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A Prisoner in Fairyland
Algernon Henry Blackwood was an English short story writer and novelist, one of the most prolific writers of ghost stories in the history of the genre. He was also a journalist and a broadcasting narrator. S. T. Joshi has stated that "his work is more consistently meritorious than any weird writer's except Dunsany's" and that his short story collection Incredible Adventures "may be the premier weird collection of this or any other century." Though recognized primarily as a writer of 'weird' horror fiction for adults, Algernon Blackwood also wrote a number of delightful tales for children and young adults. A Prisoner in Fairyland is an engaging and imaginative romp through a mystical dimension that served as the basis for the popular children's play The Starlight Express.
150 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1913
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406 people want to read
About the author
Algernon Blackwood
1,358 books1,178 followersAlgernon Henry Blackwood (1869–1951) was an English broadcasting narrator, journalist, novelist and short story writer, and among the most prolific ghost story writers in the history of the genre. The literary critic S. T. Joshi stated, "His work is more consistently meritorious than any weird writer's except Dunsany's" and that his short story collection Incredible Adventures (1914) "may be the premier weird collection of this or any other century".
Blackwood was born in Shooter's Hill (today part of south-east London, but then part of northwest Kent) and educated at Wellington College. His father was a Post Office administrator who, according to Peter Penzoldt, "though not devoid of genuine good-heartedness, had appallingly narrow religious ideas." Blackwood had a varied career, farming in Canada, operating a hotel, as a newspaper reporter in New York City, and, throughout his adult life, an occasional essayist for various periodicals. In his late thirties, he moved back to England and started to write stories of the supernatural. He was very successful, writing at least ten original collections of short stories and eventually appearing on both radio and television to tell them. He also wrote fourteen novels, several children's books, and a number of plays, most of which were produced but not published. He was an avid lover of nature and the outdoors, and many of his stories reflect this.
H.P. Lovecraft wrote of Blackwood: "He is the one absolute and unquestioned master of weird atmosphere." His powerful story "The Willows," which effectively describes another dimension impinging upon our own, was reckoned by Lovecraft to be not only "foremost of all" Blackwood's tales but the best "weird tale" of all time.
Among his thirty-odd books, Blackwood wrote a series of stories and short novels published as John Silence, Physician Extraordinary (1908), which featured a "psychic detective" who combined the skills of a Sherlock Holmes and a psychic medium. Blackwood also wrote light fantasy and juvenile books.
Blackwood was born in Shooter's Hill (today part of south-east London, but then part of northwest Kent) and educated at Wellington College. His father was a Post Office administrator who, according to Peter Penzoldt, "though not devoid of genuine good-heartedness, had appallingly narrow religious ideas." Blackwood had a varied career, farming in Canada, operating a hotel, as a newspaper reporter in New York City, and, throughout his adult life, an occasional essayist for various periodicals. In his late thirties, he moved back to England and started to write stories of the supernatural. He was very successful, writing at least ten original collections of short stories and eventually appearing on both radio and television to tell them. He also wrote fourteen novels, several children's books, and a number of plays, most of which were produced but not published. He was an avid lover of nature and the outdoors, and many of his stories reflect this.
H.P. Lovecraft wrote of Blackwood: "He is the one absolute and unquestioned master of weird atmosphere." His powerful story "The Willows," which effectively describes another dimension impinging upon our own, was reckoned by Lovecraft to be not only "foremost of all" Blackwood's tales but the best "weird tale" of all time.
Among his thirty-odd books, Blackwood wrote a series of stories and short novels published as John Silence, Physician Extraordinary (1908), which featured a "psychic detective" who combined the skills of a Sherlock Holmes and a psychic medium. Blackwood also wrote light fantasy and juvenile books.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
February 20, 2012
This story surprised me. I wasn't prepared to like it as much as I did, but such are the surprises that await one who is willing to dig through the archives of public domain literature. I would certainly classify this one as a gem.
I had never heard of Algernon Blackwood until I was searching for good public domain books to download from Project Gutenberg when I came across a forum that mentioned several of his books. Upon further research I decided on The Willows and A Prisoner in Fairyland. The two books couldn’t have been more different, and although I enjoyed them both I was most captivated and rewarded by A Prisoner in Fairyland.
This book does an excellent job of taking the reader on a journey without telling them where they are going. I was constantly trying to decide if the book was supposed to be fantasy, magical realism, spiritualism, or some other genre. In the end, it turned out not to matter as much what was “behind the curtain” so to speak because the settings, the characters, and the story were all so delightful that I found myself more concerned about what the next page was going to hold than what it all meant. I still don’t know if I have a firm opinion on what the “moral” of the story was or what genre I would file it away in, but I don’t really care. I was just so happy to discover this tale that I’m willing to overlook any loose ends. I’m sure that I’ll come back to read this book again, and maybe then I’ll be able to make up my mind about some of the unresolved questions I had. In the meantime, I’ll gladly recommend this to anyone looking for a delightful entertaining fiction book, assuming they aren’t put off by flying trains, children who come alive in their sleep, or quaint villages.
I had never heard of Algernon Blackwood until I was searching for good public domain books to download from Project Gutenberg when I came across a forum that mentioned several of his books. Upon further research I decided on The Willows and A Prisoner in Fairyland. The two books couldn’t have been more different, and although I enjoyed them both I was most captivated and rewarded by A Prisoner in Fairyland.
This book does an excellent job of taking the reader on a journey without telling them where they are going. I was constantly trying to decide if the book was supposed to be fantasy, magical realism, spiritualism, or some other genre. In the end, it turned out not to matter as much what was “behind the curtain” so to speak because the settings, the characters, and the story were all so delightful that I found myself more concerned about what the next page was going to hold than what it all meant. I still don’t know if I have a firm opinion on what the “moral” of the story was or what genre I would file it away in, but I don’t really care. I was just so happy to discover this tale that I’m willing to overlook any loose ends. I’m sure that I’ll come back to read this book again, and maybe then I’ll be able to make up my mind about some of the unresolved questions I had. In the meantime, I’ll gladly recommend this to anyone looking for a delightful entertaining fiction book, assuming they aren’t put off by flying trains, children who come alive in their sleep, or quaint villages.
February 2, 2013
At the heart of A Prisoner in Fairyland is a little story about wonder and compassion and love. Unfortunately that story gets lost among all of the WORDS. Seriously, it could have been cut down by at least half and still had enough length to tell a still rambling story about Rogers' adventures in the starlight.
There were two nit picky things that really bothered me throughout. One was how Rogers calls his cousin Daddy. What self respecting grown man calls his male cousin Daddy? (or for that matter his cousin's wife Mother?) I don't care what year it is. That's ridiculous. The second thing was the word "wumbled". At first it was charming and perfectly descriptive of John (or Daddy as Rogers insists on calling him). About the thirtieth use I started wanting to throw the book. Probably wouldn't have gone well for my e-reader.
I thought this book might be magical when I downloaded it. I love it when books are magical. It wasn't.
There were two nit picky things that really bothered me throughout. One was how Rogers calls his cousin Daddy. What self respecting grown man calls his male cousin Daddy? (or for that matter his cousin's wife Mother?) I don't care what year it is. That's ridiculous. The second thing was the word "wumbled". At first it was charming and perfectly descriptive of John (or Daddy as Rogers insists on calling him). About the thirtieth use I started wanting to throw the book. Probably wouldn't have gone well for my e-reader.
I thought this book might be magical when I downloaded it. I love it when books are magical. It wasn't.
May 18, 2010
An extreme indulgence for my romantic fantasy side (Byron romantic, not Nora Roberts romantic). Some truly soul-stirring moments, but overall a little long. I was glad when it was over; but I was also glad I read it.
May 22, 2017
It may have some flaws in writing, but the concepts are wonderful and cosmically spiritual in nature - the very high thinking involved in this book is what gives it its high value.
September 2, 2018
A wonderful read! It took a while for the story to grab me as a reader, but once it did it took my imagination to places and heights I never thought of going!!
April 7, 2022
OK listening 🎶e
Another will written British romantic family adventure thriller novel by Algernon Blackwood. I just could not connect with this novel after enjoying a number, give it a try. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶to Alexa as I do because of eye issues and damage. 🏡🔰👒😆2022
Another will written British romantic family adventure thriller novel by Algernon Blackwood. I just could not connect with this novel after enjoying a number, give it a try. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶to Alexa as I do because of eye issues and damage. 🏡🔰👒😆2022
July 5, 2018
Realism is not my thing, couldn’t make it past ch 8
May 14, 2023
Verbose and overly sweet it’s still a beautiful story
June 9, 2023
Read this in '' 50 horror storys you must read before you die''
not sure why this is ''horror''
story wasnt too bad , I would have liked it more if I didnt go into it thinking its a horror story.
not sure why this is ''horror''
story wasnt too bad , I would have liked it more if I didnt go into it thinking its a horror story.
April 9, 2024
My copy of this book had a LOT of errors in it, seeming to need a lot more editing. However, the story was exceptional and I love it. It's still a favorite.
October 30, 2013
I did it! I finally finished the book I began over 8 months ago! And if the time it took me to read it makes you think that this is a reflection of the quality of the writing, then you couldn't be further from the truth. This book is beautiful. And it's very much aware.
If I were to explain this book in terms of what people might understand, I would say it's the 'Inception' of early 20th century literature. It talks about the connection we all have as human beings during our most vulnerable state... when we're asleep. Eventually, one of the characters decides to write about their experiences in "Fairyland", and this is where he cross-over between 2 worlds happens.
The words are vivid and expressive, which I feel were trying to express the importance of family, love, charity and acceptance of others. I personally loved this book, but it is a bit labourious, so if you're looking for a summer beach read, this is NOT recommended. But, if you are looking for a lovely "what is our purpose?" read, please take the time on this book.
If I were to explain this book in terms of what people might understand, I would say it's the 'Inception' of early 20th century literature. It talks about the connection we all have as human beings during our most vulnerable state... when we're asleep. Eventually, one of the characters decides to write about their experiences in "Fairyland", and this is where he cross-over between 2 worlds happens.
The words are vivid and expressive, which I feel were trying to express the importance of family, love, charity and acceptance of others. I personally loved this book, but it is a bit labourious, so if you're looking for a summer beach read, this is NOT recommended. But, if you are looking for a lovely "what is our purpose?" read, please take the time on this book.
January 27, 2016
This was tedious to read. He uses the same elements that I've noted in all his previous novels, even using the same names and relationships for characters. There's this obsession he has with "so called real things" and thinking that imagining things can make them real and that the imagined things are more real than actual reality. This is in every novel of his.
The plot is... what exactly? There's so much time spent on children talking about nonsense that I couldn't figure out where the "story" was going. It just dragged and went for pages and pages on entirely unneeded and uninteresting things. Like all his previous novels, there's no real sense of danger, conflict, or plot development. Characters remain static, and the same elements just keep being repeated into inanity.
As far as I can tell, his true mastery of horror is not reflected in his novels in any way.
The plot is... what exactly? There's so much time spent on children talking about nonsense that I couldn't figure out where the "story" was going. It just dragged and went for pages and pages on entirely unneeded and uninteresting things. Like all his previous novels, there's no real sense of danger, conflict, or plot development. Characters remain static, and the same elements just keep being repeated into inanity.
As far as I can tell, his true mastery of horror is not reflected in his novels in any way.
June 20, 2010
Hmmmm, this book reads like it was written for pay-by-the-word. Occasionally Blackwood is beautifully lyrical and the words are well worth it, but there is a lot of repetition. The message also was interesting, from 1913, that we are all connected by our thoughts and that thinking well, thinking good things, sending good wishes and deeds into the world, is of great benefit to all. Since I believe this, it was interesting to read this approach to it.
I purchased this especially to read on a long bus trip to Yosemite. It was hard to stay focused when there was a lot of chatter around me, but a good read when things were quieter. The length turned out to be just right. Also not a problem to put it down when other things intervened. So it was a good choice.
I purchased this especially to read on a long bus trip to Yosemite. It was hard to stay focused when there was a lot of chatter around me, but a good read when things were quieter. The length turned out to be just right. Also not a problem to put it down when other things intervened. So it was a good choice.
October 8, 2011
I read this as a download from FeedBooks - a long, rambling story with a rather abrupt ending, but if one accepts the somewhat surreal assumptions made about dreaming and imagination, in the context of the story at least, it's actually quite a good read. I wouldn't recommend it as one's first Algernon Blackwood read though; too long and too weird.
Read 'The Willows' and 'Jimbo', in that order, before this. I've given up on some works of his and wondered why I bothered with others, but this one I will read again.
Read 'The Willows' and 'Jimbo', in that order, before this. I've given up on some works of his and wondered why I bothered with others, but this one I will read again.
January 29, 2016
Well, this was disappointing. Blackwood's short stories - "The Willows," for example, are great, in the vein of Lovecraft or Dunsany. This...this novel just didn't grab me. The characters were blandly inoffensive, the writing style was akin to Dickens being read by someone on Quaaludes, and...yeah. Not too great.
April 2, 2012
This book is just beautiful. There's not much in the way of plot, and the language is a bit dense at times. But the main conceit of the novel, the concept of Fairyland and of good people spreading beauty to the world simply by being was lovingly explored in a giant, entrancing metaphor.
September 22, 2010
The plot never really got going.
July 31, 2010
Too much magic and starlight and wistfulness, too little character and conflict. At least, in the first 1/3 of the book. I didn't go any further than that.
September 27, 2011
I thought the book was utter bullshit, but it was such very beautifully written bullshit that I gave it 2 stars anyway.
October 17, 2016
If ever I was going to stop reading a book, this would have been the one. Painful, slow, long. I didn't understand the point of it.
April 1, 2013
Oh god, this could be at least five times shorter X_X Nevertheless, it's Blackwood, the language and the general ideas were beautiful, that's why I can't give it a single star. :/
September 1, 2013
A beautiful story, though why it was in my 'Horror Books' app, I will never know...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews