Thursday 20 September 2012

Hilaire Belloc.


I've always been a Belloc fan. I would never claim to share any of his genius, but we are both Sussex men, and we both have a strong affiliation with France. I even (wisely) allowed my oldest son to share his name.

Like most people of my age, I first encountered Belloc through his 'Cautionary Tales' (I even own a first edition). Who could forget Charles Augustus Fortescue, Godolphin Horne, or even poor Jim, who ran away from his nurse and was then eaten by that Lion (always keep a-hold of Nurse, for fear of finding something worse). These are poems that follow us through life.

Later I discovered his wonderful book 'The Four Men'; the tale of a journey across Sussex from Robertsbridge in the East, to Harting in the far West. Perfect reading for a Sussex lad.

Strangely, for a Belloc fan, I've only recently discovered that there's a 'Night' (rather like Burns' Night) dedicated to the great man. Annually, on each evening of July 27th (Belloc's birthday), his army of fans gather to read his works; accompanied by bread, cheese, and pickles.

I always seem to be suggesting things, but anyone with small children, grandchildren, or next-door-neighbours of a delicate age (who have NOT had the pleasure of Belloc's 'Cautionary Tales') should buy a copy at once. You'd never regret it!

  

5 comments:

  1. I remember reading the cautionary tales at my grandma's - I was always fascinated by the drawings - they were pretty horrific

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    1. The original Basil Blackwood (B.T.B.) illustrations were the best. Very simple, but to the point!

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  2. I just recently met a young girl from Russia newly arrived in Canada. She is using pulp fiction to try and improve her language - I think I will send her your post.

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  3. Many years ago I purchased a first edition of the book. Had never heard of it, loved it to death, read it aloud to friends, and was smug as hell to think I had some kind of really rare book. Ha!

    The age of Google and Wikipedia finally caught up with me and I discovered that what I had was something not so very rare, but much beloved by countless British children and their parents for decades! Of course, I still adore the book and am looking forward to next July 27th. But until then, this evening I shall once again pull the book off the shelf and read with pleasure about dear..."Rebecca who slammed doors for fun and perished miserably"

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    Replies
    1. My copy is back in England somewhere, but me too, I'll read something from the 'net'.

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