First publication of "Sir Gibbie" by MacDonald was in three volumes, in 1879, by Hurst and Blackett of London, and followed likewise styled novels "David Elginbrod", "Robert Falkoner", "Alec Forbes of Howglen", and others. The first of the three original volumes, with MacDonald's name appearing as "MAC DONALD", followed by "Legum Doctor" (LL.D., Doctor of Laws), is of 320 pages, and ends with the chapter "Refuge," and Gibbie being taken in by Robert and Janet, their discovery of the scars of his upbringing, and his experiencing alongside their six children the normalcy of a bed, hearth and home.