What an innocent book. This book tells the tale of Ranald Bannerman from his earliest memories to the moment his boyhood ended. It was so captivating, I read it through in three sittings.

There were a number of highlights for me:

• Realizing how intelligent children’s literature was in the late 1800s
• Hearing Ranald’s father’s views on theology
• The thought process of Ranald as he processed sin and guilt and came to forgiveness on issues we would consider non-consequential

This is a refreshing book. I’ve included an Amazon link to a currently in print paperback edition, but I prefer reading Johannesen’s versions of MacDonald’s stories.  The binding is superb. If you want, you can read the full text online also.

MacDonald, George. Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood. 1871. Johannesen, 1993.