The ballad of the white horse

Chesterton, G.K

Published by Methuen and co ltd., London, 1911

About this Item

8vo, original cloth bound binding, pp 182. First edition, published in 1911. Inscription to front paste-down. Pages are deckled, typical of the time. Spine is a little faded, somewhat frayed towards top, and faint traces of discolouration are present across the spine. Front board in contrast is immaculate, with gilt lettering and a simple ruled border, also in gilt. Gilt lettering to spine. Evidence of some foxing throughout pages of the book. Binding nonetheless remains tight. This scarce, 1st edition by G.K Chesterton includes a Prefatory note from the author, a dedication and the poem in VII books. The poem begins juxtaposing two potent images: the eternal white horse and the death of Christian civilization, as seen at the fall of the Roman Empire. The opening lines contrast the eternal nature of a metaphorical white horse with the temporal nature of the Pagan gods and slowly unfurl the setting of this world. Chesterton's poem conveys a personal message to Christians mediated through the figure of King Alfred. Alfred must learn and re-learn subtle, paradoxical lessons about the hope, humility, and joy necessary to confront trial and evil on earth. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was a prolific journalist and author, well known for his apologetics, biographies, detective fiction, literary, social, and political commentary, and modern history. Possessing a keen wit, a comic genius delighting in paradox, and a gift for religious argument, he published nearly 100 books and over 4,000 newspaper columns and essays.

Seller Inventory # 036939

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The ballad of the white horse
• Publisher: Methuen and co ltd., London
• Publication Date: 1911
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good