Wine, Water and Song

By G. K. Chesterton

This little volume is chiefly composed of the rollicking, Bacchanalian and ironical songs from Mr. Chesterton's novel, "The Flying Inn", with certain additions. Sillince's drawings have obvious merits, but are far from obvious. The vigour, the derision, the sheer comicality are there, plus a lyrical touch that shows real understanding. The final drawings epitomise Chesterton's spirit and his work. Contents Include: The Englishman - Wine and Water - The Song Against Grocers - The Rolling English Road - The Song of Quoodle - Pioneers, O Pioneers - The Logical Vegetarian - "The Saracen's Head" - The Good Rich Man - The Song Against Songs - Me Heart - The Song of the Oak - The Road to Roundabout - The Song of the Strange Ascetic - The Song of Right and Wrong - Who Goes Home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Start Classics
• Release date: Feb 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781609773724

G. K. Chesterton

G.K. Chesterton (1874–1936) was an English writer, philosopher and critic known for his creative wordplay. Born in London, Chesterton attended St. Paul’s School before enrolling in the Slade School of Fine Art at University College. His professional writing career began as a freelance critic where he focused on art and literature. He then ventured into fiction with his novels The Napoleon of Notting Hill and The Man Who Was Thursday as well as a series of stories featuring Father Brown.

Book preview

The Englishman

St. George he was for England, And before he killed the dragon He drank a pint of English ale Out of an English flagon. For though he fast right readily In hair-shirt or in mail, It isn't safe to give him cakes Unless you give him ale.

St. George he was for England, And right gallantly set free The lady left for dragon's meat And tied up to a tree; But since he stood for England And knew what England means, Unless you give him bacon You mustn't give him beans.

St. George he is for England, And shall wear the shield he wore When we go out in armour With the battle-cross before. But though he is jolly company And very pleased to dine, It isn't safe to give him nuts Unless you give him wine.

Wine and Water

Old Noah he had an ostrich farm and fowls on the largest scale, He ate his egg with a ladle in an egg-cup big as a pail, And the soup he took was Elephant Soup and the fish he took was