Historically, At the Back of the North Wind ranks as George MacDonald’s most well-known and enduring book, the haunting tale of little Diamond, a simple London cabman’s son and his dreamy encounters with the mysterious, wise, powerful, comforting, and occasionally frightening lady known as North Wind.

As in Phantastes, with which Lilith is usually linked, the narrator finds himself embarking on a quest. But unlike the earlier journey into the land of faerie, that of Lilith is an inward journey that leads to the world of death, exploring what new self-awarenesses, even repentance, may be possible in that realm.

After being thrust into the rose-fire, the discerning gift of Curdie’s hand—to know the way in which any man or woman is growing (toward beast or child)—is one of MacDonald's most memorable, though chilling, images.

This shorter fairy tale “Double Story” (by which title it was also published), tells the story of spoiled Princess Rosamond, and a mysterious wise woman whom she meets in the forest, and who continues to come to her in different guises which the princess does not always recognize.