Manalive

British writer GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON (1874-1936) expounded prolifically about his wide-ranging philosophies-he is impossible to categorize as liberal or conservative for instance-across a wide variety of avenues: he was a literary critic historian playwright novelist columnist and poet. His witty humorous style earned him the title of the prince of paradox and his works-80 books and nearly 4000 essays-remain among the most beloved in the English language Chesterton is best remembered perhaps as a teller of mystery tales though here in this delightful 1912 novel what looks like a crime story-about Mr. Innocence Smith accused of murder and other odd mischievousness-is merely the shell of a meander through Chestertons philosophy of living in the moment and appreciating life to the fullest. Considered by fans to be the ultimate embodiment of the author-Smith is believed to be a stand-in for the writer-this is an excellent introduction or reminder of Chestertons unmatched wit and wisdom.