Library Journal Reviews
This study, described as a biography, professes to survey G.K. Chesterton's (1874–1936) most important works to draw attention to his life. The emphasis, however, is on the works; once the book moves beyond Chesterton's childhood, biographical detail becomes sketchy. Belmonte (visiting author, Gordon Coll.; William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity) covers Chesterton's prodigious output in the fields of poetry, apologetics, novels, detective fiction, essays, and literary criticism, noting that his subject was known as the "prince of paradox" and a champion of Christianity who used humor to reveal profound truths. While Belmonte acknowledges the important role of religion in his subject's life and works, he skirts the issue of Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism and does not include either the circumstances or the date of this significant event. Also missing is Chesterton's relationship with Hilaire Belloc, an association so close that G.B. Shaw dubbed them "Chesterbelloc." VERDICT This book will be of interest to readers seeking an overview of Chesterton's works, but those looking for biographical information might do better with Maisie Ward's Gilbert Keith Chesterton, written over 50 years ago, but from which Belmonte quotes extensively.—Denise J. Stankovics, Vernon, CT
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Regardless of theological bias, no one can help being charmed by the writings of G.K. Chesterton. His Father Brown mysteries, as well as his many works of theology and literary criticism, shine with wit and insight. Belmonte approaches his task of biography with the same fondness for his subject as he demonstrated in William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity. Reading this is a bit like taking a tour of literary and social England through the eyes of a man who lived, and loved, the world around him. And even as we read H.L. Mencken's barbed comments about Chesterton and Chesterton's assessment of George Bernard Shaw ("three of the more incandescent minds of the era"), we get lost in an earlier time and world taken with Chesterton's undeniable brilliance. The articulate Belmonte makes his material sing. Chesterton was that rarity of a man: a convert to Catholicism, whose life can be celebrated by an evangelical publisher. A wonderful book on all counts. (Jan.)
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