G.K. Chesterton

As we heard in lecture, G.K. Chesterton, our course's first Edwardian author, was an extremely likable man, and a literary figure who endures. On the likability, he had a Johnsonian love of rollicking debate, which he perennially conducted with a number of famous antagonists (Bernard Shaw & H.G Wells at the forefront) all of whom remained his dear friends. On his endurance as literary and cultural influence, this is the type of case (nearly the only type of case) where benighted "wikipedia" is useful, for its sole reliability is its record of popular attitudes.

G.K.C. was also -- as the image leftward here shows -- a great lover of food and drink, which he enjoyed prodigiously and appreciated for its convivial qualities.

Chesterton is also famous for his religious apologetics (a large part of his legacy); however we will not be focusing on these aspects of his writings, but will instead look at the political dimensions of The Napoleon of Notting Hill and at Chesterton as a representative of the controlled rebelliousness which formed part of the Edwardian social genius.

A puckish link pace G.K.C via classfellow G. N. is here.