George MacDonald (10 December 1824-18 September 1905) was a Scottish writer of fantasy novels and fairy tales. His major works included The Princess and the Goblin, Phantastes: A Fairie Romance for Men and Women, At the Back of the North Wind, and Lilith: A Romance. His shorter fairy tales included The Light Princess and "The Golden Key." His writing was not solely for children; they explored human nature through fantasy. He directly influenced the writing of C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll, and his nonfiction writing formed the foundation of the Kailyard school of writing in Scotland.