Best Selling Books by Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton has become a classic of Christian apologetics. In the book''s preface Chesterton states the purpose is to "attempt an explanation, not of whether the Christian faith can be believed, but of how he personally has come to believe it." In it, Chesterton presents an original view of Christian religion. He sees it as the answer to natural human needs, the "answer to a riddle" in his own words, and not simply as an arbitrary truth received from somewhere outside the boundaries of human experience. Aeterna Press

G. K. Chesterton is well known as a novelist, essayist, storyteller, poet, philosopher, theologian, historian, artist, and critic. He''s less well-known as a journalist these days, yet all evidence indicates that he viewed his work for the various newspapers as his primary raison-de-etre. Therefore anyone interested in exploring the works of this colossal genius should include a sampling of his newspaper columns along with all of his other brilliant books.

In "The Man Who Knew Too Much," G.K. Chesterton crafts a compelling collection of short stories that intertwines mystery, philosophy, and social commentary. The book features the adventurous detective work of Horne Fisher, a character whose acumen transcends mere crime-solving as he grapples with moral complexities and the enigmatic nature of truth. Chesterton employs a distinctive narrative style characterized by wit, paradox, and rich imagery, which reflects the intricacies of Edwardian society and its psychological undercurrents. The stories push the boundaries of the detective genre, inviting readers to ponder the deeper implications of knowledge and ignorance, making it both a thrilling and intellectually stimulating read. A prolific writer known for his defense of faith and critique of modernity, Gilbert Keith Chesterton was profoundly influenced by his surroundings and the philosophical debates of his time. His background as a journalist and essayist dedicated to exploring social justice shines through in this work, where Fisher often finds himself navigating moral dilemmas indicative of early 20th-century anxieties. Chesterton''s own explorations of spirituality and human nature are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative. "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is highly recommended for readers seeking to engage with a layered narrative that challenges conventional notions of justice and morality. Chesterton''s ability to intertwine thrilling detective elements with profound philosophical inquiries offers a unique reading experience that resonates well beyond the genre, making it an essential addition to any literary collection.

A history of humanity, Christ, and Christianity, this 1925 polemic famously converted C. S. Lewis from atheism. Chesterton''s view of Christianity&- as a rare blend of philosophy and mythology, satisfying to both intellect and spirit&- applies to his brilliant book, which appeals to readers'' heads as well as their hearts.

Father Brown is a fictional detective created by G. K. Chesterton. To be exact, he is called Father J. Brown, though we are never told what the initial stands for, and is originally presented as the parish priest of Cobhole in Essex, though he is found in parishes as far afield as Italy and South America. In appearance he is undistinguished, small and dumpy, short-sighted and not particularly intelligent; dressed in shabby clerical black, and carrying an umbrella as dumpy and shabby as himself.The Father Brown mysteries generally appeared first as independent short stories in various magazines; (most of) the stories were eventually collected in a series of five books:The Innocence of Father Brown (1911)The Wisdom of Father Brown (1914)The Incredulity of Father Brown (1926)The Secret of Father Brown (1927), andThe Scandal of Father Brown (1935).Three stories, "The Donnington Affair" (1914) (GKC writing the solution of a mystery set up by Max Pemberton), "The Vampire of the Village" (1936), and "The Mask of Midas" (1936), were published separately, though the second of these was later included in editions of Scandal.

In the deftly penned ''A Miscellany of Men,'' G.K. Chesterton offers a compilation of essays that broach an eclectic array of human archetypes through the kaleidoscopic lens of early 20th-century European discourse. Characterized by Chesterton''s trademark wit, clarity, and moral vigor, the work unfurls as a series of literary vignettes, each a contemplative portrait capturing the dynamics of societal roles and the philosophical underpinnings of the age. The book''s trenchant analyses of literature, philosophy, history, and social criticism are delivered in Chesterton''s inimitably pithy style, which resonates with the era''s literary zeitgeist and illuminates the zeitgeist itself, marking it as a beacon of timeless intellectual and aesthetic relevance. As the author navigates through topics that are remarkably prescient, his acute perception of the human condition and the socio-religious influences of the time converges to create a mosaic that is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Gilbert Keith Chesterton, an eminent figure in the canons of literature and criticism, was persistently preoccupied with the social, religious, and moral conundrums of his era. With a keenly observant eye and a profound understanding of the Christian ethos, Chesterton''s work was propelled by a desire to reconcile the contradictions that besieged modern man. ''A Miscellany of Men'' serves not only as a platform for Chesterton''s incisive commentary on the foibles and virtues of his contemporary world but also as an echo of the personal convictions he espoused. The fidelity with which Chesterton articulates his observations speaks volumes about an intellect deeply entrenched in the struggles and the aspirations of the human spirit, lending his essays an air of authenticity and empathy that is palpable. The scholarly and contemplative reader will find ''A Miscellany of Men'' to be a rare gem—a volume that entertains as much as it edifies. It stands as a testament to Chesterton''s inimitable ability to cut through the superficiality of society and examine the human soul with a clarity that is both unsettling and refreshing. Recommended for aficionados of thought-provoking literature, students of philosophy and history, and anyone seeking a richer understanding of the early 20th century, this book promises to be a source of inspiration and a beacon of insight for generations to come.

Edited by Fr. James V. Schall, S.J. This next volume in Chesterton''s series of collected works contains four of his books and four shorter "English" essays. Three of the books are accounts of his travels, two to Ireland and one to Palestine via Egypt. The fourth book is Chesteron''s own effort to explain English history to Englishmen as well as to other interested parties, particularly the Irish. All of these books date from about 1920, except Christendom in Ireland, which concerns the 1932 Dublin Eucharistic Congress, which Chesterton attended.

The Wild Knight and other poems by G. K. Chesterton. Over 50 of Chesterton''s poems, plus the poem and play "The Wild Knight." Gilbert Keith Chesterton (29 May 1874 - 14 June 1936) better known as G.K. Chesterton, was an English writer, lay theologian, poet, philosopher, dramatist, journalist, orator, literary and art critic, biographer, and Christian apologist. Chesterton is often referred to as the "prince of paradox." Time magazine, in a review of a biography of Chesterton, observed of his writing style: "Whenever possible Chesterton made his points with popular sayings, proverbs, allegories-first carefully turning them inside out." Chesterton is well known for his fictional priest-detective Father Brown, and for his reasoned apologetics. Even some of those who disagree with him have recognized the universal appeal of such works as Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man. Chesterton, as a political thinker, cast aspersions on both Progressivism and Conservatism, 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."[6] Chesterton routinely referred to himself as an "orthodox" Christian, and came to identify this position more and more with Catholicism, eventually converting to Roman Catholicism from High Church Anglicanism. George Bernard Shaw, Chesterton''s "friendly enemy" according to Time, said of him, "He was a man of colossal genius." Biographers have identified him as a successor to such Victorian authors as Matthew Arnold, Thomas Carlyle, John Henry Cardinal Newman, and John Ruskin.

The Innocence of Father Brown is a classic mystery collection by G.K. Chesterton and an exciting compilation of twelve mystery classics featuring the amatuer detective, Father Brown, the short, stumpy Catholic priest with "uncanny insight into human evil."Contents: The blue cross -- The secret garden -- The queer feet -- The flying stars -- The invisible man -- The honour of Israel Gow -- The wrong shape -- The sins of Prince Saradine -- The hammer of God -- The eye of Apollo -- The sign of the broken sword -- The three tools of death.Father Brown is a fictional Roman Catholic priest and amateur detective who is featured in 53 short stories published between 1910 and 1936 written by English novelist G. K. Chesterton. Father Brown solves mysteries and crimes using his intuition and keen understanding of human nature.

In "The Flying Inn," G. K. Chesterton constructs an imaginative narrative brimming with his characteristic wit and philosophical discourse. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized England grappling with the conflicts of modernity and tradition, the novel follows the escapades of an innkeeper and his friend as they embark on a quest to defend English culture from the absurdities of a totalitarian regime intent on banning alcohol. Chesterton''s vivid prose and richly drawn characters serve as a canvas for his exploration of themes such as liberty, loyalty, and the intertwining of faith and reason, all through a lens of fantasy that reflects the socio-political climate of the early 20th century. Chesterton, a celebrated British author, philosopher, and journalist, was renowned for his sharp insights into contemporary society and moral philosophy. His deep-rooted Christian beliefs and skepticism towards progressivism are manifest in his works, including "The Flying Inn," where he critiques the encroachment of bureaucratic control on personal freedoms. His life experiences, characterized by a keen understanding of the complexities of society, influenced his creation of narratives that combine both lighthearted adventure and serious moral inquiry. For readers seeking a thought-provoking yet entertaining exploration of societal values, "The Flying Inn" is a timeless piece that captures the essence of Chesterton''s literary genius. It invites reflection on the past and present, encouraging readers to ponder the balance between tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing world. This novel is not only a delightful read but also a thorough examination of human liberty and cultural identity.

A comical futurist fantasy, first published in 1904, about a tradition-loving suburban London community of the 1980s at war with its modernizing neighbors. Chesterton''s splendid storytelling gifts and his sympathies for the plight of small nations trying to remain independent are strongly in evidence. 7 illustrations by W. Graham Robertson. New Introduction by Martin Gardner.

The Ball and the Cross is a novel by G. K. Chesterton. The title refers to a more worldly and rationalist worldview, represented by a ball or sphere, and the cross representing Christianity. The first chapters of the book were serialized from 1905 to 1906 with the completed work published in 1909. The novel''s beginning involves debates about rationalism and religion between a Professor Lucifer and a monk named Michael. A part of this section was quoted in Pope John Paul I''s Illustrissimi letter to G. K. Chesterton. Much of the rest of the book concerns the dueling, figurative and somewhat more literal, of a Jacobite Catholic named Maclan and an atheist Socialist named Turnbull

Further detective adventures of an English priest.

The Man Who Knew Too Much and other stories (1922) is a book of detective stories by English writer G. K. Chesterton, published in 1922 by Cassell and Company in the United Kingdom, and Harper Brothers in the United States.[1][2][3][4] The book contains eight connected short stories about "The Man Who Knew Too Much", and additional unconnected stories featuring separate heroes/detectives. The United States edition contained one of these additional stories: "The Trees of Pride", while the United Kingdom edition contained "Trees of Pride" and three more, shorter stories: "The Garden of Smoke", "The Five of Swords" and "The Tower of Treason".

Listed in C̀rime and mystery : the 100 best books". First pub. in 1911. The unassuming East Anglia priest solving crime by the intuitive method.

A biography of St. Francis of Assisi that highlights his contradictions, showing his affinity for animals and his love for nature, art, and the world of the senses alongside his vow of chastity, life of poverty, and devotion to the Church.

So it was, certainly, with the Bastille. The destruction of the Bastille was not a reform; it was something more important than a reform. It was an iconoclasm; it was the breaking of a stone image. The people saw the building like a giant looking at them with a score of eyes, and they struck at it as at a carved fact. For of all the shapes in which that immense illusion called materialism can terrify the soul, perhaps the most oppressive are big buildings. Man feels like a fly, an accident, in the thing he has himself made. It requires a violent effort of the spirit to remember that man made this confounding thing and man could unmake it.

Obra escrita en defensa del catolicismo, que no elude la discusi n ni el debate de ciertas actitudes eclesi sticas que el propio Chesterton consider dignas de esclarecimiento. En sus p ginas se encontrar n el proverbial humor y agudeza del ingl s, aplicado a cuestiones que Para muchos son poco menos que intocables.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (29 May 1874 - 14 June 1936) was one of the most influential English writers of the 20th century. His prolific and diverse output included journalism, philosophy, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy and detective fiction. Chesterton has been called the "prince of paradox." Time magazine, in a review of a biography of Chesterton, observed of his writing style: "Whenever possible Chesterton made his points with popular sayings, proverbs, allegories--first carefully turning them inside out." For example, Chesterton wrote the following: Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it. Chesterton is well known for his reasoned apologetics and even those who disagree with him have recognized the universal appeal of such works as Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man. Chesterton, as political thinker, cast aspersions on both Liberalism and Conservatism, 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. Chesterton routinely referred to himself as an "orthodox" Christian, and came to identify such a position with Catholicism more and more, eventually converting to Roman Catholicism. George Bernard Shaw, Chesterton''s "friendly enemy" according to Time, said of him, "He was a man of colossal genius".