At the Back of the North Wind

The North Wind takes a young boy along on her many adventures in this classic Victorian fantasy novel by the author who inspired Lewis Carroll.

Diamond is a charming young boy who spreads joy wherever he goes. But while he is accustomed to getting along well with others, he never expected to befriend the very wind howling through his bedroom. A mysterious and beautiful spirit, the North Wind soon invites Diamond to fly with her across the countryside as she performs her many tasks.

Though Diamond is captivated by his magical adventures with the North Wind, he is also confused by her behavior. While she does many positive things for people, some of her actions seem terrible. Could it be true that what appears to be harmful—even sinking a ship—is ultimately done for good?

At the Back of the North Wind is one of the most beloved works by nineteenth-century children’s book writer George MacDonald, who inspired a number of other notable authors, including Lewis Carroll, J. M. Barrie, and L. Frank Baum.