Phantastes: A Quick Read edition

Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 18 minutes

**"Phantastes:** A Faerie Romance for Men and Women" is a fantasy novel written by George MacDonald and published in 1858. The story follows Anodos, a young man who is transported to a dreamlike world in search of his ideal of female beauty. Along his journey, he encounters various adventures and temptations, ultimately leading him to question his ideals. The book had a significant influence on fantasy authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The plot begins with Anodos discovering a fairy lady in his inherited desk, which leads him to Fairy Land. He encounters spirits of trees, a marble statue, and a knight named Sir Percivale. Anodos also faces his shadow, explores a palace, and travels through different worlds. He becomes a hero, battles giants, and confronts a cult of worshippers. Eventually, Anodos dies but is revived on Earth with the memories of his experiences. The novel was first published in 1858 and has since been reprinted and illustrated. It has received mixed reception, with C.S. Lewis praising it while others criticized its rhymes and poems.