The Ball and the Cross

"The Ball and the Cross" by G. K. Chesterton is a novel that combines elements of fantasy, farce, and theology. The story revolves around two characters: Evan MacIan, a devout Roman Catholic Scottish Highlander, and James Turnbull, a naive atheist Scottish Lowlander. Their paths cross when MacIan, outraged by a blasphemous poster, smashes the window of Turnbull's atheist journal office. This unexpected encounter leads to a duel to the death, which fills Turnbull with excitement as he finally finds someone who takes his atheistic views seriously. The rest of the story follows the two enemies as they embark on a series of comical adventures, searching for a suitable place to settle their dispute.