At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald (1919 Hardcover) Author: George MacDonald (1824-1905) Illustrator: Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935) Publisher: David McKay, Philadelphia, PA U.S.A. 1919 A Victorian fairy tale that has enchanted readers for more than a hundred years: the magical story of Diamond, the son of a poor coachman, who is swept away by the North Wind a radiant, maternal spirit with long, flowing hair and his life is transformed by a brief glimpse of the beautiful country at the back of the north wind. Said to be on the bookshelf of C. S. Lewis, who considered MacDonald his mentor. George MacDonald (1824-1905) was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister. He was a pioneering figure in the field of fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow writer Lewis Carroll. His writings have been cited as a major literary influence by many notable authors including W. H. Auden, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Walter de la Mare, E. Nesbit and Madeleine L'Engle. Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935) was one of the most prominent female illustrators in the United States during the Golden Age of American illustration. She was a prolific contributor to respected books and magazines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This copy from a premium McKay edition. Eight color plates by Jessie Willcox Smith, plus title-page has rondel image in color. End-papers green/blue with image of North Wind. Ivory cloth boards, navy blue lettering with square color image of North Wind on-lay in gilt shadow-box on front cover over the title. Top page-edge is gilt. Spine has gold lettering designs. This copy has complete cover, but no DJ, showing careful handing with square corners with minor nicks and rubbing. Interior text is complete, all illustrations are present, but both gutters are torn. Front cover detached from text and ffep has been lost. Size: 8vo - over 7 - 9" tall, 342 pp. Condition: Near Good Hardcover w/o Dust Jacket This McKay luxury edition copyright 1919. This copy is from 1st printing of that edition with 1919 date on title page. However, 1919 was not the 1st edition for this title. The first publication of 'At the Back of the North Wind' was by A. Strahan Co. Magazine Publishers, 56 Ludgate Hill, London in 1870. They produced a hard copy edition in 1871. No ISBN, LCCN nor MSR. Notes on Condition/Edition ratings: Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”. Booksellers needed some word to describe this... Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership. Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition for books of this age, shows the book has been read or previously owned. Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.) Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end. 1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy. Thanks for looking!