Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc

Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc (/hɨˈlɛər ˈbɛlək/; ; 27 July 1870 – 16 July 1953) was an Anglo-French writer and historian who became a naturalised British subject in 1902. He was one of the most prolific writers in England during the early twentieth century. He was known as a writer, orator, poet, satirist, man of letters, and political activist. He is most notable for his Catholic faith, which had a strong impact on most of his works and his writing collaboration with G. K. Chesterton. He was President of the Oxford Union and later MP for Salford from 1906 to 1910. He was a noted disputant, with a number of long-running feuds, but also widely regarded as a humane and sympathetic man.

His most lasting legacy is probably his verse, which encompasses cautionary tales and religious poetry. Among his best-remembered poems are "Jim, who ran away from his nurse, and was eaten by a lion" and "Matilda, who told lies and was burnt to death".

Read more about Hilaire Belloc:  Family and Career, Writing, Religion, Sussex, In The Media

Famous quotes by hilaire belloc:

    I am living in the Midlands
    That are sodden and unkind.
    Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)

    It is the business of the wealthy man
    To give employment to the artisan.
    Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)

    When I am dead, I hope it may be said:
    ‘His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.’
    Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)

    As a friend to the children commend me the Yak.
    You will find it exactly the thing:
    It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,
    Or lead it about with a string.
    Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)

    Be kind and tender to the Frog,
    And do not call him names,
    As ‘Slimy skin’, or ‘Polly-wog’,
    Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)