G. K. Chesterton

G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) has been called the "prince of paradox," writing in an off-hand, whimsical prose studded with startling formulations. For example: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it." His prolific and diverse writings include journalism, philosophy, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy, and detective fiction. Chesterton's works were highly influential in the conversion and apologetic writings of C. S. Lewis.

Chesterton is admired and quoted by both liberals and conservatives, and indeed by many non-Christians. He routinely referred to himself as an "orthodox Christian," and came to identify such a position with Catholicism more and more, eventually converting to the Church of Rome.

Chesterton loved to debate, often engaging in friendly public disputes with such men as George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, Bertrand Russell and Clarence Darrow. Chesterton wrote about 80 books, several hundred poems, some 200 short stories, 4,000 essays, and several plays. He was a literary and social critic, historian, playwright, novelist, theologian and apologist, debater, and mystery writer.

His best-known character is the priest-detective Father Brown, who appeared only in short stories, while The Man Who Was Thursday is arguably his best-known novel. He was a convinced Christian long before he was received into the Catholic church, and Christian themes and symbolism appear in much of his writing.

Chesterton's writings consistently displayed wit and a sense of humour. He employed paradox, while making serious comments on the world, government, politics, economics, philosophy, theology and many other topics. Much of Chesterton's work remains in print. —Abridged from Wikipedia

Heretics (2007)

What's Wrong with the World (2007)

Orthodoxy

Brave New Family: Men & Women, Children, Sex, Divorce, Marriage, & the Family (1990)

St. Francis of Assisi (1987)

Saint Thomas Aquinas: "The Dumb Ox"

Heretics, Orthodoxy, Blatchford Controversies (Collected Works: vol. 1)

The Well and the Shallows

G.K. Chesterton: Essential Writings (ed. by William Griffin)

Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton (2007)

Outline of Sanity (Collected Works: vol. 5, ed. by George Marlin, 1987)

Edited by Carson. G. K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense (by Dale Ahlquist) [TOP]

The Everlasting Man (2012 edition)