The Appetite of Earth
The Appetite of Earth is a collection of short stories by G.K. Chesterton. The book includes tales about the supernatural and the macabre, with themes ranging from murder to madness. Some of the stories are set in Victorian England while others take place in exotic locations around the world.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Essay, Philosophy, Humor · 1,308 words
First lines
I was walking the other day in a kitchen garden, which I find has somehow got attached to my premises, and I was wondering why I liked it. After a prolonged spiritual self-analysis I came to the conclusion that I like a kitchen garden because it contains things to eat. I do not mean that a kitchen garden is ugly; a kitchen garden is often very beautiful. The mixture of green and purple on some monstrous cabbage is much subtler and grander than the mere freakish and theatrical splashing of yellow and violet on a pansy. Few of the flowers merely meant for ornament are so ethereal as a potato. A kitchen garden is as beautiful as an orchard; but why is it that the word "orchard" sounds as beautiful as the word "flower-garden," and yet also sounds more satisfactory? I suggest again my extraordinarily dark and delicate discovery: that it contains things to eat.
What this Textopian page supports
The Appetite of Earth is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Philosophy, Humor, Nature Writing, Theology
- Length: 1,308 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Chorus by G. K. Chesterton
- A Sermon On Inns by G. K. Chesterton
- The Trees Of Pride by G. K. Chesterton
- Juventus Mundi by Charles Kingsley
- The Furrows by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective essay, exploring philosophical and aesthetic ideas through personal musings.
- Philosophy — The text delves into philosophical themes, such as the nature of reality and perception, using metaphorical language.
- Humor — The writing style includes whimsical and humorous observations, particularly in the metaphorical comparisons and imaginative scenarios.
- Nature Writing — The narrative includes detailed descriptions of natural elements, such as gardens and landscapes, reflecting on their beauty and significance.
Tags
philosophy · nature · humanity · existentialism · spirituality · environment · society · morality · imagination · culture · life · death