Alec Forbes of Howglen (Translated): Scots-English Edition

By George MacDonald

Book Overview

Unabridged, Illustrated and Translated

Featuring new illustrations by artist Carrie Stout, English translation of all Scots dialogue side-by-side with original text, and an introduction by Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society.

ALEC FORBES OF HOWGLEN is George MacDonald's second Scottish novel, and the ninth to be included in this translation series. Set in the environs of the author's home town, it is a blended history of light and shade, in which floods and school thrashings are alleviated by outrageous childhood pranks, the delights of song and verse, and the growing bonds of fellowship forged in fire. Above all, this favourite of Father Brown author G. K. Chesterton is full of what he calls MacDonald's "celestial wit", and alive with that spiritual transcendence which is the hallmark of all his works.

"It is in exactly the same sense in which we pity a man who has missed the whole of Keats or Milton, that we can feel compassion for the critic who has not walked in the forest of Phantastes or made the acquaintance of Mr Cupples in the adventures of Alec Forbes."

-G. K. Chesterton

" In David Jack's translation of Alec Forbes]...the value of having the original Scottish and the English translation... is that] both are charming. They enhance one another. At the beginning of the last century, Chesterton says MacDonald has yet to be discovered. In our century, it is finally starting to happen."

- Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society

"While studying Victorian Literature in graduate school, I never once heard or saw the name of George MacDonald mentioned. Hence, when I first read Alec Forbes of Howglen, I experienced a sea-change-or perhaps "river change" would better describe it. Amazed by the cogency and insight of the novel, I suddenly recognized why MacDonald's fiction should be taken seriously. Nevertheless, like Alec negotiating a flooded river, I struggled to stay afloat whenever streams of Scots dialogue flooded the text. David Jack's lovely translation of MacDonald's Doric has made these overwhelming passages navigable, allowing readers to baptize their imaginations without abandoning ship."

- Dr. Crystal Downing, former co-director of the Marion E. Wade Center and author of six books about faith and culture

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1738531473
• ISBN13: 9781738531479
• Release Date: January 2025
• Publisher: Room to Roam
• Length: 684 Pages
• Weight: 2.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Haunting, Pure Characters Make a Beautiful Tale!

I read this book for the first time when I was in high school and fell in love with it. I read it again in college, and recently again in my mid-20's. Every time I read it it inspires me. The character of Annie is so unlike your typical protagonist; she is shy, self-deprecating, loyal, insecure, pure, and simply the most precious character you're likely to come across. The love between her and Alec grows so sweetly and unexpectedly that it's a revelation. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you are seeking something different from what is mainstream today. It is sweet, and pure, and incredibly beautiful and you will never forget the time you spent in its world. It illustrates what real love is in a way you will carry with you forever.

One of the best

This book is one of the best i have ever read.I feel as if I have known Annie and Alec all my life. I feel as if I've been in Scotland and seen the streets, bridges, stores and houses in howgland.If you could read only 1 book this year...make it this one!!!!

This book was great!

Michael Phillips did an excellent job of reproducing George MacDonald's Alec Forbes of Howglen. This book has all the touching qualities of a George MacDonald book with all the thought provoking one-liners that we all know George sat and crafted carefully.