Showing results by author "Hilaire Belloc" in All Categories

Hilaire Belloc examines the five most destructive heretical movements to have affected Christian civilization: Arianism, Mohammedanism (Islam), Albigensianism (Cathar), the Reformation (Protestant), and the modern phase. Belloc describes how these movements began, how they spread, and how they continued to influence the world up until the time of his writing (1936).

Dance with a lobster, telephone an elephant or knock on a moonlit door - this collection includes magical, macabre, dramatic, funny, bizarre, absurd, delightful, moving and charming poems by Lewis Carroll, A.A. Milne, Edward Lear, Hilaire Belloc, Kenneth Grahame and many others. Readers such as Anton Lesser, Simon Russell-Beale and Timothy West bring the lines beautifully to life and make this an ideal introduction to some of the best-loved children's poetry.

"Cautionary Tales", humorous poems with an implausible moral, are the most widely known of Hilaire Belloc's writings. Supposedly for children, they, like Lewis Carroll's works, are more to adult and satirical tastes. Here, Joyce Grenfell reads a selection.

Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953) - one of the most prominent Catholic authors of his time - gives a common-sense explanation of why the Crusades were necessary and why they ultimately failed. Writing in 1937, following the demise of the Ottoman Empire, Belloc believed that the West had finally gained the advantage over its mortal foe; however, he also includes a prophetic warning concerning the eventual resurgence of Islam and its enduring desire to destroy Christendom.

The Victorians had a fondness for scaring their offspring straight with cautionary tales - moral stories featuring children who misbehaved and suffered the consequences. Hilaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales are a parody of the Victorian moral fables: irresistible, irreverent and downright jolly.

These humorous verses were originally written for children but the taste is much more to an adult liking. They are strange, perverse and the morals they provide….well, that’s for you to decide. Luckily Joyce Grenfell is narrating so it’s double the experience

Here is a timeless classic in an exclusive audio edition featuring Matilda, who told such dreadful lies; George, who played with a dangerous toy and suffered a catastrophe of considerable dimensions; and many, many other colourful characters. Witty, memorable, and always instructive, join the many generations who have laughed together and enjoyed Belloc's unique and biting humour.

In this 1912 classic, wide-ranging polemicist Hilaire Belloc presents a new economic history of Europe and makes his case for "Distributism", the author’s answer to the instability of capitalism and the stringency of socialism. Belloc outlines the major economic transitions through the history of the West, arguing that the civilization began as servile and dependent upon slavery and only emerged with the advent of the Christian faith. The Middle Ages are highlighted as the optimal condition, marked by a fair distribution of property.

In this whimsical novel, we follow the timid and anxious Professor Higginson, a psychologist, as he finds himself entangled in a minor moral quandary triggered by a mysterious green overcoat. What ensues is a delightful adventure filled with humor and insight that will evoke laughter like a gentle rain. This is Belloc at his Chestertonian best, promising to charm readers young and old! - Summary by Russ Hobbs

Aged merchant Mahmoud relates to his young nephews the story of his rise to fabulous riches. From being kicked out (literally) from the family home by his exasperated father, with only the barest patrimony to sustain him, the young wastrel goes from rags to riches, and back again, aided only by "providence" - and his very inventive wits.

In this thought-provoking discussion, I delve into the troubling influence of the modern Capitalist Press, exploring its role in distorting public opinion and empowering the unscrupulous. I also highlight the potential for change through the rise of small, independent media outlets and their increasing impact on the information landscape. (Introduction by Hilaire Belloc)

This book of 13 silly rhymes about strange animals is sure to delight and confuzzle its young listeners. More Beasts for Worse Children, a collection of nonsense verses for children, was written by English-French writer, historian, and satirist, Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953).

On Nothing & Kindred Subjects, written by Hilaire Belloc, is a classic novel that is a must-listen. This story will inspire you to live again with a broad imagination. With this classic book, Hilaire Belloc was able to create a powerful story that is a tale time and time again and continues to appeal to both adult and young imaginations alike.

In this gripping chapter of Macaulay‚s History of England, we delve into the tumultuous insurrections against James II and the kings desperate maneuvers to quell them. The narrative follows Argyle, who, having taken refuge in Holland, returns to rally an army against James. Despite his courage and quick wit, Argyle proves to be an ineffective leader, leading his forces into chaos before being captured and meeting a brave end. We also witness Monmouths dramatic return from Holland, where he audaciously declares himself king on June 20, 1685. His subsequent defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor ...

Discover the captivating world of Isaac DIsraelis Curiosities of Literature, the third and final volume of his remarkable exploration. This work delves into a wide array of topics that extend far beyond literature, offering insightful essays on history, politics, and the customs of English society. Whether youre a literature enthusiast or simply curious about various subjects, this book promises to engage and intrigue every reader. - Summary by Carolin