The Ballad of the White Horse
G. K. Chesterton
Read by Joshua B. Christensen
An English epic poem that follows the exploits of Alfred the Great in his defense of Christian civilization in England from the heathen nihilism of the North. Following a string of defeats at the hands of the invading Danes, a vision from heaven in the river island of Athelney fills Alfred with joy and hope. Though it gives no promise of victory in the coming struggle, it inspires him to rally his chieftains for a last stand against the invading hordes. His adventures lead throughout the country as he gathers his men, and take him through the Danish camps disguised as a minstrel before culminating in the Battle of Ethandune and the prophesying of the enemy's subtle return in the ages to come. (Summary by Joshua B. Christensen) (1 hr 54 min)
Chapters
Prefatory Note & Dedication | 8:35 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
The Vision of the King | 12:04 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
The Gathering of the Chiefs | 11:44 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
The Harp of Alfred | 15:25 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
The Woman in the Forest | 12:43 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
Ethandune: The First Stroke | 12:04 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
Ethandune: The Slaying of the Chiefs | 11:56 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
Ethandune: The Last Charge | 14:45 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
The Scouring of the Horse | 15:41 | Read by Joshua B. Christensen |
Reviews
Ballard of the white horse
Ashley Kramer
The reader was amazing. If he’s not doing readings professionally he should be. I will listen to this poem over and over as I go the sleep and maybe my dreams will take me there.
Great Christian Ballad
Caleinon
This is Chesterton’s most beautiful and moving poem. It’s a must read for fans of Chesterton, and medieval enthusiasts and English patriots would also enjoy it. The reader of this LibriVox recording does a superb job.
a very fine reading
darthlaurel
Sadly, the barbarians are not at the gate any longer. They are the mayor of London town.
Lancaster
This was a great story, and I enjoyed the "epic" feel to it. 10/10 would listen to again.
Amazing
A LibriVox Listener
I can't praise this enough, stirring, inspiring, and we'll written, and the narrator does a splendid job
Azre86
I loved it. My first romp with poetry.
fgghBallads of a bohemianfrrran essay on criticism he
A LibriVox Listener
Tree
one of my new favorite authors well read.