At the Back of the North Wind: Illustrated - Classic Children's Tale

In this review of At the Back of the North Wind: Illustrated the reviewer finds a timeless Victorian fairy tale that will appeal to readers who appreciate moral fantasy and lyrical storytelling. The book follows a mysterious figure known as the North Wind as she moves through a small London village and carries a poor stable boy named Diamond on transformative journeys. The single biggest reason to buy is the story's enduring sense of wonder and moral depth, which continues to speak to both children and adults despite some mixed comments about edition quality.

Key Features

• Classic narrative: George MacDonald weaves a story that explores death, forgiveness, and social justice with a gentle, allegorical tone that rewards repeat reading.
• Illustrated edition: Jessie Wilcox Smith's illustrations add period charm and visual warmth that complement the text and help bring Victorian scenes to life.
• Character focus: The relationship between Diamond and the North Wind provides emotional anchor points that make complex themes accessible to younger readers.
• Thematic depth: The book treats serious subjects such as mortality and compassion in a manner suitable for family discussion and reflection.
• Timeless appeal: Fans of classic fantasy and literary fairy tales will find the prose and allegory rewarding and thought-provoking.

Who It's For

This illustrated edition is best for parents, grandparents, or teachers seeking a classic story to read aloud to older children who can follow abstract themes, and for adult readers who appreciate moral fantasy and the Victorian literary tradition. It is also suitable for collectors of illustrated children's books who value Jessie Wilcox Smith's work.

Those looking for a modern, easy-to-read mass-market paperback or a crisp, new printing with wide margins should compare editions carefully, since some customers report this particular printing can be a scanned copy with tighter margins or heavier type that affects readability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The story quality is praised for its beauty and moral insight, making it a lasting family tale.
• Jessie Wilcox Smith's illustrations enhance the emotional tone and period atmosphere of the narrative.
• The book invites conversation about compassion, loss, and forgiveness, useful for guided reading and discussion.

Cons

• Print and edition quality has received mixed feedback, with some readers finding the text hard to read or appearing as a scanned first edition.

Specifications

Title	At the Back of the North Wind: Illustrated
Author / Brand	George MacDonald, Jessie Wilcox Smith
Genre	Children's classic / fantasy
Setting	Victorian London village
Main characters	The North Wind, Diamond (a poor stable boy)
Themes	Death, forgiveness, social justice, compassion

Our Verdict

At the Back of the North Wind: Illustrated remains a valuable purchase for readers who want a poetic, morally serious fairy tale with evocative illustrations. While prospective buyers should check printing details if crisp typesetting matters, the combination of MacDonald's narrative and Wilcox Smith's art makes this a meaningful choice for family reading and collectors interested in classic children's literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for young children?
Yes, but it is best shared with older children who can discuss abstract themes; parents may want to guide conversations about death and forgiveness.

Does this edition include illustrations?
Yes, this illustrated edition features artwork by Jessie Wilcox Smith that complements the Victorian setting and mood.

Are there any known issues with the printing?
Some customers report mixed print quality and tight margins suggesting certain copies may be scanned reproductions rather than a modern reset.