| Text Source: |  |
| Description: | Not available |
| Table of Contents: | Not available |
Product Description
Classic 1915 work by the highly influential English writer of the early 20th century.
Customer Review: Exceptional analysis of England's role in developing World War I
This book was written by Chesterton during World War I to show that the war was, in part, England's fault for supporting Prussia and allowing her to get away with almost anything. His purpose is summed up very well in the first chapter, which is a letter to Professor Whirlwind, a German/Prussian supporter and writer. Chesterton says:
"There is a very great deal that is really wrong with England, and it ought not to be forgotten even in the full blaze of your marvellous mistakes. I cannot have my countrymen tempted to those pleasures of intellectual pride which are the result of comparing themselves with you. The deep collapse and yawning chasm of your ineptitude leaves me upon a perilous spiritual elevation."
This then, is what he attempts to do: to show that England should not be smug and think themselves simply the defenders of humanity (though they may be that), but England should realize that they helped Prussia come to power, and they dealt poorly with the French Revolution and Napoleon, which let to some serious problems in Chesterton's day. Also, Chesterton blasts England for their poor treatment of the Irish, which were at the time involved in the home rule movement.
Why does Chesterton do all of this? He think it is patriotic. He said in an essay entitled A Defense of Patriotism (found in his first book of essays entitled The Defendant) that "love is not blind...love is vigilant." He thought, I think correctly, that if one really loves their country one will do what is best for it, not simply say it is the best. And sometimes what is best for it is to tell it that it has made mistakes, so that it will not make them again. Chesterton says near the end of the book that "I have passed the great part of my life in criticizing and condemning the existing rulers and institutions of my country: I think it is infinitely the most partiotic thing that a man can do."
This book gives an excellent glimpse into the situation in England during World War I, as well as an excellent view of what Chesterton considered patriotism to be. Of course, it is filled with witty and deep remarks, as all of Chesterton's works are.
Overall grade: A
Book Categories:
Books / Subjects / Religion & Spirituality / Authors, A-Z / ( C ) / Chesterton, G. K.
Books / Subjects / Nonfiction / Politics / General
Books / Subjects / History / Europe / England / General
Books / Subjects / History / Military / World War I
Books / Subjects / History / Military / General
Books / Specialty Stores / Custom Stores / 4-for-3 Books Store / History / Europe / England / General
Books / Specialty Stores / Custom Stores / 4-for-3 Books Store / History / Military / General
Books / Specialty Stores / Custom Stores / 4-for-3 Books Store / History / Military / World War I
Books / Specialty Stores / Custom Stores / 4-for-3 Books Store / Nonfiction / Politics / General
Books / Specialty Stores / Custom Stores / 4-for-3 Books Store / Religion & Spirituality / Authors, A-Z / ( C ) / Chesterton, G. K.
Books / Specialty Stores / Custom Stores / 4-for-3 Books Store / All 4-for-3 Deals
Books / Refinements / Promotion (special_merchandising_browse-bin) / 4-for-3 Books
Books / Refinements / Binding (binding) / Paperback
Books / Refinements / Format (feature_browse-bin) / Printed Books
|
Pick of the Day
Lists of Interest
Modern Library 100 Best Novels:
In 1998, Modern Library picked the top 100 Novels of the century. This list contains all of the bo
...
Webmaster's Favourites:
These are my selections, humbly presented as books that I particularly enjoyed.
Other ways of browsing
|
