* For the texts of the books of the series, and quotes referenced from them, I have preserved most British spellings. In my introductions, when I am speaking for myself, I use American spellings. In quoting from other books and authors, I obviously retain the usage of the original source.

Speaking further on my own behalf, there are some half-dozen instances in the titles of The Cullen Collection where I have exercised somewhat greater editorial latitude in my handling of MacDonald’s original texts. These have taken two primary forms. One, in certain cases I have added a “Prologue” or “Epilogue” where I felt a bit of introductory setting-the-scene would introduce the flow of the story more smoothly, or, in the case of the latter, wrap up the story a little more satisfactorily. These are clearly indicated as my additions. In the second instance (which includes this title,) I have rearranged MacDonald’s chapter sequence in order (from my perspective) to open the narrative and establish the story on a smoother and more fluid foundation. This is one of the advantages (some may consider it a drawback!) of the fact that I also wear an “author’s” hat. I am not merely an editor/redacter. I am also a novelist. I think as both an editor and an author. I cannot entirely turn off that side of my creative psyche. Nor do I want to. I believe that being an author of both fiction and non-fiction helps immeasurably in my thoughtful attempt to get inside MacDonald’s creative psyche, and then represent and interpret and restructure his writings as I feel he might were he writing for today’s audience. Whether I do so in every case effectively, of course, will be in the eye of the beholder. In any event, notwithstanding the objections that will surely be voiced, this is what I have done.

Introduction to There and Back

* Photograph, 1891.

† Anacosm—“Throughout/between the worlds” or perhaps “the world anew/throughout/inside.”

* So significant do I consider this principle in MacDonald’s calculus of spirituality that I made it the first and foundational of the nine primary truths identified in my small booklet, George MacDonald’s Spiritual Vision: An Introductory Overview.

Note

* Oddly, this dedication did not appear in the one-volume U.K. editions, though continued to appear in U.S. editions. The note about the dream, however, persisted in all editions.—MP

1. Bookbinder and Son

* Image from cover of 1891 Kegan Paul one-volume edition.