Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

G. K. Chesterton

    May 29, 1874 – June 14, 1936

    Gilbert Keith Chesterton was an immensely prolific author, equally at ease with literary and social criticism, history, politics, economics, philosophy, and theology. Despite authoring hundreds of works across various genres, including novels, poetry, and detective stories, he primarily considered himself a journalist. His extensive journalistic essays, appearing in newspapers for decades, shaped his distinctive voice. Chesterton's approach to writing was remarkably broad, encompassing a wide spectrum of intellectual pursuits.

    G. K. Chesterton
    The Defendant
    What I Saw in America
    Chesterton on Shakespeare
    Tremendous Trifles
    In Defense of Sanity
    Orthodoxy
    • Orthodoxy

      • 117 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      "It is the purpose of the writer to attempt an explanation, not of whether the Christian Faith can be believed, but of how he personally has come to believe it." G.K. Chesterton ; Preface to Orthodoxy Orthodoxy (1908) is a book by G. K. Chesterton that has become a classic of Christian apologetics. Chesterton considered this book a companion to his other work, Heretics. 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. "If you've got an afternoon, read his masterpiece of Christian apologetics ... Thomas Aquinas meets Eddie Van Halen." -James Parker ; The Atlantic

      Orthodoxy
      4.5
    • In Defense of Sanity

      The Best Essays of G.K. Chesterton

      • 405 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      G.K. Chesterton was a master essayist. But reading his essays is not just an exercise in studying a literary form at its finest, it is an encounter with timeless truths that jump off the page as fresh and powerful as the day they were written. The only problem with Chesterton's essays is that there are too many of them. Over five thousand! For most GKC readers it is not even possible to know where to start or how to begin to approach them. So three of the world's leading authorities on Chesterton - Dale Ahlquist, Joseph Pearce, Aidan Mackey - have joined together to select the "best" Chesterton essays, a collection that will be appreciated by both the newcomer and the seasoned student of this great 20th century man of letters. The variety of topics are astounding: barbarians, architects, mystics, ghosts, fireworks, rain, juries, gargoyles and much more. Plus a look at Shakespeare, Dickens, Jane Austen, George MacDonald, T.S. Eliot, and the Bible. All in that inimitable, formidable but always quotable style of GKC. Even more astounding than the variety is the continuity of Chesterton's thought that ties everything together. A veritable feast for the mind and heart. While some of the essays in this volume may be familiar, many of them are collected here for the first time, making their first appearance in over a century.

      In Defense of Sanity
      4.5
    • Tremendous Trifles

      • 150 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      The thirty-nine short essays that make up Chesterton's delightful book are the result of "sitting still and letting marvels and adventures settle on him like flies." Actually, the author does move around quite a bit-to Germany, France, and on foot in England when he tires of waiting for a train. Everywhere he goes, Chesterton looks at ordinary things and asks us to see how extraordinary they are: the contents of his pockets, the items in a railway station, pedestrians in the street. What appear to be trifles are actually tremendous, and he uses them as a springboard to expound on Christianity, the nuclear family, democracy, and the like with supreme clarity and wit. The essays gathered here are a testament to G.K. Chesterton's faith-not his faith in religion or a higher power, but in the ability to discover something wonderful in the objects, the experiences, and the people that cross our paths every single day. With his unique brand of humor and insight, he demonstrates how the commonplace adds enormous value to the landscape of daily life. Full of both good sense and nonsense, Chesterton's commentaries-first published nearly a century ago-remain fresh today.

      Tremendous Trifles
      4.5
    • Chesterton on Shakespeare

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Chesterton took a keen interest in the English literary tradition, particularly the works of England's greatest playwright, William Shakespeare. In this original collection, Chesterton expert Dale Ahlquist collects the best of the noted author and critic's short essays, reviews, and introductions on The Bard and provides a new Introduction.

      Chesterton on Shakespeare
      5.0
    • What I Saw in America

      • 242 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      G.K. Chesterton's journey through the United States unfolds with keen observations and sharp wit, providing a thought-provoking commentary on American culture, politics, and society. His insightful and humorous perspective invites readers to experience America in a unique light, blending personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the nation's character.

      What I Saw in America
      5.0
    • The Defendant

      • 54 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Exploring the undervaluation of ordinary life, this work critiques the dismissal of popular literature as "vulgar." It argues that while such literature may lack literary sophistication, it serves as a vital expression of collective imagination. The text contrasts past attitudes of the educated class, who ignored popular works, with the significance these narratives hold for millions. By highlighting this neglect, the author invites readers to reconsider the worth and impact of everyday stories in shaping cultural identity and imagination.

      The Defendant
      4.5
    • Saint Francis of Assisi

      • 162 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Francis of Assisi is, after Mary of Nazareth, the greatest saint in the Christian calendar, and one of the most influential men in the whole of human history. By universal acclaim, this biography by G. K. Chesterton is considered the best appreciation of Francis's life--the one that gets to the heart of the matter. For Chesterton, Francis is a great paradoxical figure, a man who loved women but vowed himself to chastity; an artist who loved the pleasures of the natural world as few have loved them, but vowed himself to the most austere poverty, stripping himself naked in the public square so all could see that he had renounced his worldly goods; a clown who stood on his head in order to see the world aright. Chesterton gives us Francis in his world-the riotously colorful world of the High Middle Ages, a world with more pageantry and romance than we have seen before or since. Here is the Francis who tried to end the Crusades by talking to the Saracens, and who interceded with the emperor on behalf of the birds. Here is the Francis who inspired a revolution in art that began with Giotto and a revolution in poetry that began with Dante. Here is the Francis who prayed and danced with pagan abandon, who talked to animals, who invented the creche.

      Saint Francis of Assisi
      4.4
    • The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 32

      The Illustrated London News, 1920-1922

      • 700 pages
      • 25 hours of reading

      Some of the topics of these 130 columns written for The Illustrated London News include "The Fashion of Psychoanalysts", "Doubts about Darwinism", "Liberty and Self Government", "Errors About Detective Stories", "The Settling of America", "Popular Literature and Popular Science", "Marxism and History", "The Threat of Novelty", "The Infinite Variety of Woman", "The Soul of the Modern Peasant", "Gilbert and the Jingoists", "Socialist Order and Democracy". Chesterton lovers will be delighted to find this treasure filled with jewels quite the match of his best writing.

      The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 32
      4.6
    • The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 31

      The Illustrated London News, 1917-1919

      • 700 pages
      • 25 hours of reading

      Some of the topics of the 130 columns in the volume include "The Poetry of Commonplace Things", "The Rhetoric of Pacifism", "Socialism and Individualism", "The Morality of Melodrama", "Despotism and Democracies", "The Rails of Reality", "Patriotism Become True", "Facts versus False History", "The Fury of America", "Relativity against Reason" and "Controlling the Common Man".Most of the weekly articles Chesterton wrote for The Illustrated London News have never been printed in book form until Ignatius Press undertook to do the collected works. These volumes contain all of Chesterton's columns in The Illustrated London News , beginning in 1905. The great majority have never appeared in book form. Chesterton lovers will be delighted to find this treasure filled with jewels quite the match of his best writing.

      The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 31
      5.0
    • The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 29

      The Illustrated London News, 1911-1913

      • 617 pages
      • 22 hours of reading

      Volumes XXVII through XXXVII of The Collected Works Of G. K. Chesterton are collected columns from The Illustrated London News. Thesevolumes contain all of Chesterton s weekly columns beginning in1905. Volume XXIX contains 1911-1913. Though written for his very popular newspaper column almost one hundredyears ago, Chesterton s timeless wisdom is just as relevant today as itwas then.Volume XXIX FashionableSuffragettes and the Truly Feminine, Bad Sentences and Bad Theology,Capitalism and Marriage, The Failure of Words in Our Time, OnGlorifying Divorce, The Modern Anti-Democracy, Modern Womanhood, TooMuch Vox Populi?, The Curse of Labels, The Broadening Down ofDemocracy, Science in America, The Causes of War, On BeingOld-Fashioned, and The Right to Denounce Things. G. K. Chesterton Columns from Illustrated London News, 1911-1913 600 pages, paperback Ignatius Press 9780898701722

      The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 29
      4.4
    • Volumes 27 through 37 are collected columns from The Illustrated London News. Most of the weekly articles Chesterton wrote for The Illustrated London News have never been printed in book form until Ignatius Press undertook to do the collected works. These volumes contain all of Chesterton's columns in The Illustrated London News, beginning in 1905. The great majority have never appeared in book form. Chesterton lovers will be delighted to find this treasure filled with jewels quite the match of his best writing.

      The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton - 27: The Illustrated London News, 1905-1907
      4.4
    • The narrative centers on John Jasper, a choirmaster battling opium addiction, accused of murdering his nephew, Edwin Drood, who has vanished without a trace. Jasper's tumultuous emotions are further complicated by his love for Rosa Bud, engaged to Edwin, and the arrival of twins Neville and Helena Landless, who add tension to the story. As the trial progresses, a mysterious figure, Dick Datchery, emerges to challenge the evidence against Jasper. Themes of love, jealousy, and justice permeate this intricate tale of suspense and moral ambiguity.

      The Trial Of John Jasper For The Murder Of Edwin Drood
      5.0
    • The three great apologies of G.K. Chesterton—Heretics, Orthodoxy, and The Everlasting Man—are collected in one volume, showcasing his significant influence on modern Christian apologetics and beyond. His writings have shaped the thoughts of diverse authors like C.S. Lewis, Marshall McLuhan, and Jorge Luis Borges, marking him as a vital presence in contemporary Catholic thought. Ronald Knox noted that Chesterton's influence is so pervasive that it often goes unrecognized. C.S. Lewis, reflecting on his own journey, acknowledged that reading Chesterton posed a challenge to his atheism. In an era dominated by materialism and emerging political theories, Chesterton's voice advocated for a return to fundamental Christian doctrines, emphasizing their enduring purpose amidst societal chaos. He illustrated the need for thoughtful reform, warning against hasty destruction of established beliefs. In his three major works, Chesterton critiques modern beliefs, defends Christian values, and narrates the remarkable story of Christianity. Known as the "prince of paradox," he engaged in spirited debates with contemporary thinkers and produced a wealth of writings, including biographies and fiction. Despite his personal indulgences, his genuine goodness and common sense drew many toward the Church, leading to ongoing discussions of his potential Beatification.

      Chesterton Apologetics Set - Heretics, Orthodoxy, and The Everlasting Man
      4.3
    • Heretics and Orthodoxy

      • 326 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      Two of G. K. Chesterton's most important and well-known works are contained in this volume: Heretics, and Orthodoxy. In Heretics, Chesterton addresses the intellectual movements of his time that he considered most prominent and destructive. Chesterton confronts relativism, individualism, neo-paganism, and other trends of the modern period, paying special attention to the artists and intellectual elite of his time. Orthodoxy, a classic that is part memoir, part apologetic. It exhibits Chesterton at his finest--a combination of literary wit, theological acumen, and pointed cultural critique. The two works complement each other perfectly, providing an accessible entry point to the battleground of truth and falsehood. Lexham Classics are beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be read.

      Heretics and Orthodoxy
      4.3
    • The Napoleon of Notting Hill

      • 129 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      A comical futurist fantasy, first published in 1904, about a tradition-loving suburban London community of the 1980's at war with its modernizing neighbors. 7 illustrations by W. Graham Robertson. New Introduction by Martin Gardner.

      The Napoleon of Notting Hill
      5.0
    • The Trees of Pride

      • 64 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Set in a quaint English village, the story delves into the legend of three ominous trees said to bring death to those who dare approach them. Through a captivating mystery, G.K. Chesterton examines the interplay between rationality and superstition, revealing how human folly and pride can shape beliefs. The novella intricately intertwines these themes, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions and explores the consequences of unchecked pride.

      The Trees of Pride
      4.5
    • The Ballad of the White Horse

      • 150 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of the conflict between Christianity and paganism, this epic poem vividly recounts the legendary adventures of King Alfred the Great and the pivotal battle of Ethandune. It explores timeless themes of power, courage, love, and faith, resonating with readers facing modern secular challenges. Drawing on the classical tradition of epic poetry, it delves into human values and moral choices, ensuring its status as a compelling and memorable work that has captivated generations. This edition features large print for enhanced readability.

      The Ballad of the White Horse
      4.4
    • All Things Considered

      • 140 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Known for his paradoxical style and wit, Chesterton was a prolific English writer and philosopher who created the beloved character Father Brown, a priest-detective. His works, including Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man, explore themes of faith and reason, appealing to a broad audience despite differing views. A self-identified "orthodox" Christian, Chesterton's journey led him to embrace Roman Catholicism, reflecting his deep engagement with theological questions and the complexities of belief.

      All Things Considered
      4.5
    • The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 30

      The Illustrated London News 1914-1916

      • 600 pages
      • 21 hours of reading

      More of the unpublished gems of Chesterton's column from the Illustrated London News . Many Chesterton buffs feel these include some of Chesterton's finest writings. Though written for his very popular newspaper column over 70 years ago, Chesterton's timeless wisdom is just as relevant today as it was then. Some of the topics of the 130 columns in this volume include "The Duties of a Citizen", "Being Too Serious About Animals", "Feminist Ideas About Women", "The Idols of Agnostics", "Pride The Supreme Evil", "The Dead Words of Pacifists", "False Mirror of Success", "Two Creeds in Collision", "My Country, Right or Wrong?", and "A Peace Worthy of War".

      The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 30
      4.0
    • Magic

      • 56 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Known for his paradoxical style, the English writer and philosopher was a master of turning proverbs and allegories on their heads to convey profound truths. He created the beloved character Father Brown, a priest-detective, and wrote influential works on apologetics, including Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man, which resonate widely even among critics. A self-identified "orthodox" Christian, he ultimately embraced Roman Catholicism, reflecting his deep theological insights and literary prowess.

      Magic
      4.0
    • A Miscellany of Men

      • 148 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Diving into diverse characters and thought-provoking essays, this collection showcases G.K. Chesterton's wit and wisdom. The book covers a range of topics, including politics and philosophy, offering timeless insights and profound observations on the complexities of human nature and society. Readers are captivated by Chesterton's unique perspective and engaging prose, making it a compelling exploration of the human experience.

      A Miscellany of Men
      4.0
    • Included here are some of the well-loved Father Brown detective stories, surely among the best in the genre, and a range of poetry, serious and light- hearted - Chesterton wrote some of the best nonsense and satirical verse in the language.

      The Everyman Chesterton
      4.3
    • Coloured Lands

      • 237 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Featuring the author's early work and previously unpublished material, this volume abounds in fairy stories, comic verse, and satirical ballads -- and best of all, Chesterton's distinctive color and black-and-white illustrations.

      Coloured Lands
      4.3
    • First published in 1911, The Innocence of Father Brown is the first of G. K. Chesterton's mystery anthologies featuring his eponymous Roman Catholic sleuth. There are twelve Father Brown mysteries in this collection: 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 and The Three Tools of Death.

      The Innocence of Father Brown
      4.3
    • Geoffrey Chaucer

      • 182 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Chesterton expounds the 'genius of Geoffrey Chaucer' in this literary biography which explores both the writer and his time. He claims that Chaucer and his Age were 'more sane, more normal and more cheerful than writers that came after him' and the characters he portrayed have an immediate contemporary relevance. Beautifully and sensitively written, this biography about the 'Father of English Poetry' will inform and inspire.

      Geoffrey Chaucer
      4.0
    • The Wild Knight and Other Poems

      • 90 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Known for his paradoxical writing style, the author was a multifaceted English writer and philosopher who created the beloved character Father Brown, a priest-detective. His works, including Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man, showcase his unique approach to apologetics and have garnered broad appeal, even among critics. Identifying as an "orthodox" Christian, he eventually converted to Roman Catholicism, reflecting his deep engagement with theological themes throughout his literary career.

      The Wild Knight and Other Poems
      4.2
    • The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 28

      The Illustrated London News, 1908-1910

      • 669 pages
      • 24 hours of reading

      This volume contains all of G.K. Chesterton's columns in The Illustrated London News from 1932 to 1934. Most of the weekly articles have never been printed in book form until Ignatius Press undertook to do the collected works. Chesterton lovers will be delighted to find this treasure filled with jewels quite the match of his best writing. The breadth and depth of his knowledge - from history to politics to English fads and conventions - never fail to impress, and his wit is as refreshing as when these pieces were first written.

      The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton Volume 28
      4.0
    • The Complete Father Brown Stories

      • 800 pages
      • 28 hours of reading

      Father Brown first made his appearance in The Innocence of Father Brown in 1911. This collection contains all of the Father Brown stories, showing thr quiet wit and compassion that has endeared him to many, whilst solving his mysteries by a mixture of imagination and a sympathetic worldliness in a totally believable manner.

      The Complete Father Brown Stories
      4.2
    • Manalive

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      "Manalive" follows Innocent Smith, a lively new tenant at Beacon House who revitalizes the boarding establishment with his playful spirit. However, his joy is disrupted when he faces serious charges. The tenants form the High Court of Beacon to investigate, revealing surprising truths about Smith's situation.

      Manalive
      4.0
    • The Everlasting Man

      • 116 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      A CLASSIC OF CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS The Everlasting Man is a Christian apologetics book written by G. K. Chesterton. Published in 1925, it is to some extent a deliberate rebuttal of H. G. Wells’ The Outline of History, disputing Wells' portrayals of human life and civilization as a seamless development from animal life and of Jesus Christ as merely another charismatic figure. Whereas Orthodoxy detailed Chesterton's own spiritual journey, in this book he tries to illustrate the spiritual journey of humanity, or at least of Western civilization.

      The Everlasting Man
      4.2
    • Poems for All Purposes

      • 223 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      A chronological collection of works by the 20th-century poet known for his humor & diversity. Includes entertainments, lyrics, hymns, political satires, & more, accompanied by commentary & Chesterton's own b&w illus.

      Poems for All Purposes
      3.9
    • Rare or hard-to-find detective stories, including T̀he man who shot the fox', which has never appeared before in book form.

      Seven Suspects
      4.1
    • A Christmas Carol 'Bah! Humbug!' Mr Scrooge is a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, miserable old man. Nobody stops him in the street to say a cheery hello; nobody would dare ask him for a favour. And I hope you'd never be so foolish as to wish him a 'Merry Christmas'! Scrooge doesn't believe in Christmas, charity, kindness - or ghosts. But one cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge receives some unusual visitors who show him just how very mistaken he's been... The Chimes The second of his series of Christmas books, Charles Dickens wrote The Chimes one year after A Christmas Carol. Tackling familiar themes of redemption, social injustice and family, it is a story of hope and contemplation and is a moving festive read well worth discovering.

      A Christmas Carol and The Chimes
      4.0
    • G.K. Chesterton's brilliant sketch of the life and thought of Thomas Aquinas is as relevant today as when it was published in 1933. Then it earned the praise of such distinguished writers as Etienne Gilson, Jacques Martain, and Anton Pegis as the best book ever written on the great thirteenth-century Dominican. Today Chesterton's classic stands poised to reveal Thomas to a new generation.Chesterton's Aquinas is a man of mystery. Born into a noble Neapolitan family, Thomas chose the life of a mendicant friar. Lumbering and shy -- his classmates dubbed him "the Dumb Ox" -- he led a revolution in Christian thought. Possessed of the rarest brilliance, he found the highest truth in the humblest object. Having spent his life amid the vast intricacies of reason, he asked on his deathbed to have read aloud the Song of Songs, the most passionate book in the Bible.As Albert the Great, Thomas's teacher, predicted, the Dumb Ox has bellowed down the ages to our own day. Chesterton's book will enlighten those who would consign Thomas to the obscurity of medieval times. It will confound those who would use Thomas to bolster arid schemes of Christian rationalism. Rather, it will introduce the wondrous mystery of the man who, after a life of unparalleled genius, was seized by a vision of the Unknown and said, "I can write no more. I have seen things which make all my writings like straw."

      Saint Thomas Aquinas
      4.1
    • Our Mutual Friend

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      zjednodušená anglická četba, vhodná při přípravě na zkoušku FCE jako doplňkový materiál ( úroveň B2 - Upper-Intermediate, slovní zásoba 2 200 slov) věk 16+ Popis: úroveň B2 podle Společného evropského referenčního rámce Macmillan Readers v této pokročilosti můžete číst asi po více než třech letech studia angličtiny. Většina titulů je balena…

      Our Mutual Friend
      4.1
    • Two Father Brown stories

      • 80 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Father Brown, the unassuming detective, stands among the most famous sleuths like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, yet he fundamentally differs from them. He is a specialist in the criminal's soul, understanding their passions, weaknesses, and tricks. For him, the logic of murder is primarily a tragic logic of motivation. He knows that especially in affluent societies, vices thrive, as this "class recognizes no authority, not even the law." The perfect crime does not exist; there is always a missing key detail in the picture. Deception and lies have their limitations; one just needs to know how to look. Chesterton viewed detective fiction as one of the highest artistic genres, as at the heart of crime lies the existential question of life's meaning. Perhaps this is why the stories of Father Brown are so captivating.

      Two Father Brown stories
      4.1
    • Classic Crime. 5 Book Gift Set

      The Tiger in the Smoke. The Moving Toyshop. The Franchise Affair. Death at the President’s Lodging. The Innocecne of Father Brown

      • 5 volumes

      This collection features five notable works of classic crime fiction, showcasing the talents of prominent authors in the genre. The stories delve into intricate plots, exploring themes of morality, justice, and the human psyche. Josephine Tey's "The Franchise Affair" presents a gripping narrative centered on a wrongful accusation of kidnapping, examining societal prejudices and the quest for truth. Michael Innes's "Hamlet, Revenge!" blends elements of Shakespearean drama with a modern mystery, as a detective navigates a web of intrigue surrounding a theatrical production. Margery Allingham's "The Crime at Black Dudley" introduces the character of Albert Campion, an amateur sleuth who uncovers a murder during a weekend gathering at a country estate, highlighting themes of deception and class dynamics. Edmund Crispin's "The Moving Toyshop" features the eccentric detective Gervase Fen, who investigates a puzzling crime that combines humor with intellectual challenge. Lastly, G. K. Chesterton's "The Innocence of Father Brown" introduces the titular priest-detective, whose keen insight into human nature allows him to solve various crimes, emphasizing themes of faith and morality. Each story offers a unique perspective on crime and detection, reflecting the diverse approaches within classic literature.

      Classic Crime. 5 Book Gift Set
      3.6
    • Featuring the iconic detective Father Brown, this omnibus collects 50 short stories by G. K. Chesterton, showcasing his talent for creating intricate mysteries and vivid settings. Each tale blends thought-provoking themes with engaging plots, inviting readers to unravel complex situations alongside the astute priest. This collection includes five volumes: The Innocence of Father Brown, The Wisdom of Father Brown, The Incredulity of Father Brown, The Secret of Father Brown, and The Scandal of Father Brown, making it a treasure for mystery enthusiasts.

      The Complete Father Brown - The Innocence of Father Brown, the Wisdom of Father Brown, the Incredulity of Father Brown, the Secret of Father Brown, th
      3.6
    • Poems

      • 72 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Renowned for his paradoxical style, Chesterton skillfully employed proverbs and allegories to convey profound insights. He is best known for creating Father Brown, a fictional priest-detective, and for his influential works on apologetics, including Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man. His journey of faith led him from high church Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism, reflecting his deep commitment to orthodox Christianity. Despite differing opinions, his writings resonate widely, showcasing his unique blend of wit, philosophy, and theological exploration.

      Poems
      4.1
    • Like much of G. K. Chesterton's fiction, "The Ball and the Cross" is both witty and profound, cloaking serious religious and philosophical inquiry in sparkling humor and whimsy. Serialized in the British publication "The Commonwealth" in 1905-06, Chesterton's second novel first appeared in book form in America in 1909, delighting and challenging readers with its heady mixture of fantasy, farce, and theology. The plot of "The Ball and the Cross "chronicles a hot dispute between two Scotsmen, one a devout but naive Roman Catholic, the other a zealous but naive atheist. Their fanatically held opinions--leading to a duel that is proposed but never fought--inspire a host of comic adventures whose allegorical levels vigorously explore the debate between theism and atheism. Martin Gardner's superb introduction to "The Ball and the Cross" reveals the real-life debate between Chesterton and a famous atheist that provided inspiration for the story, and it explores some of the novel's possible allegorical meanings. Appraising the book's many intriguing philosophical qualities, Mr. Gardner alerts readers as well to the pleasures of its "colorful style . . . amusing puns and clever paradoxes . . . and the humor and melodrama of its crazy plot." Unabridged Dover (1995) republication of the work originally published in 1909-1910. New Introduction by Martin Gardner.

      The ball and the cross
      4.1
    • The book explores the complex relationship between Russia and Prussia, questioning Russia's suitability as an ally for liberal and civilized powers. It delves into themes of self-defense, national identity, and the contrasting military traditions of the two nations, particularly focusing on the English sword versus the sabre used in significant battles like Sadowa and Sedan. The author critically examines the concept of civilization in the context of international alliances and the moral implications of such partnerships.

      The Appetite Of Tyranny Including Letters To An Old Garibaldian
      3.0
    • What's Wrong With the World

      • 208 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      "What's Wrong with the World" by G. K. Chesterton is written with a strong point of view and perspective for his time. Chesterton tells of the struggles and challenges of his time, but also considers how to improve them. In this title G. K. Chesterton writes on education, big business, feminism, and many other topics. This important book of essays is just as readable today as when it was first written and offers a remarkable perceptive analysis on social and moral issues. With hints of a humorous tone, he handles serious philosophy and his views on society. Chesterton was genius in foreseeing the dangers of taking on modernist proposals, and he knew that with lax moral standards there would follow a slue of other issues and eventually lead to the dehumanization of man.

      What's Wrong With the World
      4.1
    • The book is abridged with col. illus. The classic tale of an orphaned boy who has known nothing but misery.

      Oliver Twist
      4.1
    • Heretics

      • 146 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Though he was on the whole a fun loving and gregarious man, during adolescence Chesterton was troubled by thoughts of suicide. In Christianity he found answers to many of the dilemmas and paradoxes of life. Throughout Heretics he provides a very personal critique of contemporary religious notions. His consistently engaging but often wayward humour is mixed liberally with daring flights of fancy and some startling turns of thought. A highly original contribution to one of the major debates of the last century - one that continues to exercise leading thinkers in the present one.

      Heretics
      3.9
    • When the government cracks down on alcohol sales, two men decide to leave their small fishing village to avoid the law and find new opportunities. The Flying Inn is an irreverent satire that delivers a unique commentary on power and politics. Humphrey Pump, also known as "Hump," is a bar owner whose business is undercut by strict alcohol regulations. Adult beverages can only be sold when a pub sign in present. But instead of adhering to the rules, he hits the road with a sign and barrel of rum in tow. Pump is joined by Patrick Dalroy, an entertaining companion, who is just as committed to his wandering way of life. Despite their attempts to escape police, the rogue partners are eventually roped into a much larger plot. The Flying Inn is a daring piece of speculative fiction that uses satire to balance its more serious elements. Published in 1914, the story is greatly influence by the social and political concepts of its day. This gives readers insight into the many fears surrounding early twentieth century government. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Flying Inn is both modern and readable.

      The Flying Inn
      3.0
    • Wordsworth Classics: The Club of Queer Trades

      Complete and Unabridged

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Written by a master of the tongue in cheek, G.K. Chesterton's ingenious and, above all, paradoxical stories introduce Basil Grant, a sleuth so finely portrayed as to rival Sherlock Holmes. Eschewing facts for physiognomy, deduction for intuition, method for madness, he moves unerringly to his goal.

      Wordsworth Classics: The Club of Queer Trades
      4.0
    • Charles Dickens

      • 180 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      This Is A New Release Of The Original 1907 Edition.

      Charles Dickens
      3.9
    • Written with intelligence and authority, these twenty-three essays provide an insight into the works of the literary genius of Charles Dickens. Chesterton greatly admired Dickens as a social prophet and a defender of the common man. Here, he focuses both on the style and ideology of Dickens and provides the critical insight into his work with his characteristic perceptive generosity. Chesterton is still regarded by many as one of the most accomplished and perceptive critics of Dickens. As much about his strongly held beliefs as about Dickens this volume is sure to inform and give pleasure to advocates of both writers.

      Criticisms and Appreciations of the Works of Charles Dickens
      4.0
    • Utopia Of Usurers And Other Essays

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Focusing on political and economic themes, this collection showcases Sir G.K. Chesterton's incisive critique of the wealthy elite and their detrimental influence on society. Through a series of articles, he explores how a profit-driven mindset undermines essential human qualities, highlighting the impact on daily life. Chesterton's unique blend of humor and logical reasoning effectively conveys his political-economic philosophy, making this compilation a compelling reflection of his views during his time.

      Utopia Of Usurers And Other Essays
      2.5
    • A Short History of England

      • 118 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      It will be very reasonably asked why I should consent, though upon a sort of challenge, to write even a popular essay in English history, who make no pretence to particular scholarship and am merely a member of the public. The answer is that I know just enough to know one thing: that a history from the standpoint of a member of the public has not been written. What we call the popular histories should rather be called the anti-popular histories. They are all, nearly without exception, written against the people; and in them the populace is either ignored or elaborately proved to have been wrong. It is true that Green called his book "A Short History of the English People"; but he seems to have thought it too short for the people to be properly mentioned. For instance, he calls one very large part of his story "Puritan England." But England never was Puritan. It would have been almost as unfair to call the rise of Henry of Navarre "Puritan France." And some of our extreme Whig historians would have been pretty nearly capable of calling the campaign of Wexford and Drogheda "Puritan Ireland."

      A Short History of England
      3.5
    • Alarms and Discursions

      • 98 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      The narrative explores the profound reflection sparked by discovering a weathered gargoyle near an abandoned abbey. This encounter prompts a contemplation of the grotesque in art and its symbolic significance, leading to an introspective journey through the evolution of artistic expression. The imagery of the dragon-like visage evokes themes of history, decay, and the intersection of nature and human creativity, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind artistic forms.

      Alarms and Discursions
      4.0
    • The Adventures of Father Brown

      • 384 pages
      • 14 hours of reading

      Father Brown is one of the best-loved sleuths from Golden Age of detective fiction. This handsome hardback volume collects four of his classic cases, presented with a modern cover design.Hiding behind his genial appearance, this priest-come-detective has a razor-sharp mind. Through his experience as a confessor, Father Brown has gained has an intrinsic knowledge of humanity's capacity for evil which makes him an expert at solving crimes. This gifted sleuth uses intuition over scientific method, putting himself in the shoes and minds of the criminals he seeks.Stories • The Resurrection of Father Brown• The Oracle of the Dog• The Mirror of the Magistrate• The Actor and the AlibiNow streaming as a popular series on Netflix, Father Brown's crime-solving adventures remain as compelling now as they ever were. This complete and unabridged edition is the perfect companion title to Father Brown Short Stories.ABOUT THE The Arcturus Classic Mysteries and Marvels series brings together thrilling short stories from classic fiction, including spine-chilling ghost stories, gripping detective fiction and cosmic horror. These hardback anthologies with foil-embossed cover designs make wonderful gifts for any classic lover.

      The Adventures of Father Brown
      3.0
    • Four Faultless Felons

      • 204 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) 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. Chesterton has been called the "prince of paradox." He wrote in an off-hand, whimsical prose studded with startling formulations. 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. 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." Chesterton wrote many books among which are: All Things Considered (1908), Alarms and Discursions (1910), The Ballad of the White Horse (1911), The Appetite of Tyranny (1915), The Everlasting Man (1925), The Secret of Father Brown (1927) and The Scandal of Father Brown (1935).

      Four Faultless Felons
      4.0
    • Father Brown : selected stories

      • 496 pages
      • 18 hours of reading

      Shrewd and punctilious, with an intuitive awareness of the dark secrets of human nature gained in the confessional, Father Brown is well equipped to uncover the startling truth wherever murder, mayhem and mystery stalk society.

      Father Brown : selected stories
      3.9
    • Great crime stories

      • 624 pages
      • 22 hours of reading

      Great Crime Stories gathers together the best fictional stories of crime and criminals, of strange and horrible happenings, of ghosts and grisly deeds. There are beautifully crafted short stories by some of the giants of literature, as well as rediscovered gems by some of the well-known names of yesteryear. From Margery Allingham to Saki this is a collection that makes all the memorable features of the crime story and distills a heady brew that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding of readers.

      Great crime stories
      3.6
    • The Mystery of Edwin Drood

      • 239 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The tombs and gargoyles of ancient Cloisterham Cathedral provide the background for a search for Edwin Drood's murderer.

      The Mystery of Edwin Drood
      3.8
    • A group of anarchists are under surveillance by Scotland Yard in Chesterton's hugely popular metaphysical thriller. The Supreme Anarchists Council is dedicated to overthrowing the world order. To keep their identities a secret, each of them has been named a day of the week. Gabriel Syme, an eccentric poet, is recruited by Scotland Yard to infiltrate the group. He tracks down the six men and manages to win a place on the council. But in a bizarre and surreal twist of events, Syme realises that five of the six members are not at all what they seem...

      The Man Who Was Thursday
      3.9
    • G. K. Chesterton’s Father Brown may seem a pleasantly doddering Roman Catholic priest, but appearances deceive. With keen observation and an unerring sense of man’s frailties–gained during his years listening to confessions–Father Brown succeeds in bringing even the most elusive criminals to justice. This definitive collection of fifteen stories, selected by the American Chesterton Society, includes such classics as “The Blue Cross,” “The Secret Garden,” and “The Paradise of Thieves.” As P. D. James writes in her Introduction, “We read the Father Brown stories for a variety pleasures, including their ingenuity, their wit and intelligence, and for the brilliance of the writing. But they provide more. Chesterton was concerned with the greatest of all problems, the vagaries of the human heart.”

      Father Brown : the essential tales
      3.9
    • The Paradoxes of Mr. Pond

      • 126 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      8 suspenseful tales featuring Chesterton's delightful amateur sleuth. "A masterpiece . . . amusing, full of surprises, supremely readable"--"Saturday Review."

      The Paradoxes of Mr. Pond
      3.9
    • Great Expectations

      • 20 pages
      • 1 hour of reading

      A retelling for students of English of one of Dickens's best-known novels, this is an upper intermediate-level Macmillan Reader. One bleak and windy evening, 8-year-old Pip meets an escaped convict on the marshes. Shortly afterwards, he is summoned to Satis House, the derelict, gloomy home of the strange, reclusive Miss Havisham.

      Great Expectations
      3.8
    • The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Enthralled by the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Victorian readers around the world developed a fascination with eccentric detectives and bizarre crimes. Featuring an international array of authors and characters, this compilation of 16 short stories showcases the best of the mysteries inspired by the Baker Street sleuth. Their heroes range from famous figures like G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown and Maurice Leblanc's Arsene Lupin to lesser-known but equally captivating characters.  "The Problem of the Stolen Rubens," by Jacques Futrelle, centers on Professor Van Dusen, also known as The Thinking Machine, whose superior mental powers and dispassionate approach resemble Holmes'. Robert Barr's "The Absent Minded Coterie" presents French detective Eugène Valmont, a cultured and elegant gentleman . . . but a rather poor investigator. "The Murder at Troyte's Hill," by Catherine L. Pirkis, "The Ninescore Mystery," by The Scarlet Pimpernel author Baroness Orczy, and "Cinderella's Slipper," by Hugh C. Weir, feature a Victorian novelty—a detective heroine. Holmesians and other lovers of old-time mysteries will thrill to these tales of dark deeds and their discovery.

      The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes
      3.6
    • The Secret of Father Brown

      • 176 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      These are just some of the problems for Father Brown to solve. In his inimitable way, this gentle, eccentric little cleric-detective sets about unravelling the threads of a colourful skein of mysteries. In the course of the investigations Father Brown travels all over the world.

      The Secret of Father Brown
      3.7
    • Barnaby Rudge

      • 672 pages
      • 24 hours of reading

      This vivid historical and political novel by Dickens is centred on the infamous 'No Popery' riots, instigated by Lord George Gordon, which terrorised London in 1780. Dickens' targets are prejudice, intolerance, religious bigotry and nationalistic fervour, together with the villains who exploit these for selfish ends. His intense account of the riots is interwoven with the mysterious tale of a long-unsolved murder and with a romance involving forbidden love, treachery and heroism. Barnaby Rudge abounds in memorably strange, comic and grotesque characters. Furthermore, recent historical events have renewed its political topicality.

      Barnaby Rudge
      3.8
    • Father Brown Stories

      • 432 pages
      • 16 hours of reading

      Father Brown is only a short, stumpy Catholic priest with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, but he has a truly uncanny insight into human evil. He is characteristically humble, and is usually rather quiet; when he does talk, he almost always says something profound. Although he tends to handle crimes with a steady, realistic approach, he believes in the supernatural as the greatest reason of all. Chesterton's Father Brown Stories are among the most delightful mysteries, as only Chesterton could pen them. Always an unexpected plot twist to make your heart race. "Entirely satisfactory," says Nero Wolfe.

      Father Brown Stories
      3.8
    • Die besten Pater-Brown-Geschichten

      • 347 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      The father of modern detectives As punctilious as Poirot, as Miss Marple and as sharp as Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown ranks higher than all of them in the pantheon of literary sleuths. For the confessional, this humble, innocent little priest has gained a deep intuitive knowledge of the paradoxes of human nature. So when murder, mayhem, and mystery stalk smart society, only father Brown can be counted upon to discover the startling truth. The most comprehensive paperback edition available, with introduction and chronology of Chesterton's life and times.

      Die besten Pater-Brown-Geschichten
      3.7
    • Favorite Father Brown Stories

      • 89 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Six well-plotted and suspenseful tales by the noted British critic, author and debunker extraordinaire feature the "little cleric from Essex" in "The Blue Cross," "The Sins of Prince Saradine," "The Sign of the Broken Sword," "The Man in the Passage," "The Perishing of the Pendragons" and "The Salad of Colonel Cray."

      Favorite Father Brown Stories
      3.7
    • Father Brown Short Stories

      • 384 pages
      • 14 hours of reading

      G. K. Chesterton's fictional amateur detective, the genial Father Brown, was greeted with huge enthusiasm when he first appeared in The Story-Teller magazine in 1910. Depicted with Chesterton's characteristic elegance and wit, this unworldly but perceptive priest-sleuth soon became a major figure in the world of whodunit fiction and continues to charm readers today. This anthology contains 24 Father Brown short stories, including "The Blue Cross," "The Secret Garden," "The Wrong Shape," and "The Three Tools of Death," in which the unassuming Father exercises his formidable powers of intuition and analysis to solve a range of crimes.

      Father Brown Short Stories
      3.4
    • Another collection of G.K. Chesterton's ingenious, thoughtful, and lyrically written mystery stories featuring the unassuming little priest who solves crimes by imagining himself inside the mind and soul of criminals, thus understanding their motives. The stories are full of paradox, spiritual insight, and "Chestertonian fantasy," or seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. In the title story, a beautiful (and married) rich woman has taken up with a distinguished poet--and Father Brown, rather than reacting as expected, appears to be providing assistance. Also includes The Quick One, The Blast of the Book, The Green Man, The Pursuit of Mr Blue, The Crime of the Communist, The Point of a Pin, The Insoluble Problem, and The Vampire of the Village. Newly designed and typeset in a modern 6-by-9-inch format by Waking Lion Press.

      The Scandal of Father Brown
      3.5
    • The Incredulity of Father Brown

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      The modest little English priest-detective sits up in his coffin and immediately embarks on an investigation of his own murder and seven other sensational crimes

      The Incredulity of Father Brown
      3.5
    • Classic Detective Stories

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Book and CD: Classic Detective Stories. This is a unique book and CD set that allow your child to read for pleasure, read for information, and improve comprehension skills through listening and reading. It is designed for grades 6-12. The book is read aloud on CD. The reader then has the opportunity to take a small quiz on understanding the text. There are fill in the blank questions, true or false questions and more. There are numerous other activities such as crossword puzzles, unscramble words, match to the definition etc... The history learned in this book expands from the person to the places to actual historical people alive during the time of the writing of this book. There is an answer key in the back of the book just in case you need it. There are colorful sketch pictures as well as photos of some of the actual places the author is writing about. There are 158 pages in this book. It is paperback. Produced by Black Cat Publishing.

      Classic Detective Stories
      2.9
    • The Club of Queer Trades

      • 124 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      "Set in late Victorian London, The Club of Queer Trades introduces us to would-be private detective Rupert Grant and his brother (a seemingly insane retired judge), who undertake a series of bizarre and improbable cases that see them dealing with various eccentric characters." -- BOOK JACKET.

      The Club of Queer Trades
      3.5
    • The Strange Crime of John Boulnois

      • 112 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      The colossus of crime leaned over to the little rustic priest with a sort of sudden interest. 'You have heard of it?' he asked. 'Where have you heard of it?' 'Well, I mustn't tell you his name, of course,' said the little man simply. 'He was a penitent, you know. He had lived prosperously for about twenty years entirely on duplicate brown-paper parcels. And so, you see, when I began to suspect you, I thought of this poor chap's way of doing it at once.' 'Began to suspect me?' repeated the outlaw with increased intensity. 'Did you really have the gumption to suspect me just because I brought you up to this bare part of the heath?' 'No, no,' said Brown with an air of apology. 'You see, I suspected you when we first met. It's that little bulge up the sleeve where you people have the spiked bracelet.' '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. One of detective fiction's most idiosyncratic and best-loved characters, G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown is both a diminutive, genial clergyman and a master sleuth. In these two stories involving the ingenious, unobtrusive priest, a murdered man denounces his killer with his dying breaths, and a brilliant French inspector follows a trail of gentil carnage across London. This book includes The Strange Crime of John Boulnois and The Blue Cross.

      The Strange Crime of John Boulnois
      3.4