Chesterton's long narrative poem imagines Alfred the Great, king of Wessex, rallying the Saxons against the invading Danes in the ninth century. A vision of the Virgin leads him to gather the leaders of the people, and the battle of Ethandune is fought beneath the white horse carved into the Berkshire chalk. Chesterton builds in ballad meter an argument about Christian courage against pagan despair.
Readers who like heroic verse and Chesterton's gift for paradox will enjoy the rhythm. It also provides a good look at the Christian view of English history.
Deep; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1911
- Language
- EN
