In 'The King of the Golden River,' John Ruskin crafts an allegorical fairytale that transcends mere children's literature, richly weaving themes of morality and nature's retribution against human greed. Set within the mystical mountains of Stiria, the narrative traces the downfall of the immoral 'Black Brothers' and the redemptive journey of their innocent sibling, Gluck. Ruskin's prose sparkles with the clarity of the eponymous river, his storytelling resplendent with didactic tones that echo the Victorian era's fascination with morality tales. The book's place in literary history is further cemented by its pioneering role as one of the earliest English fantasies meant for younger readers, a precursor to the great works of Tolkien and Lewis.

John Ruskin, primarily known as an art critic, social thinker, and champion of the romantic tradition in art and literature, infuses 'The King of the Golden River' with his deep-seated values. A fervent critic of industrialization's rapacity, Ruskin brings to this tale a yearning for the revivification of nature and the human spirit alike. It is plausible that the fertile imagination manifest in this book was impelled by Ruskin's own disenchantment with the materialism of his times and his advocacy for the preservation of the natural world.

'The King of the Golden River' is recommended for those who seek a narrative that combines the splendor of fairytales with profound ethical introspection. Ruskin's vivid imagination and moral clarity offer readers of all ages a journey through a landscape where nature's formidable power meets the human capacity for change. It is an especially poignant read against the backdrop of contemporary environmental concerns, proving that Ruskin's tale has lost none of its relevance or ability to inspire both wonder and reflection.