Chesterton"s epic poem has been compared to the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. It tells the story of the English King Alfred, who fought the Danes in 878 A.D. But it is also the story of Christianity battling against the destructive forces of nihilism and heathenism. It is considered one of Chesterton"s masterpieces. One of the great poems in the English language--and certainly a top contender for the greatest narrative poem, “The Ballad of the White Horse” is a retelling of the Alfred the Great"s defeat of Guthrum and the Danes at the Battle of Ethandune (or the victory of the true power of Christianity over the inherent weakness of paganism). G.K. Chesterton died in 1936 and The Ballad was written years before that, yet he could already foresee the bitter harvest that would come as a result of the growth of utilitarian humanism. The Ballad is the powerful retelling of the story of King Alfred"s ultimate triumph over the invading Danes, despite repeated losses, decimated forces and overwhelming adversity. It"s a great story of a significant moment in history, but in it Chesterton also teaches us much we can apply in our own cultural wars against the forces of the "New Dark Ages". He brings his prodigious intellect and wit to the task and in so doing offers hope to the "men signed of the cross of Christ (going) gaily in the dark". The book is filled with memorable quotations and insights that will leave readers inspired to persevere in the face of their own adversities. It is a book worth owning and cherishing for the ages!