Lepanto

The single most incredible poem of the 20th century. There is a reason why public schools skip Chesterton in literature class.

The great historical battle of Lepanto will ring for generations as the stunning, decisive victory for the Kingdom of Christ. To commemorate this momentous occasion, G.K. Chesterton composes a seemingly genuine and authentic poem any Christian can understand its significance. While the poem is only a few pages in length, the real star of this novella is the commentary and the explanatory notes, which help to due the poem justice. Like with any great piece of art there is often underlying meanings "hidden" from plain sight. The notes section gives you a sense of what Chesterton thought during its creation. Meanwhile the commentary gives you a more detailed view of what happened: beginning, middle, and end. And just for good measure, two essays by Chesterton: one with reference to Miguel de Cervantes, and the other about his hero Don Juan de Austria and Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots.

While I love reading Chesterton, in this poem it becomes aware of where he writes from and I don't agree with him there. In the poem he references Spain. Now this alone isn't bothersome, however he takes ever so subtle jabs at Spain and doesn't out right say it, but is, I feel, nonetheless propagates the so-called "Black Legend". Now, its not enough to accuse him of such, but it is enough to annoy someone who knows more or less what is going on. Whatever the reason, it is a great introductory for someone who doesn't know about Lepanto; its just not the whole nine yards on Lepanto.