The Golden Key

A classic, allegorical fairy tale from one of the forefathers of modern fantasy literature, The Golden Key--first published as part of George MacDonald's story collection Dealings with the Fairies--is presented in this special edition featuring the author's complete text and lavish illustrations by Maurice Sendak, the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of Where the Wild Things Are.

The young boy Mossy embarks on a quest through the woods, seeking the keyhole which fits the magical golden key he discovered at the end of the rainbow. Along the way, he meets the girl Tangle, and each must undertake a journey through shadowy valleys and mountains, guided by the Old Men of the Sea, Earth, and Fire, before reaching their final destination.

With an Afterword by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, W. H. Auden

The magical, the fairy story...may be made a vehicle of Mystery. This at least is what George MacDonald attempted, achieving stories of power and beauty when he succeeded, as in The Golden Key.--J. R. R. Tolkien