The secrets of an old desk: I make a discovery with George MacDonald

[@Olliemar28]

"Ohh come in, come in!" Day made.

[@andrewnicholson3448]

*zippo flick* Perfection

[@nat040496]

I love that little part of every video. It adds so much personality and charm

[@a.j.r_ball]

My favorite side of KZbin. There’s hope with this channel in the world!!!

[@nealgarner6431]

Thanks Malcolm who is your favourite American poet Walt Whitman mine

[@a.j.r_ball]

@@nealgarner6431 Same. Frost is great as well.

[@levitator55]

No doubt !

[@ianmorris5501]

Beautifully said.📚📚📚

[@sitarnut]

Yes, hope with Malcolm.. the other Hobbit, pipe smoking and all.... a gift to the world.

[@torimillan1961]

I have a confession to make. I found you Mr. Guite almost by accident in that I was looking for some videos about pipe smoking. I am a commercial truck driver where my day usually ends around 3 am. Since discovering you here on youtube, I cannot end my day without checking in with you and listening to you read some passage of poetry or other and, only then can I close my eyes and call it a day. What calm, what joy, what a smile you bring to an otherwise ordinary day. Thank you!

[@stoicepictetus3875]

Thank you, I'm not Malcolm, but I liked reading your comment just the same. Drive safely !

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

We all depend on Truck Drivers so I am glad to have helped one on his way!

[@StephanieSoressi]

It is good to see such a lovely comment. There are so many horror stories about highways & highwaymen, Teamsters & truckdrivers at truck stops, I am afraid I have a rather frightful notion of lorry life on the road.

[@ianmorris5501]

Yep, well said.

[@chainslayer101]

When a wizard as human as the trees, graces us with a voice of ancient words, echoed only by the breath of the wind, comes to KZbin. We get something that is long since forgotten. Thank you Malcom.

[@Andre-kd1tk]

Remember your ancestors ❤️😢I awoke, beautiful ❤️

[@mytzyxptlyx]

A tornado has left me without power and as I sit here in the light of a very old lamp smoking my pipe. I realize how blessed we are to be able to share these moments with you. Thank you.

[@Dark3stB3foreDawn]

I am by no means a reader of literature, nor of poetry, but I feel a comfort listening to Malcolm speak of things I have no particular interest in.

[@hueyfreeman8845]

It's pretty cool when it is something you remember from childhood. It's almost like he's your grandfather.

[@geoffjohnson2152]

Ditto

[@5MadMovieMakers]

You never know if an old desk could contain a fairy creature but it's a good idea to check!

[@christofferhoff6669]

In the corner of KZbin, there is a odd fellow that has the glee of the happiness of life. For some few, a gift from God himself to the wanderers of the interwebs in the hours before and after twilight. With him our yoke is easy and our burden is light. May his soul always be blessed and his spirit never dimmed. I can now rest lightly because of him.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

So well said!

[@IAMNationX]

Thanks to you good Sir I borrowed Wind in the Willows from the library and managed to pick up Hobbit/LOTR series from a charity shop for £3.00. I never read as a child and I am simply in love.

[@kenmandelin7812]

That is a good score for that price my friend! Enjoy!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

My work is complete! the aim of this channel is to stir people to enjoy once more the pleasures of reading!

[@davidrn5600]

Every book you mention I buy the exact copy if I don't already have it!! Your a blessing in a dark world. God bless

[@kpainter2193]

Good to hear that it is not just me.

[@re1v3r]

I do the same

[@drewbowski]

Same here! Difficult to find this copy. Did you find it by chance?

[@stevesaddler1443]

I’m pleased to say, I likewise, the latest being Sweet Thames Run Softly.

[@francenefoster7577]

Same!!!

[@KlassicKraze]

My girlfriend lost her book collection due to weather not long ago, and you've been giving me great ideas of books to get for her to start rebuilding her library.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Happy to help!

[@zacharycurrie3708]

The rose leaves "witnessed so mutely to the law of oblivion." Wonderful. You're a good man, Mr. Guite. Thank you for all these wonderful snippets of the imagination.

[@ancomrook]

This was a breath of fresh air. Hearing you speak feels as if I’m reuniting with an old friend, a friend I never knew I had. Your appreciation for the fantastical, your attunement towards the Mystery, reminds me that there are indeed kindred spirits here on earth, with their roots unseen. Thank you, Malcolm.

[@BadgerOfTheSea]

Malcolm, you really are like a living Inkling

[@anonaki-mt6xb]

Bravo!

[@freethagoy]

Absolute delightful session with a beautiful word of philosophy. Anyone else feel a type of ambition to read more cause of this channel?

[@theradiantknight9771]

My parents have a similar secretary, I've always loved it. There's something magical about them.

[@StephanieSoressi]

I had a women's Peterson pipe I bought in Dublin, but someone stole it from my desk back in the states thirty years ago, give or take. I miss it still. I too love the "Come in, come in" welcome enthusiastic. How I wish I could fill my day with such visits, and in person.

[@DublinOdinson]

What a great joy it is to find old, yet never lost, treasures.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Yes indeed!

[@jeffcokenour3459]

Wow! A marvelous modern writer with a marvelous elder author. My kids gave me a brand new edition of phantastes for my birthday!

[@ianmorris5501]

I love the way you say, " it's a book that demands re reading". No one speaks like this anymore. Enchanting. Must obtain more literature. Many thanks.📚♥️📚

[@shetuski]

My co-workers and I are organizing a "pipes and pints" night, inspired by your videos. We all work at a church and plan to discuss theology and literature. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing you this September at the Sing! Conference in Nashville! Any chance you're teaching a pipe smoking breakout session? ;)

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

that would be fun but I'm sure they wouldn't allow it, but I'd be happy to gather with some fellow pipe smokers in the little lobby just outside the dome which is where I smoke when I'm there!

[@shetuski]

Wonderful! Perhaps we’ll have a chance to meet in person. I’ll be sure to bring my pipe.

[@JordanWilliams-ok4bx]

Glad to share another afternoon pipe with you Malcolm! Thanks for another timely upload!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Any time!

[@lk29392]

this guy is a treasure to the world

[@Colinmck16]

If i had a office that i could relax, have a smoke it would look like that amazing wish my English teachers were like him👍👍

[@stuartgreen4512]

I once had the honour of a small (but meaningful) correspondence with Malcolm via Email. It is a correspondence I have kept, and one I treasure. These jaunts into the library bring me peace, passion, inspiration and immense joy. Through these videos and the happenstance of finding them, Ihave been welcomed to the fireside by authors, poets and words which I might not have heard otherwise, and my life is richer for it. I have always been a reader, but now I am a listener, and new words reach me, and enrich me in spirit and soul. Malcolm, you have touched many lives, and I thank you for touching mine, a ripple in a pond which will be felt on the shores of tomorrow.

[@stampede251]

What s treasure I discovered! From CS Lewis to Peter Kreeft to Catholicism to GK Chesterton to EWTN'S "The Mystery Death of Mr Faith " series to the George Mcdonald episode that reminded me about CS Lewis' fascination with Phantastes! TO THE BEGINNING of reading it.And finally now YOU, THANK YOU and GOD BLESS and KEEP YOU SAFE!

[@tomjensen618]

I 'm going to share with you, my dear Malcolm. I had a friend,still do, that at the age of 12 saw an elf. He was in fact a little spooked and most certainly did not make this up. When i asked him what it looked like he said that it was about 2 feet tall and iy had bells hanging from it;s shoes. The great Channeled being Ramtha the Enlightened one once said the following. " The elves of England now live in the Great Paciffic northwest where they still can find forests of untouched beauty.My friend and I live in such a place, South Central Washington state an enchanted place indeed. Loves T.

[@thattimestampguy]

2:09 George McDonald's Phantastes. 2:48 The Opening of Phantastes. *The Main Character Wakes Up* 4:36 "I awoke one morning..." The young man, 21 years old. 6:28 The Crystalline Forms. 6:57 A Secretary, not a person, but a piece of English furniture. *Uncovering Buried Starta* 8:00 Learning from records. 8:58 Approaching and opening The Secretary cubbards. 9:14 The Door in The Center, laying the secret of the world. 9:54 Flexible Portcullis *Meeting The Fairy* 10:47 A tiny woman, as if a statuette. 11:38 "You never saw such a little creature before, did you?" 14:56 Consciousness, Revelation, Great Grandmothers. *Malcolm Guile's Secretary* 15:29 16:38 C.S. Lewis wrote a letter to Malcolm Guile's father. 17:35 Years ago, Malcolm wrote Narnia's High Heraldic Poem. 18:32 Completely forgotten it, but here it is! *The Transformative Business of Writing and Reading* 19:05 A Change in Consciousness. New Discoveries.

[@willgriggers-ex5zq]

Malcom, you are a treasure.

[@thepipersmantel]

George MacDonald's "Phantastes" was the first modern fantasy novel. The fantasy genre can be traced back to him. He inspired both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, but nobody could write truth through fantasy better than George MacDonald. He was truly in a league of his own.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes indeed!

[@RebuildRetreat]

Loved seeing your old desk of treasures. My dad has one with his scientific papers but no CS Lewis note unfortunately

[@brandontrueblood3584]

I am struck by how you always reference the beautiful pictures in novels and it makes me want to stop and really gives these images a second glance. I think I often can quickly move past these without giving them the appreciation they deserve.

[@les6186]

I've been thinking of finding my Erdman's copy of Phantastes/Lilith which edition I've had for over 40 years, and now I've been inspired to look for it in my (yes) double rows of books. I often wonder what was it that happened to him in the North of Scotland when he spent time organizing a library at a manor house, something extraordinary and mysterious that set off waves that resonate through to our day in the writings of Lewis and Tolkien as well as his own enduring works. George MacDonald reminds there is a Goodness that is beyond words.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Yes, I think his experience in that mysterious library is the key to all his work!

[@malcolmhart1795]

Re working in the library... Did you ever read his book called There and Back? We're enjoying it again after a long hiatus. I've wondered if it was autobiographical. It'd be interesting to know if the two tie up.

[@jamestregler1584]

Thanks kindly ; I'll have to check with my old book shop in the French Quarter , Old New Orleans 😇

[@laurenstrickland8536]

You've reignited my passion for literature, sadly lost after I graduated a few years ago. I can't believe how long it's taken me to discover this hidden gem!

[@karenlooby7569]

How wonderful!! Perhaps there are delights hidden in each of our homes.

[@PJAlaska]

I had not heard of MacDonald before. I am excited to explore his writings. Tolkien has always been a favorite of mine, since a young boy perhaps I will like MacDonald too. With all the Greek and Roman works I have been reading recently, it will be an interesting change

[@pleatedskirt18]

I will freely confess that I am not a smoker of any sort, but I do love the smell and the character of pipe smoke. My father smoked a pipe and my old headmaster did too, and the smell that infused their tweed jackets and the leather seats of their cars with that certain perennially evocative odour is still fresh in my mind so many decades later. I now feel I ought to buy a pipe and some tobacco just to have out on my desk. Thank you, Malcolm. As a slight aside, I did find a certain irony when my headmaster had a rack of pipes on his desk and smoked freely in his study that it should be here that the cane was used on boys caught smoking on the school close.

[@jamieboylan641]

My new favorite channel. Do you happen to read portions of Dickens? That would be so enjoyable if you did. Thank you for your videos! I’m an American housewife and homeschooling mom to our five children, but I just love England, Dickens, literature, and old books. I really appreciate this style of videos you provide. Cheers from California ☕️

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I love Dickens. I'll definitely have a go at reading A Christmas Carol when we get to that season, but maybe a bit of Pickwick before then!

[@jamieboylan641]

@@MalcolmGuitespell Pickwick would be great!

[@usfaaartillerist]

Could we get audio books of you reading these?! Seriously!!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I'm working on that!

[@Musicandcoffee247]

@@MalcolmGuitespelloh just hearing that makes my heart smile!

[@samuelleask1132]

Theres absolutely no doubt in my mind that if Malcolm had been around 100 years earlier, he would have been a member of the Inklings

[@ahmadtajy7178]

I agree and I think he's the inklings reincarnated into one person. Simply amazing

[@kevinmcmanus5892]

I was just listening to Lilith and sipping on some Old Dublin in my Peterson 306 when I took a wee Facebook break and saw this 😊

[@theoneoutofnazareth]

I just finished my first pass through the wonderful, Phantastes! It is my 4th book of Macdonald's - the first three in order, as far as my direct experience of them, are: 'The Princess and the Goblin' that I read with my son, Forest (8 years old at the time, 'The Princess and Curdie', and 'At the Back of the North Wind.' I am SO happy I read in this sequence because I can see the thread woven by Macdonald around women - the Grandmother and Mother especially. Interestingly, I had just read through Boethius' 'Consolation of Philosophy' immediately before reading 'At the Back of the North WInd' and so the imagery around Lady Philiosophy, the North Wind, and now, the faerie in Phantastes has firmly fastened itself within my heart and imagination. Anyhoo, thank you so much for your joyful videos and for sharing your thoughts. It helps to alleviate the loneliness and despair that often come with seeking after beauty in a very fallen and dark world. The false forms of beauty, as the lady trapped in marble, often bewitch us men - yes, even Sir Percival, and rust our armor - leading us off downcast and beaten when in reality we are called to be Knights.

[@jmwalls73]

Wonderful...Malcolm's enthusiasm and joy in rediscovery is infectious.

[@itsjustme648]

I may be 18 but those first words hit. And to think the music of his time was Tchaikovsky? Maddening

[@kenmandelin7812]

Man I wish I had a neighbor like you.. where I could sit and listen to part of a good book or some poetry while enjoying a tankard of ale and the smell of pipe smoke

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Wow, thanks

[@MicahCooley_authenticstory]

I just discovered and read Phantastes for the first time. What a treasure trove of ideas and truths to dig around in!

[@joelharris4399]

I feel you mate. Montreal's spring began with a tireless snow storm and just a few days ago, it snowed. Strange weather these days. I'm pleased to see you assigning proper credit where it is due. Sort of like how Darwin in popular discourse gets all the songs and praise for evolution, when others like Richard Owens and the French aristocrat, George-Louis LeClerc de Buffon deserves equal mention and attribution. We do stand on the shoulders of giants, no doubt about that

[@les6186]

Also Wallace.

[@zoobee]

every video an adventure and discovery with you Malcolm x

[@TheRoobs74]

I had never heard that before. It was enchanting. I must find a copy. Wonderful.

[@julialuminasalsa]

You are a comfort to me, in stressful times. Many blessings

[@jbclayville]

I’ve heard the lovely comparison between Boaz’s handfuls of purpose to his love, Ruth and our Lord’s sweet provisions of love to us, not just salvation and revelation, but everyday graces that make us fall more in love with him. This too perfect experience of stepping into the story of Phantastes is so special. I’ve been looking for enriching ways to bring the story off the pages for my children and I can’t wait to share this with them. You have my heartfelt appreciation for sharing your unique world and talent with us.

[@Techgnome21]

It's a great day when a new video is released. I was about to make a cup of tea but Papa Malcolm comes first!!!

[@carolslater6253]

Marvelous! MacDonald with Malcolm Guite! Thank you for sharing! 💖

[@JBazz2911]

I especially love the miniature bust. I collect large and small and absolutely love them. Your office is quite a treasure. Cheers, sir.

[@zerapis_ammon]

Cherish all the content that comes from Malcolm. It is a wonderful time to be alive

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Evening 😊 Beautiful Pipe 😍 Awesome Book👌🏽 Thanks for the read and sharing a pipe with me 🌬💨💨 Have a fantastic day 🙏🏽 Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@RonnieRowe-il7eq]

I absolutely love ❤️ this! Thank you and God bless you 🙏

[@maryfilippou6667]

You have really kicked off my day in a happy way with your program popping up! I am enchanted by your book room and your choice. Ive had The Light Princess and MacDonald' s others on my bookshelves for decades, much enjoyed. A foggy morning turned to reflection before EDM throbs the neighborhood this afternoon.

[@AnthonyBets]

It was lovely to spend those 19 minutes together Malcolm! It's amazing the genesis of a thought can circle us back around as the desk, circled you back to your poem. I hope to hear the full version of your poem.

[@chocolatemonk]

Thank you for the story! I have a copy enroute now. "Come in" yes, indeed I will

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome

[@zumbach3032]

I noticed the wooden sailor with the yellow coat. My nan has one in the 80s. It also had a little pipe you could take out of his mouth. I'd forgotten all about that memory until seeing this.

[@robertboyle2573]

Those Narnia poems sound interesting.

[@gagecohlrae]

Beautifully read. My parents have a Secretary just like it, gorgeous piece of furniture, made by talented craftsman.

[@LukeEdwards-x8c]

Wonderful Malcolm - it is cold in England the weather is so changeable at the moment

[@kjmav10135]

And this writing reminded me of another British writer who wrote on the edges of theology and the supernatural-Charles Williams. I believe I read MacDonald and Williams in the same college course back in the early 80s. I’ll have to revisit both. Thanks for the reminder!

[@les6186]

I read a novel by Charles Williams several years ago, I think All Hallow's Eve, and was just bowled over how well written it was. CW is an underrated and forgotten Inkling that deserves to be better known.

[@magnoliabird]

Fabulous thoughts Malcolm thank you

[@PaddyFinnWrites]

Treasure dredged from the depths of creation and forgotten. It is my hope, good sir, that you one day share those poems from Narnia with the people of this world.

[@jimjiminy5836]

Yeah that a wonderful opening sentence. One that’s very relatable and I wish I’d come up with it myself!

[@KingDennisJensen]

Every single video is a blessing to be heard. I love winding the day down with your videos, they are super peaceful.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you like them!

[@homestudioculture]

Superb episode! I absolutely love the passion in which you read to us your favorite passages. Also It's the first time I notice that one of the tables behind you is a Fender amplifier!

[@carolinarose704]

What a magical story and discovery! Thanks for sharing!

[@OceanRoadbyTonyBaker]

Well...I'm gonna need to get that book, professor. Thank you much.

[@richardking1067]

just ordered this book based on your first reading of it and your enthusiasm. thank you

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@malcolmhart1795]

Wow! How wonderful for you... we could feel your excitement while listening avidly, and we jumped when halfway through something went bump unexpectedly! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this beautiful passage, and also your joy at finding your own lost treasure. Very best wishes to you both with our love. 💞 💙

[@drewbowski]

Loved this video! Immediately hunted for this book after watching. Thank you for adding such gems to the reading list. Thank you for these videos. They give me hope and joy.

[@bardicacademic]

Thank you for welcoming us into your inner sanctum. Books are portals, writing and reading is a form of magic. What an intertextual feast. And what an affable, enthusiastic, and deeply knowledgeable guide. I could listen to you all day. Long may you keep the flame of wisdom alight.

[@bigal2696]

Amazing. Thank you for this video. And now I'll hurry to my old desk to see what I find!

[@JamesColeman1]

You should read aloud all the books we love. You sir are a good reader aloud.

[@dagonet1889]

Thank you Malcolm for this treasure! Cheers!

[@Larkwell-Audiobooks]

Love that little Dante bust.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes that's my latest aquisition. I'd been looking for one for ages and finally found it in Oxford last weekend!

[@drewprice8468]

I have a beautiful Dante cameo above my bed, it was a gift from an old poet from Ita Bena, Ms. “O Glory and Light of all other Poets…” All the best.

[@TexasWildlife0915]

Your videos light up my day thank you I’m not sure if you know how much these videos get us through the week.

[@Velaxity]

This was great, listening to you read is just so relaxing & satisfying. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

My pleasure 😊

[@Freethinker225]

I loved this so so much! 🥲

[@SpatialSpandex]

Thank you, Malcolm. That was wonderful 🙂

[@SleeplessAnarchist]

Very beautifully written.

[@johnhopkins947]

This is classic!!! This man is gold!!

[@dcxxx6850]

Always time well spend watching these. Slainte!

[@ellen823ful]

Amazing. I had a secretary in my bedroom growing up. There I did my homework.

[@anonaki-mt6xb]

Newly discovered this wonderful man. What a joy! And thanks for introducing me to Phantastes - As a lifelong Hobbit, I had no idea MacDonald's work even existed.

[@judy_julien]

How exciting to find the lost treasure of your own writings and a letter from C.S. Lewis. Watching this was as if I were sitting in the room with you on an actual visit. ❤

[@CentralCalPiper]

Wonderful, Sir! Thank you :)

[@ursusthewhite9824]

Forgot about that work of Macdonald's. Remember studying The Princess and the Goblin. No pipe today. Bronchitis and poor Canadian weather have seen to that!

[@jenpedwards]

Oh what a delight is this!! Thank you for reading the opening to one of my favorite stories and for sharing the contents of the secret chamber in your secretary!! I have my grandmother's secretary, which is a bit different from yours, but nevertheless has all the title drawers and slots for holding small things. What a wonderful reading!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sumitpaul8153]

Please Make more long videos on Pipe smoking.... make long videos like 30 minutes or 1 hour..... Make 30 minutes or 1 hour soft talk, pipe smoking, life advices, share your life experiences, reading, .... Long videos of your would be adorable to watch....❤️ Love from me!! 😌

[@55mmartin]

Wonderful visit with you!

[@LeftyLurpy]

Fantastic, so glad to have stumbled upon the deep treasure of your videos. They are beautiful and wonderful and I feel so welcome as though visiting a long lost friend.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome!

[@The_Eccentric_Piper]

I'm glad I can be of assistance here. The "gemstone egg" appears at first glance to be made of Opalite - an Opalescent type of synthetic glass which goes by quite a few other names as well

[@sad_wolf8]

Thank you so much for providing this little haven of comfort with your videos. A special thanks for this one - Phantastes often feels like one of the best-kept secrets in literature, for some reason. This book meant so much to me when I read it for the first time. Would you consider sharing more of your thoughts on Lilith in the future?

[@brianheffernan8982]

That was a wonderful video, Malcolm. I enjoyed it immensely. I have the same type of desk in my bedroom.