Poetry by Hilaire Belloc
Poetry by Hilaire Belloc
In Hilaire Belloc’s Bad Child’s Book of Beasts, Belloc states,
“The Moral of this priceless work
(If rightly understood)
Will make you—from a little Turk—
Unnaturally good.”
Although many of his poetic works are ostensibly written for children, the satirical humor of them often appeals to an adult audience as well.
“On the Gift of a Book to a Child”
“Jim, who ran away from his Nurse and was eaten by a Lion”
Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953) was an orator, poet, satirist, man of letters, and political activist. He wrote more than 150 books on subjects ranging from poetry to travel, religion, and current events. Along with George Bernard Shaw, G. K. Chesterton, and H. G.Wells, he was considered one of the Big Four of Edwardian Letters. He is notable for his Catholic faith, which had a strong impact on most of his works, and for his friendship with G. K. Chesterton (they were so close that Shaw dubbed them Chesterbelloc).
Although his debating style is said to have fit his nickname of “Old Thunder,” he is also memorable for quick humor. When asked why he wrote so much, he replied, “Because my children are howling for pearls and caviar.”
You can read more about Belloc in Encyclopedia Brittanica.
