Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood is a realistic, largely autobiographical, novel by George MacDonald

George MacDonald

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister.Known particularly for his poignant fairy tales and fantasy novels, George MacDonald inspired many authors, such as W. H. Auden, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, E. Nesbit and Madeleine L'Engle. It was C.S...

. It was first published in 1871.

Plot introduction

Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood is a story of a young motherless boy growing up with his brothers in a Scottish manse. The list of characters includes: The wicked sneaking, housekeeper, Mrs. Mitchel, Kirsty, an enchanting Highland storyteller, Turkey, the intrepid cowherd, the strange Wandering Willie, the evil Kelpie, the sweet horse Missie, and the lovely Elsie Duff. Throughout the twists and turns of his escapades and adventures, Ranald learns from his father the important lessons of courage and integrity.

Literary significance and criticism

1. "full of sweetness, full of boy-life and true goodness". (New York Independent, 1871)
2. "Mr. Macdonald writes of youthful experiences in a way unequaled by any other author of the day, and this volume is in his best style." -Boston Post
   Boston Post
   The Boston Post was the most popular daily newspaper in New England for over a hundred years before it folded in 1956. The Post was founded in November 1831 by two prominent Boston businessmen, Charles G...
   
   

External links

• Librivox Audiobook Recording