042 - Part 4 Ch 5

In 1837, Sara Coleridge introduced the enchanting Phantasmion, her longest original work, which has been hailed by critic Mike Ashley as the first fairytale novel written in English. Literary historian Dennis Butts describes it as a remarkable pioneering fantasy and a testament to Coleridges extraordinary talent. The fairy tale is celebrated not only for its captivating narrative but also for its lyrical songs, such as Sylvan Stag and One Face Alone, which garnered admiration from notable critics like Leigh Hunt. With its rich language and beautiful storytelling, Phantasmion may even have influenced the works of George MacDonald, making it a significant piece in the fantasy genre.