Gutta-Percha Willie The Working Genius

"Gutta-Percha Willie" by George MacDonald is a children's novel set during the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Willie Macmichael, a young boy with a curious and thoughtful nature, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learning. Willie navigates his childhood in a rural village, learning valuable lessons about work, kindness, and the importance of being useful to others. The opening of the book introduces us to Willie and his family, providing a glimpse into his life as the son of a country doctor. We learn about Willie's playful spirit, his interactions with the village around him, and his initial reluctance towards formal education. He enjoys listening to stories, particularly from his elderly neighbor, Mrs. Wilson, who instills a sense of imagination and curiosity in him. Willie's journey soon evolves as he expresses a desire to learn practical skills, becoming adept at knitting and shoemaking, and even contemplating deeper philosophical questions about work and creativity. This opening establishes the themes of growth, learning, and the value of hands-on experience, setting the stage for Willie's adventures and development throughout the rest of the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.