Other Fiction Chesterton, G K: The Flying Inn, v1, 1 November 2009.

[Patricia]

G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936)
The Flying Inn (1914)

First published in 1914, this surreal comic novel is set in the near future. The themes that Chesterton satirizes are still likely to touch a nerve today. He envisages an England where the upper classes have converted to Islam, and are attempting to ban the consumption of alcohol. The lead characters set up a peripatetic public house and exploit various legal loopholes in order to get a drink.
There is a particularly delightful excoriation of cocoa; discussions on the merits of cannabis, criticism of Islamic extremists, corrupt politicians, journalists, vegetarians and exponents of “Higher Thought” (i.e. new-age weirdoes). This means that it is surprisingly topical in places.

This work is in the Canadian public domain OR the copyright holder has given specific permission for distribution. It may still be under copyright in some countries. If you live outside Canada, check your country's copyright laws. If the book is under copyright in your country, do not download or redistribute this work.

To report a copyright violation you can contact us here.