Phantasmion
Sara Coleridge
Samuel Colman, New York, 1839
First US edition of this pioneering fantasy novel. It is argued that this title is the first
full-length high fantasy novel, preceding Tolkien by a whole century. The story takes
place in a completely imagined fantasy world with its own different lands and cultures.
A prince goes off on a quest where he meets a fairy with magic abilities, and
encounters different nations that have distinct politics and go to war with each other.
It is quite possible George MacDonald had read this book and was influences by it.
While George sometimes is called the "grand father of fantasy", Sara would be the
great-grand mother.
A recommended article is found here:
Two 16mo volumes in the original boards, backed by cloth spines with gilt text and patterns.
Both volumes are in good condition and actually respectably nice considering their frailty.
Scuffed and rubbed boards; the gilt has weakened, but one can still clearly read the title and
the bottom which says "Colman's Library of Romance"; the spine head of vol 2 has a chip;
some foxing, mostly in vol 2. Both bindings are still holding tight. Vol 1 has light brown
endpapers, while vol 2 has plain white. Another difference is the additional page naming
Colman's Library in vol 1, while vol 2 doesn't.