G. K. Chesterton 
The Ballad of the White Horse 

G. K. Chesterton’s “The Ballad of the White Horse” is the last great epic poem written in the English tradition. First published in 1911, it tells the heroic tale of Saxon King Alfred the Great and his defeat of the invading Viking army at the Battle of Ethandun. While Chesterton’s work was not intended to be completely historically accurate, it is a deeply evocative and detailed account of an ancient and forgotten world. King Alfred has been driven into hiding by the Danish army that has nearly conquered England when he is visited by a vision of the Virgin Mary and vows not to easily admit defeat. A charismatic leader, he unites the opposing forces of Saxons, Romans, Catholics, and the Gaels to fight the Danes. While Alfred and his allies are brave warriors, they are nearly defeated by the relentless Danish army. Yet, the Virgin Mary once again appears before Alfred and he rallies to drive the Danes from England and finally secures a victory for his people. Many years of peace follow and Alfred is proven a just and cultured leader. A century later, Chesterton’s influential work continues to endure as a classic of English epic poetry. This edition includes a biographical afterword.