The George MacDonald Scottish Collection contains four stories (two fantasies, and two realistic tales) set in the author's beloved homeland. Beginning with The Carasoyn, one of his longest fairy-tales, and the only one with a Scottish setting, and ending with Far Above Rubies, a semi-autobiographical novella which is the very last piece of fiction MacDonald ever wrote*, this quartet offers a very representative selection of his work throughout the years: but with an intentional unity of place.

The first two stories can be enjoyed by the childlike of all ages, and the latter two, more serious in tone, will appeal to older readers, particularly those who appreciate MacDonald for his depth of humanity, and his unrivalled spiritual insight.

*The great fantasy work Lilith, which MacDonald also wrote in his old age, is often regarded as the book-end to his career; but in fact he wrote two more stories afterwards, both of them Scottish. Salted With Fire was published the year after Lilith, in 1896, and finally came Far Above rubies, a poignant narrative recalling his own early struggles with poverty and literary failure (and the support of his wife through those trials.) Shortly after writing FAR, macDonald suffered a stroke, and would never write for the public again.