George MacDonald stretches your view of God and his universe, and then renders you incapable of faulting him for it by his persistence on a man's responsibility, and by his characters' obstinate pursuit of both loving God and serving men.

I enjoyed There and Back (Baron's Apprenticeship) but this one displays a different level and kind of depth; all of his books seem to probe the strata of how we come to know God, and along with various conclusions, the bedrock is always obedience. "If you will obey my words, then you will know if my teaching is from God or not." (Jesus)

"You will know the truth and the truth will set you free"? The full quote is "If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciple. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." George MacDonald's books, as you read them, will fix that first sentence in your mind as the singular way of knowing God. ( )

Although inconsistent in its themes, for heart and excellent prose this is a great book. And as for a reader of many of Mr Macdonald's works it echoes a lot of his other tales. It makes for a fascinating look at this author. ( )

Robert Falconer was being molded on the Potter's wheel of life. But, would the Master Potter form Robert's tragic loss into something good without destroying the fragile vessel?

Original George MacDonald titles: Book 1 "David Elginbrod"1863, Book 2 "Robert Falconer" 1868, Book 3 "Alec Forbes of Howglen" 1865.

Edited and retitled by Michael Philllips: Book 1 "The Tutor's First Love" 1984, Book 2 "The Musician's Quest" 1984, Book 3 "The Maiden's Bequest" 1985