Hilaire Belloc was a versatile writer who wrote poetry, novels, histories and biographies. His work includes more than 100 books on a variety of subjects. He is remembered for his books of children’s verse such as Cautionary Tales and The Bad Child’s Book of Beasts.
Early Life of Hilaire Belloc
Joseph Hilaire Pierre Belloc (1870-1953) was born on July 27, 1870 near Paris in La-Celle-Saint-Cloud, to an English mother and French father. The family moved to London shortly after Belloc’s birth. His father died when Belloc was only two-years-old, and the family stayed on in England, although they spent many holidays in France,.
Belloc went on military service in the French Army, but at the age of 22, he returned to England to study history at Oxford University.
The Bad Child’s Book of Beasts, Belloc’s first book of comic verse, came out when he was 26-years-old. It was an instant success. He then married Elodie Hogan and, a few years later, became an English citizen. This made it possible for him to enter politics, and for four years he became a liberal member of parliament (1906-1910.)
Belloc’s Work
Hilaire Belloc wrote books on different genres except drama and variety of subjects mainly out of his interests, including history, politics, religion and travel. His first book, The Bad Child's Book of Beasts, was successful, providing him instant recognition. The Path to Rome (1902,) is about a walk he made from France to Rome when he was 30. His friend and writer G.K. Chesterton illustrated many of his books.
An outspoken critic of society, in his famous book, Cautionary Tales, which he published when he was 37, Belloc made fun of Victorian values. This humorous book of poems for children includes characters such as Matilda, who tells terrible lies and comes to a nasty end. Another famous character, Jim, wanders away from his nurse and gets eaten by a lion.
Last Words on Belloc
Belloc was raised a Roman Catholic and remained in that faith all his life. Despite being known for his his eccentric views, he had admirers that included W.H. Auden and Evelyn Waugh.
He is remembered for his light verses like Cautionary Tales and The Bad Child’s Book of Beasts. He also wrote satirical novels which he collaborated with fellow writer G.K. Chesterton. Hilaire Belloc died at the age of 82, on July 16, 1953, in Guildford, England.
Books by Hilaire Belloc
- The Bad Child’s Book of Beasts, 1896, Poetry
- Robespierre, 1901
- The Path to Rome, 1902
- Cautionary Tales, 1907, Poetry
- The Green Overcoat, 1912, Novel
- The Servile State, 1912
- Sonnets and Verses, 1923, Poetry
- History of England, 1925-1931
- Belinda, 1928, Novel
- The Postmaster General, 1932
- Cromwell, 1934
Sources:
McGovern, Una, Ed. Chambers Biographical Dictionary. Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap Publishers, 2002.
Ousby, Ian. The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
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