with a wide variety of village characters, interesting routines in a one-room schoolhouse, and old Scottish stories and songs presented by nanny-figures and friends of the family. This appealing story is said to be somewhat autobiographical.
My heart always ends up totally immersed in the lives of MacDonald’s characters, causing me to think about them long after the book is over. It was delightful to cavort with Ranald through the fields and lanes of his spirited boyhood in Scotland. The loving interaction of his widowed father with Ranald and his brothers was refreshing to follow; I loved the depiction of the true respect and admiration he had for his father (interspersed with times of rebellion and repentance). The story is full of the deep friendships and animosities that developed between the family and their hired servants, adventures Randall had with a wide variety of village characters, interesting routines in a one-room schoolhouse, and old Scottish stories and songs presented by nanny-figures and friends of the family. This appealing story is said to be somewhat autobiographical.
September 8, 2015
Read this to the kids. It was great because it was an atypical "adventure/coming of age" story looking at the relatively uneventful development of a young boy into a young man in 19th century Scotland. The adventure was just that of a life lived with its small-scale and particularized beauty and complexity.
May 28, 2019
An enjoyable, leisure read
The third book by Macdonald I have read and it was a worthwhile read. Unpredictable, yet mellow. A book you can put down and then come back to later without losing anything. Full of profound descriptions scattered through of how a soul and conscience grows up, surrounded by an overall pleasant, quiet story.
The third book by Macdonald I have read and it was a worthwhile read. Unpredictable, yet mellow. A book you can put down and then come back to later without losing anything. Full of profound descriptions scattered through of how a soul and conscience grows up, surrounded by an overall pleasant, quiet story.
February 16, 2017
Such a lovely enjoyable read. Not a heart wrenching, bone chilling, intense adventure, just a very well written story about a boyhood and the amazing people who helped raise him after the death of his mother. Relaxing, delightful!
August 17, 2011
After Chapter 15, or so, I started to appreciate this book.
Read
February 20, 2016hope to read more macdonald in the future
March 1, 2016
I love this book. It is getting me thinking about a small group of girls to have a book club -perhaps in the summer.
January 15, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book,George MacDonald a wonderful Christian writer from long ago.
July 4, 2018
Wonderful story! Good writer and oh, so rich!
August 22, 2023
DNF- I got about 100 pages in.
This was interminable. I've loved everything else I've read of MacDonald, but this was just so boring. Nothing happened. I was bored out of my gourd, the kids didn't care, and we just had to cut our losses and move on.
Maybe if we hadn't tried it as a read-aloud . . . maybe. It's also not really my type of book. My wife seemed to enjoy it, but I just found it boring a tedious. A boy hiding in a straw pile is hardly worth a seven page chapter.
I just . . . I was bored. His other works were simple and cute pieces of fantasy. This was boring and tedious without any of the charm or likeability of even the Little House series.
Not my thing . . .
This was interminable. I've loved everything else I've read of MacDonald, but this was just so boring. Nothing happened. I was bored out of my gourd, the kids didn't care, and we just had to cut our losses and move on.
Maybe if we hadn't tried it as a read-aloud . . . maybe. It's also not really my type of book. My wife seemed to enjoy it, but I just found it boring a tedious. A boy hiding in a straw pile is hardly worth a seven page chapter.
I just . . . I was bored. His other works were simple and cute pieces of fantasy. This was boring and tedious without any of the charm or likeability of even the Little House series.
Not my thing . . .
January 4, 2024
Both transcendent and funny. The ending is strikingly beautiful. We read it out loud and I definitely recommend, as the chapters are short and there are many self-contained adventures throughout the plot.
November 14, 2020
What famous general is Turkey????
November 29, 2024
Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF-KC...
January 23, 2025
I loved this book
It's a beautiful and heartfelt portrayal of a young man's boyhood. I am inspired to do "my work." A beautiful story!
It's a beautiful and heartfelt portrayal of a young man's boyhood. I am inspired to do "my work." A beautiful story!
June 20, 2023
I feel it is something akin to sacrilegious to rate any work of MacDonald as less than a 5. I reread this today, left-handed. (It was over too quickly).
Some good quotes. Good story-line. Sad and rather abrupt ending, which is atypical. He had just published At the Back of the North Wind, in which death is a major theme. Perhaps this should be taken into account when reading the ending. Death was a part of life at the time.
The book is inspiring me to read his biography concurrently…
Some good quotes. Good story-line. Sad and rather abrupt ending, which is atypical. He had just published At the Back of the North Wind, in which death is a major theme. Perhaps this should be taken into account when reading the ending. Death was a part of life at the time.
The book is inspiring me to read his biography concurrently…
April 3, 2021
Very beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews