Not nearly so well known or beloved as The Princess and the Goblin, The Princess and Curdie is nonetheless well worth the read. I would argue it is the better work, if less accessible. The writing is much more mature, with better crafted prose, a heavier use of symbolism and a strong theme of how the condition of the soul can very often contrast the outward appearance.

The Princess and the Goblin is very much a children's book. The story of The Princess and Curdie is still often child-like, but is slightly more wordy and features some darker content (the ending, in particular, is abruptly bleak). Compared to the former, which is quite explicit as a fairy tale, the fantasy here has more of a parabolic quality, and at times the theological parallels are far too heavy handed and dense to be digestible for a young reader. Older readers will likely get more out of it.

If I have a criticism, it is chiefly of the finale and the unreal lack of judgement on the part of the king toward those that are practically portrayed as demonic. There is mercy and there is negligence, and I would posit that the wrist slaps made in response to repetetive treason are likely reflective of MacDonald's universalism. ( )

I loved this book so much as a child, and even today it remians a favorite. Be sure to read the first one, The Princess and the Goblins, before reading this one! ( )

Didn't like this one as much as the first book. More preachy and less cerebral but still a good story about how sloth can lead to greater sins. ( )

Curdie, the young miner, is sent off to rescue the King and Princess Irene, who are under the sway of evil men bent on taking the kingdom for themselves. The people of the city ignore what is going on and descend towards beastlife. Ends with a new king [after Curdie and Irene] who mines the city for its gold and jewels and ends up bringing about its destruction. A sad ending. One of my favorite books back in elementary school. ( )

Maybe 3.5 stars. Not very much princess in it, and she's not quite as heroic as she was in [b:The Princess and the Goblin|444381|The Princess and the Goblin |George MacDonald|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174837836s/444381.jpg|3193161], but brave in a womanly sort of way. The enemies this time are corrupted people, not goblins. And the messages are a bit more heavy-handed. Still a good read if you liked the first book. ( )