Lepanto, by G.K. Chesterton

My post yesterday in which I explain the necessity to defeat all forms of militant Islam, includes a reference to the Battle of Lepanto, the historical context of which I wrote in an essay entitled “The Aftermath” in a reprinting of the poem Lepanto by G.K. Chesterton, published by the American Chesterton Society and republished by Ignatius Press.

I observe in Lepanto how Islam's success in attracting converts has been based upon its success in military conquests. At times throughout history, a leader has arisen among Muslims who conquers vast amounts of territory, apparently favored by Allah. I discuss in my essay how Muslims seek to avenge their loss to the Christians at Lepanto, which marked the turning point against the growth of the Ottoman Turkish Empire, which they consider the last battle of the Crusades. In seeking vengeance, they look for any Muslim leader who demonstrates military prowess, which makes militants like Osama bin Laden appealing to so many Muslims, albeit a minority within Islam, and why it was critical to defeat Saddam Hussein, who portrayed himself as such a leader.

Indeed, there are parallels between Lepanto and the Liberation of Iraq. At Lepanto, a coalition of the willing launched a preemptive attack against militant Muslims who had been committing aggression. In both cases, the French refused to participate in the coalition. In short, the lesson of Lepanto is relevant today.

Chesterton's poem about the Battle of Lepanto is considered by literary critcis to be a masterpiece. The book of the same name that reprints the poem is annotated and includes a number of other explanatory essays besides mine which give the proper historical context and describe the account of the battle. Lepanto also includes two other relevant essays by Chesterton.

Coincidentally, I learned today that the total sales for the book have reached 7,500! Thank you for your support.