The Princess and the Goblin follows the adventures of eight-year-old Princess Irene and a young miner named Curdie. Living in a desolate castle, Irene discovers a magical great-great-grandmother, who provides her with a protective ring and an invisible thread that guides her through danger. Meanwhile, the kingdom's mines are inhabited by goblins plotting revenge against humans. Curdie, who learns the goblins' secrets and weaknesses, becomes the princess's protector. Through a mix of courage, magic, and friendship, the story explores themes of trust, bravery, and the battle between light and darkness.

George MacDonald, considered a pioneer of modern fantasy, blended elements of folklore, magic, and morality into The Princess and the Goblin in a way that would inspire later writers, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and G.K. Chesterton. The novel's imaginative storytelling, with themes of bravery, trust, and the struggle between good and evil, set a precedent for character-driven narratives in children's fantasy. Its depiction of a young princess's courage and the use of supernatural elements laid the groundwork for many of the fantasy tropes familiar in literature today.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.