G. K. Chesterton was a journalist, playwright, poet, biographer, novelist, essayist, literary commentator, editor, orator, artist, and theologian. Orthodoxy is his great apologia for the Christian faith, which was prompted by a serious attack in 1903 against Christianity by well-known newspaper editor Robert Blatchford.
Published just five years later, Chesterson’s famous reply took the form of an autobiographical account of his own indoctrination into the faith. Rather than attempt to explain how Christianity can be believed, he emphasizes what fulfillment in this life can come from believing. His argument is that people in western society need a life of “practical romance, the combination of something that is strange with something that is secure. We need so to view the world as to combine an idea of wonder and an idea of welcome.”
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"Absolutely magnificent. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to every person on the planet: it's one of those essential books. Not a single complaint with it, save that it ended and neglected his poem comparing men and women. Just great; one of the best collections of poetry I own. "
— Jesse (5 out of 5 stars)
“[One of the ten] indispensable spiritual classics [of the past 1500 years].”
— Publisher’s Weekly“As majestic and down-to-earth as C. S. Lewis at his best…It’s hard to imagine a reader who will not close the book believing, at least for the moment, that the Church will make you free.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“Chesterton’s most enduring book…Charming.”
— World“Since he published Orthodoxy in 1908, G. K. Chesterton has inspired Christians and challenged skeptics with his unique wit and wisdom. He deliever biting analysis still relevant today: ‘A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed.’ And he composed poignant prose that still touches the heart: ‘Love is not blind; that is the last thing that it is. Love is bound; and the more it is bound the less it is blind.’”
— Christianity Today" In Chesterton's typical witty yet pithy style of stating common sense objections to many of the modernist ideals, he walks the reader through the origins of the world, the searching of mythology and philosophy to the advent of Christ and the Church. A fantastic read. "
— Noel, 8/12/2011" Oh Chesterton...I finally see why Lewis liked you so. I look forward to reading more of his stuff. This book was very interesting and some parts were downright hilarious. "
— Kevin, 6/2/2011" Cause I can't read just one book at a time..... "
— Amber, 5/27/2011" This was my second time through The Everlasting Man. Need a few more! "
— Brian, 5/23/2011" The chapter on the "Ethics of Elfland" is a beautiful reminder to keep emotion within the walk with Christ. An excellent book, providing a critique of Nietzsche and determinism. "
— Jacob, 5/16/2011" I immensely enjoyed this feast of logic and love. Well done, Mr. Chesterton. "
— Ruthette, 5/7/2011" A bit of a difficult read. Not as good as Orthodoxy. "
— Jason, 5/1/2011" One of the best books ever on the chrsitian faith as such "
— Arie-jan, 4/28/2011" One of the most life changing books I've ever read, Orthodoxy is the telling of Chesterton's philosophical search for truth,which led him to Christ in the end. I love his wit, paradoxical writing style, and his sense of wonder. "
— Justin, 4/28/2011" Though I agree with Chesterton's point of view, I did not find Orthodoxy to be an enjoyable read. This book moves at a snail pace. "
— Aaron, 4/27/2011" Splendid! Chesteron's flair for thought-provoking and delightful prose is on full display here. More than worthy of its reputation as a classic. "
— Abe, 4/7/2011" Although Chesterton included many references to his contemporaries and to the issues of his day, most of them now obscure, the clarity of his writing and the force of his argument made this an interesting and surprising read for me. "
— Nick, 4/4/2011" Outstanding. I use a pc and Kindle for PC to read ebooks. It is wonderful to click on a word and get a good definition and pronunciation. Also another click with get you to google or wiki. I needed it in this book! I need to read and study it more. This man is deep! "
— Dan, 4/2/2011" I read about 4/5ths of this book. It starts off with profound thoughts then just peters out. I couldn't get behind his support of Fairyland versus Modernity. In fact, I didn't understand his grips against modernity. "
— James, 4/1/2011" Love this author also. On a par with C. S. Lewis. "
— Jeanne, 3/29/2011" logical look at mankind's development, and the touch of God... "
— Kathy, 2/23/2011" Fantastic! Chesterson was never given the credit he deserved as one of the best 20th century authors. My favorite thing about him was the fact that he despised fanatics on both the left and the right. Search this guy out, you wont be dissapointed. "
— Bob, 2/12/2011" Fantastic! Chesterson was never given the credit he deserved as one of the best 20th century authors. My favorite thing about him was the fact that he despised fanatics on both the left and the right. Search this guy out, you wont be dissapointed. "
— Bob, 2/12/2011" This is quite amazing. Old world to new, old creation to new, pagainism to Christianity.. it's all here. <br/> <br/>Quotes to follow. "
— Steve, 12/9/2010" Absolutely magnificent. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to every person on the planet: it's one of those essential books. Not a single complaint with it, save that it ended and neglected his poem comparing men and women. Just great; one of the best collections of poetry I own. "
— Jesse, 10/8/2010" Another Chesterton book I wanted to read again. I still remember much from my first read or at least remember how much I enjoyed it. "
— Jeff, 6/30/2010" A lot of Chesterton's poetry is good fun. Most of it, really. The topping piece, however, is his Ballad of the White Horse. "
— Kevin, 4/3/2008" A lot of Chesterton's poetry is good fun. Most of it, really. The topping piece, however, is his Ballad of the White Horse. "
— Kevin, 4/3/2008Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936) published numerous works which include compilations of his voluminous journalism, novels, biographies, histories, criticism, Christian apologetics, poetry, and plays. Many of his novels have the genuine marks of genius. His books on Dickens (for whom he had a considerable affinity) and Saint Thomas Aquinas are considered classics in their fields.
Fred Williams, a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, works in theater, film, television, and radio in England, Ireland, and America. Besides narrating audiobooks, he is a performer in living-history reenactments, an archer, and a poet.