Princess and the Goblin

The Princess and the Goblin, published in 1872, is one of the earliest works in the contemporary fantasy genre. Princess Irene's discovery of the hidden staircase results in an amazing realisation. Curdie hears the goblins hatching a cunning plan at the same moment. Princess Irene and Curdie must interpret their disparate information in order to thwart the plans of the goblins.