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 4,000 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 Chesterton's 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 Chesterton's unmatched wit and wisdom.