G. K. Chesterton was one of the most well-known and beloved writers of his time. Yet he has been strangely neglected today. This book is the perfect introduction to Chesterton. Ahlquist is an able guide who takes the reader through twelve of Chesterton’s most important books as well as the famous Father Brown stories.

One of the problems with approaching Chesterton is that he was so prolific that the reader is simply overwhelmed. But Ahlquist makes the literary giant accessible, highlighting Chesterton’s amazing reach, keen insight, and marvelous wit. Each chapter is liberally spiced with Chesterton’s striking quotations.

There is something special that runs throughout Chesterton’s books that sets him apart from the confusing philosophies of the modern world. That common thread in Chesterton’s writings is common sense. It is instantly recognizable and utterly refreshing.

Ahlquist in person takes himself as lightly as GKC, as anyone who has heard his lectures can attest, but here he comes off as earnest, at times even strident, as against the buoyant wit of his subject. The reason is that he has simply given Chesterton all the good lines, and been content to play straight man to his humorous star. He further straight-jackets himself by confining himself to GKC's nonfiction work, and we all know how many funny lines are scattered throughout the fiction.

No matter. Chesterton emerges as firmly on the side of the angels, applying, impossible as it may sound, the same light touch and genial sensibility to the pressing problems of our times--or rather his times nearly 100 years ago. All in all, here's the best intro to not only the man Chesterton, but a dozen of his best books.

57 of 58 found the following review helpful:


Hooked On Common Sense  Mar 13, 2004 By Thomas M. Loarie
I have had a curiousity about Chesterton for a number of years. Before I chose one of his works, I decided to purchase this book to determine first of all, whether I wanted to spend time with Chesterton, and secondly, if I did, where do I start. Ahlquist has done an excellent job in drawing me in. I am hooked and will begin in earnest. I was fascinated to read passages that Chesterton wrote in the early 20th Century that apply just as well to events in the world today. Common sense is timeless.

There is so much to quote from. For instance..."Chesterton says men do not grow tired of evil but of good. They stop worshipping God and start worshipping idols, their own bad imitations of God, and they become as wooden as the thing they worship. They start worshipping nature and become unnatural. They start worshipping sex and become perverted. Men start lusting after men and become unmanly."

And this was written nearly 100 years ago...Get yourself this book and get hooked on common sense.

27 of 27 found the following review helpful:


Superb Book for the Initiated & for the Uninitiated  Jul 02, 2005 By Nicholas N. Fur
Though I had heard about Chesterton for a number of years, I could never find anyone who had read him who could give me some reasonable idea about the man or about what he wrote. Well, if you're like me, this is the book that you should definitely buy and read. Even if you have read Chesterton or other books about him and his writing, you should buy and read this book to gain perspective on and insight into the man and what he wrote. Ahlquist is like one of those great high school or university teachers who not only knows his subject very well, but who knows just what to emphasize and how to explain his subject so as to enlighten and to educate his students and thereby to get the students to delve into the subject more. Ahlquist's style of writing is clear, very informative and humourous, and, no doubt, reflects the influence of Chesterton's writing style. This book would be a useful companion to anyone who has read or who might want to read Chesterton.

15 of 15 found the following review helpful:


Wonderful Overview of Chesterton  Jul 22, 2005 By Catholic Reader "Amelia"
This book is a wonderful overview of Chesterton and his work. If you are just discovering the works of this amazing writer this book is a good place to start. With a great summarization of some of his best works you will have a better I idea of what you want to read next. This book places emphasis on Chesterton's works that defend Christianity and the Roman Catholic faith.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:


Perfect "First" Chesterton Book  Dec 30, 2005 By Nancy Carpentier Brown
If you want to read Chesterton, and don't know which book to start with, start with this one. It isn't *by* Chesterton, but will help you decide which book of Chesterton's you'd like to read first.

There are a lot of good Chesterton quotes, and a lot of plain common sense written in this book, it is easy to read, and I recommend it.

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