The Green Overcoat

by Hilaire Belloc, G.K. Chesterton (Illustrator)

Originally published in 1912. This wonderful book follows a story of Professor Higginson,a tall, thin, exceedingly shy and nervous psychologist on his journey when he comes across the magnificent green overcoat after good-byes at an agonised party... The green of it subdued, a warm and lovely green; its cloth sof and thick, pliable and smooth; the rich fur at the collar and cuffs was a promise of luxury lining. Now the Devil during all Professor Higginson's life had had trifling fun with him until that memorable moment.. The opportunity, as the reader will soon discover, was (from the devils point of view) remarkable and rare. More, far more, that the professors sterile soul was involved in the issue. The green overcoat appeared seductive, then violently alluring, next- and in a veru few seconds- irresistable. With rapidity worthy of a greater game, and to him most unusual, he whisked the garment from the chair, slipped in to the shadows and wriggled into it. The Devil saw to it that it fitted. The door shut upon the man as he went striding out in to the drenching storm....

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1912

About the author

Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc, French-born British writer, is considered a master of light English prose and also widely known for his droll verse, especially The Bad Child's Book of Beasts in 1896.

The sharp wit of Belloc, an historian, poet, and orator, extended across a large literary output and strong political and religious convictions. Throughout his career, he prolifically wrote across a range of genres and produced histories, essays, travelogues, poetry, and satirical works.

Cautionary Tales for Children collects humorous yet dark morals, and the historical works of Hilaire Belloc often reflected his staunch Catholicism and critique of Protestant interpretations. He led advocates of an economic theory that promoted and championed distribution of small-scale property ownership as a middle ground between capitalism and socialism, alongside Gilbert Keith Chesterton, his close friend.

In politics, Hilaire Belloc served as a member of Parliament for the Liberal party, but the establishment disillusioned him. His polemical style and strong opinions made him a controversial figure, who particularly viewed modernism, secularism, and financial capitalism as threats to traditional Christian society in his critiques.

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really delightful and extremely funny. This was an unexpected take on one of my guilty pleasure genres - mystery thrillers from the early 1900s. When Professor Higgenson's overcoat is missing from the cloak room as he's going to leave a party on a cold rainy night, he gives into (literal) temptation and takes a luxurious green overcoat. This leads to his undoing as he is kidnapped by mistake instead of the owner. Adventures ensue. No wonder Belloc was called a genius.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts promisingly with a strange dedication to Maurice Baring mainly concerning the similarities and dissimilarities of elephants and overcoats (“the elephant does not eat meat, or bite; nor does an overcoat”) - but goes downhill after that.

Belloc writes heavy-handed, Edwardian comic prose with plenty of exclamation marks! in pursuit of an overlong case of mistaken identity. Wit and originality are deficient, but a good supply of stereotypes are at hand, from an otherworldly professor and a stolid businessman called Brassington to a low-life Fagin “muttering in a tongue that is not ours” and a what’s-all-this copper turning a blind eye for half a sovereign from a toff. The humour tends towards the slapstick.

Apart from a few Cautionary Tales, I have not read Belloc before. After The Green Overcoat, I doubt I shall again.

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amusing, enjoyable novel. Be sure to read the dedication of the book.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times it has a certain Wodehousian charm in its tone, but often with a nagging sense that ultra-Catholic (and occasionally anti-Semitic) views are driving it. I would liken it to what I imagine you'd feel if you had G. K. Chesterton leaning over your shoulder and breathing down your neck.

[Translator Monkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others before me have stated, strong beginning, middling middle, and so-so wrap-up. My first Belloc. Meh.

[Mark Rabideau · Rating 1 out of 5]

ghastly

[Matthew Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not amazing, but also pretty good. I first heard of Belloc via Edward Gorey, and also Lemony Snicket owes a lot to his writing. The story's not so exciting, but a few paragraphs are funny enough to make it worth reading.