The Emperor of Portugallia by Selma Lagerlöf

In Selma Lagerlöf's The Emperor of Portugallia, a resentful farmhand's life is overturned the instant he holds his newborn daughter and discovers, with startling force, the love that will remake him. Jan of Ruffluck Croft, once convinced that fatherhood means only more toil and expense, becomes fiercely devoted to the child he names Glory Goldie Sunnycastle, as if her birth has brought blessing, wonder, and a new meaning to the world. From the sunlit naming scene to the anxious christening, the vaccination, and the child's first birthday, the novel traces his tender vigilance, awkward courage, and growing willingness to sacrifice his own comfort for others. Set against folk beliefs, winter darkness, village rituals, and quiet social tensions, the story blends humor, tenderness, and mythic feeling. Rumors, gifts, and strange intuitions hint at a larger destiny for Glory Goldie, while Jan's hope and steadfast waiting turn ordinary life into something almost sacred. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.