Heather and Snow (Translated): Scots-English Edition
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The Scots-English Edition
Unabridged, Illustrated and Translated
Featuring new illustrations by artist Carrie Stout, English translation of all Scots dialogue, 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
Stefan Forcey –
Two reviews are needed: one for the book, one for the translation. That presents no trouble since both are excellent. The translation preserves the clear intent and key meanings of the dialogue (and some included ballads), as well as the personalities of the individuals speaking. The inclusion of the original Scots just means that you get two books for the price of one; any portion is well worth a second read in the original!
The story itself might be the best of MacDonald’s Scottish fiction. I say “might” since I reach that same conclusion every time I pick up a new one. George MacDonald’s writing works on the reader, so that the more I read the more I understand the mind of the storyteller, and feel the characters become real, alive beyond the words themselves (the words are amazing—I always need a dictionary and my vocabulary gets a boost in the process.) But this story of Alec and Annie has made me laugh aloud and dry my tears more times than any of the novels up to now!