Biography of 19th Century Headmaster Holds Personal Meaning for the Author

Ashville, NC, October 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Dale Wayne Slusser’s book In The Near Loss of Everything tells the late nineteenth-century story of Ronald MacDonald, the most famous headmaster of Ravenscroft High School, a boarding school for boys in Asheville, NC. Ronald was the son of the famous British writer, George MacDonald, author of such books as The Princess and the Goblin and At the Back of the North Wind.

Slusser’s book focuses on the marriage of Ronald, whose wife died within a year of his appointment at Ravenscroft, leaving him to care for their 4 month-old daughter. How Ronald coped with the loss of his beloved spouse while completing his five-year contract as headmaster, and how his famous family in England reached out to him in his grief, is a testimony to faith and love.

In writing this book, the author came full circle with his own past. After the death of his father, Dale Slusser spent most of his childhood (1966-1977) being raised at Milton Hershey School, a boy’s boarding school in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, before MacDonald became the headmaster in Asheville, he taught at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania – just 60 miles east of Hershey. The chapter about MacDonald’s time in Pennsylvania includes photographs and drawings by MacDonald’s wife, Louise, an artist who studied with the famous British art critic John Ruskin.

After completing his term at Ravenscroft, Ronald went on to be a successful author and playwright. Exactly 100 years ago, in 1909, he wrote a book novel where the main character’s spouse died. In the deathbed scene of the novel, the thoughts of that character seem to reflect his Ronald’s own memories in these words from which the title of Slusser’s book is taken: “In the near loss of everything but our spiritual relation we may . . . touch each other with an intimacy never yet attained – reaching, for a moment before the last curtain falls between, almost to the secret of that eternal relation which underlies the mystery of man and woman.”

Accolades for the book include George MacDonald scholar Jeff McInnis, author of Shadows and Chivalry: C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald on Suffering, Evil, and Goodness, who wrote: “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.” The story is complemented by over 30 black and white photos and drawings, including never before published drawings by MacDonald’s wife.

Those unfamiliar with Ronald’s more famous father will benefit from a reprint of his essay “George MacDonald: A Personal Note” first published in 1911. This essay gives a personal and critical overview of his father’s life and writings, one of the finest summaries and evaluations ever written. Also included is an excerpt from Ronald’s fable about life The Laughing Elf, published in 1922, which is evidence of Ronald’s belief of the necessity of both joy and sorrow for a fulfilled life.

Dale Slusser’s book is published by Zossima Press. The author resides with his wife in Asheville, NC and is available for interviews. He may be contacted at 828-277-3812. Books are available at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobel.com.

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