Gilbert Keith Chesterton (May 29, 1874–June 14, 1936) was an influential English writer of the early 20th century. His prolific and diverse output included journalism, philosophy, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy, and detective fiction.
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Easton Press G.K. Chesterton books
The Innocence of Father Brown - Reader's Choice Edition
Franklin Library G.K. Chesterton books
The Innocence of Father Brown - Library of Mystery Masterpieces - 1989
Chesterton has been called the "prince of paradox." He wrote 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." He is one of the few Christian thinkers who are equally admired and quoted by both liberal and conservative Christians, and indeed by many non-Christians. Chesterton's own theological and political views were far too nuanced to fit comfortably under the "liberal" or "conservative" banner. And in his own words he cast aspersions on the labels saying, "The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected." He routinely referred to himself as an "orthodox Christian," and came to identify such a position with Roman Catholicism more and more, eventually converting to the Church of Rome.
G.K. Chesterton biography
Born in Campden Hill in Kensington in London, Chesterton was educated at St Paul's School. He attended the Slade School of Art in order to become an illustrator and also took literature classes at University College London but did not complete a degree at either. In 1896 Chesterton began working for the London publisher Redway, and T. Fisher Unwin, where he remained until 1902. During this period he also undertook his first journalistic work as a freelance art and literary critic. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. In 1902 he was given a weekly opinion column in the Daily News, followed in 1905 by a weekly column in The Illustrated London News, for which he would continue to write for the next thirty years.
According to Chesterton, as a young man he became fascinated with the occult and, along with his brother Cecil, experimented with Ouija boards. However, as he grew older, he became an increasingly orthodox Christian, culminating in his conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1922.
Chesterton was a large man, standing 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and weighing around 21 stone (134 kg or 294 lb). His girth gave rise to a famous anecdote. During World War I a lady in London asked why he wasn't 'out at the Front'; he replied, 'If you go round to the side, you will see that I am.' On another occasion he remarked to his friend George Bernard Shaw, 'To look at you, anyone would think there was a famine in England.' Shaw retorted, 'To look at you, anyone would think you caused it.'
He usually wore a cape and a crumpled hat, with a swordstick in hand, and had a cigar hanging out of his mouth. Chesterton often forgot where he was supposed to be going and would miss the train that was supposed to take him there. It is reported that on several occasions he sent a telegram to his wife from some distant (and incorrect) location, writing such things as "Am at Market Harborough. Where ought I to be?" to which she would reply, "Home."
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. According to his autobiography, he and Shaw played cowboys in a silent movie that was never released.
Chesterton died on 14 June 1936, at his home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. The homily at Chesterton's Requiem Mass in Westminster Cathedral, London, was delivered by Ronald Knox. He is buried in Beaconsfield in the Catholic Cemetery. Chesterton's estate was probated at 28,389 pounds sterling, approximately equivalent to USD 2.6 million in modern terms.
The Innocence of Father Brown
Chesterton portrays Father Brown as a short, stumpy Roman Catholic priest, with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and an uncanny insight into human evil. "How in Tartarus," cried Flambeau, "did you ever hear of the spiked bracelet?" - "Oh, one's little flock, you know!" said Father Brown, arching his eyebrows rather blankly. "When I was a curate in Hartlepool, there were three of them with spiked bracelets."
Not long after he published Orthodoxy, G. K. Chesterton moved from London to Beaconsfield, and met Father O'Connor. O'Connor had a shrewd insight to the darker side of man's nature and a mild appearance to go with it and together those came together to become Chesterton's unassuming Father Brown. Chesterton loved the character, and the magazines he wrote for loved the stories. The Innocence of Father Brown was the first collection of them, and it's a great lot of fun.
G.K. Chesterton poems
G.K.
Chesterton wrote numerous poems throughout his prolific literary
career. His poetry is known for its wit, humor, and often profound
reflections on various themes, including faith, society, and human
nature. The following are a few of his selected poems. The Donkey (1910)
A humorous poem that reflects on the role of the donkey in the nativity
story, questioning why the donkey is often overlooked despite its
significance. The Ballad of the White Horse (1911) A long narrative poem
that tells the story of King Alfred's defense of England against the
invading Danes. It is considered one of Chesterton's major poetic works.
The Man Who Was Thursday (1908) Although The Man Who Was Thursday is
more widely known as a novel, it also includes poetic elements. The poem
at the end of the book reflects on the surreal and philosophical themes
explored in the story. Lepanto (1911) A poem celebrating the victory of
the Holy League over the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Lepanto. It is
known for its martial and exuberant language. A Hymn (1906) A hymn
expressing Chesterton's gratitude and praise for the beauty of the world
and the divine Creator. The Rolling English Road (1913) A poem that
reflects on the changing nature of England and the impact of progress on
the landscape. The Aristocrat (1910) A poem that explores the contrast
between the idealized view of an aristocrat and the harsh realities of
life. The Mirror of Madmen (1913) A poem that delves into the theme of
madness and the challenges of perceiving reality.
Chesterton's
poetry often carries a unique blend of whimsy and profundity. His
exploration of themes, coupled with his distinctive use of language, has
made his poems enduring and appreciated by readers with diverse
interests.
Chesterton
was a contemporary and friend of other literary figures like Hilaire
Belloc and George Bernard Shaw. His debates and discussions with Shaw,
known as the "Shavian-Chestertonian" debates, were famous for their wit
and intellectual depth. Beyond his literary contributions, Chesterton
was a prolific journalist, contributing to various newspapers and
magazines. His columns covered a wide range of topics, from social
issues to literature and politics. His ability to express profound ideas
in a readable and accessible manner made him a beloved and influential
figure. G.K. Chesterton passed away on June 14, 1936, leaving behind a
legacy of literature that continues to be celebrated for its insight,
humor, and timeless relevance. His influence extends beyond the realm of
literature, as his ideas and perspectives have left a lasting impact on
the fields of theology, philosophy, and cultural commentary.
Source and additional information: G.K. Chesterton