Schall on Chesterton: Timely Essays on Timeless Paradoxes (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Schall on Chesterton sends us rushing back to Chesterton's own writings with new insights and renewed enthusiasm. It is the guide to the twentieth century's wisest and most misunderstood prophet." -- John Peterson, editor, GILBERT!

"Who could be more appropriate to write about Chesterton than so subtle and prolific an essayist as Father James V. Schall? Like Chesterton, he is a skilled presenter of eternal truths." -- Prof. John P. McCarthy, Fordham University

Product Description

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) was one of the most original minds of the twentieth century. He was a gifted journalist, essayist, biographer, poet, novelist, playwright, philosopher, debater, and defender of common sense, of Christianity, and of the Catholic faith. He was truly an influential man of his time, writing thousands of essays and hundreds of books. Today he remains one of the best and most quoted writers of the English language.

In this book of essays, Father James V. Schall, a prolific author himself and a prominent Catholic writer, brings readers to Chesterton through a witty series of original reflections prompted by something Chesterton wrote-timely essays on timeless issues. Like Chesterton, Schall consciously leads the reader to the reality of what is, of what is true and what is at the heart of things. It is a handbook of how to take up almost any essay or chapter or paragraph of Chesterton's many works and, upon further reflection, come to realize that he was a profoundly wise man who still teaches vividly and accurately a century after he wrote. Schall easily captures Chesterton's fondness of life and laughter, and at the same time, makes readers aware of Chesterton's extreme insight and rigorous understanding of ideas and truth.

Included in this book is an introductory chapter on Chesterton as a "journalist," which is how he identified himself, and a concluding chapter that provides an extended reflection on Chesterton's world. Forty-one essays comprise the heart of the book. They range widely in subject matter, from the Catholic Church as the "natural home of the human spirit," through such topics as virtue and honor, horror and detective stories, toys and Christmas, right and wrong, to the shocking conclusion that indeed "dogmas are not dull."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: Catholic University of America Press (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813209633
• ISBN-13: 978-0813209630
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,301,572 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insight and Enjoyment in One Package, January 16, 2009

By	R. A. Mulle "Bohemian Tory" (Pa. U.S.A.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Who better to write on Chesterton than Father Schall. Schall has been writing on GKC for years. This work is an interesting and enjoyable journey through the world of Chesterton. Not only does the author review and apply lessons from a full range of Chesterton's work, but the volume includes two wonderful essays on the great man. I actually took this book with me for vacation reading and did not regret it.
Enjoy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hitchens ain't no Chesterton, October 25, 2009

By	Thomas J. Bieter "legal philosopher" (Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This morning I finished reading Schall on Chesterton by James V. Schall.
http://www.amazon.com/Schall-Chesterton ... 191&sr=8-1

The epilogue (p. 226) begins:

"Chesterton (1874-1936), the great English essayist, journalist, and philosopher, was a man of singular good will, engaging charm, and broad interests. From all eyewitness reports about him, he never really had any enemies. He does not seem to to have loved those who hated him, for the singular reason that no one hated him. Even those who most disagreed with him on a given issue still had great affection for him and enjoyed his company. To be bested by Chesterton in an argument was a sort of badge of honor - that someone of Chesterton's stature would take another's arguments seriously even if he proved them wrong"

As I read these words I thought: He certainly has an enemy today, someone who hates him, a worthy opponent, and brilliant English essayist - Christopher Hitchens, the author of God is Not Great - How Religion Poisons Everything.
http://www.amazon.com/God-Not-Great-Rel ... 248&sr=8-1

I decided to go to Amazon, to "look inside" Hitchens' book (table of contents and index), to see what he said about Chesterton's arguments for Christianity. What did I find? Nothing. Amazing!

Hitchens mentioned C. S. Lewis. Why would he not even mention Chesterton? Perhaps Chesterton is too much of an intellect for Hitchens.

Schall on Chesterton is a delight.