The Ravenscroft School, a 19th-century Episcopal boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina, from 1856 to 1901, had three distinct phases. It was first a ""Classical and Theological School"" (1856-1864) and then, following the Civil War, a Theological Training School and Associate Mission (1868-1900); in 1887 it split into two departments, a Theological Training School/Associate Mission and Ravenscroft High School for Boys (1887-1901). Although the school itself was only in existence for about 45 years, the purview of this book is from the early days of Asheville (1820s), to the building of Joseph Osborne's mansion in the 1840s (which would eventually house the school), through the years of the school's operation, and then on up to the mid-20th century when the campus buildings were sold and repurposed. The book concludes with the efforts by historic preservationists to save the few remaining buildings of the Ravenscroft School during the late 1970s.

In the summer of 1887, George MacDonald's son Ronald, newly engaged to artist Louise Blandy, sailed from England to America to teach school. The next summer he returned to England to marry Louise and bring her back to America. Soon afterward he secured a five-year position as headmaster of Ravenscroft High School in Asheville, North Carolina. On August 27, 1890, after less than a year in his new position, his wife died leaving him with an infant daughter. Ronald once described losing a beloved spouse as "the near loss of everything." Ronald's story is mentioned briefly in biographies of his father, but Asheville resident and MacDonald scholar, Dale Wayne Slusser, presents new information, unpublished letters, and over 30 illustrations. Also included are Ronald's essay about his father, "George MacDonald: A Personal Note," plus a selection from "The Laughing Elf," his 1922 fable about the necessity of both sorrow and joy in life. _ _ _ _ _ _ endorsement: "Dale Wayne Slusser's careful research of primary documents is artfully presented in this absorbing account of the life of George MacDonald's son" David L. Neuhouser, Scholar in Residence, Taylor University, Center for the Study of C. S. Lewis and Friends.] _ _ _ endorsement: "In telling the story of a man who did not give up, Slusser allows Ronald to do what his father has so often done: inspire and encourage. Well researched and well worth the having." Jeff McInnis, author of Shadows and Chivalry: C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald on Suffering, Evil, and Goodness.] _ _ _ endorsement: "Readers of George MacDonald's writings and life will especially enjoy Dale Wayne Slusser's informative and untold story of MacDonald's son, Ronald, during his struggling life in America." Glenn Edward Sadler, editor of An Expression of Character: The Letters of George MacDonald.]