His books were written around the turn of the century, and he was very well known and respected at that time. His books inspired many writers, including J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Mark Twain and a number of others. If not for MacDonald's encouragement, Alice in Wonderland most likely would never have been published as its author, Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, didn't think it good enough. Phantastes and Lilith - were probably his best known adult books. He seemed to believe in a much deeper life than just 'living and dying'.
Death is the transition point.
I tend to agree with him. And then there is the family and last but not least my horse. Used under License.