Gutta-Percha Willie / The Working Genius

Name: Gutta-Percha Willie / The Working Genius
Author: George MacDonald

By George MacDonald

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Children & Young Adult Reading

About This Book

A curious, practical boy named Willie grows through hands-on learning, apprenticeships, and small inventions that reveal the dignity and usefulness of skilled work. The narrative follows his early education, experiments in shoemaking and mechanics, inventive projects such as a crafted bird for a friend, and discoveries made while exploring and reading by practical methods. Mentors, family, and school shape his habits of attention and perseverance, and the book traces how imagination, useful labour, and steady practice combine to produce moral growth and a quietly inventive ingenuity that serves both the boy and his community.

About the Author

George MacDonald

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister, known for his pioneering contributions to children's literature and fantasy. His works often explore themes of faith, imagination, and the human experience. Among his notable titles is "At the Back of the North Wind," a classic children's tale that blends adventure with profound moral lessons. MacDonald's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep philosophical insights, influencing many later writers, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. His diverse body of work includes novels, poetry, and essays, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of storytelling.