Gilbert Keith Chesterton, (29 May 1874 14 June 1936) was a poet, novelist, playwright, literary commentator, editor, biographer, journalist, orator and theologian. He was often dubbed as the prince of paradox for his light whimsical style that often addressed serious issues such as politics and religion. The latter was as a member and defender of the Christian faith and the former was shaped by a distrust of concentrated wealth and power. He advocated Distributionism and said that every man should be allowed to own three acres and a cow. These political views have spread round the world, crediting Chesterton as the father of the small is beautiful movement. It is also said to have influenced Gandhi in seeking a genuine nationalism for India rather than imitating the British state. This charming collection of essays shows G. K. Chesterton's wit and humour, while also pointing out the weightiness of all the little moments and events in our lives.
PREFACE
I. Tremendous Trifles
II. A Piece of Chalk
III. The Secret of a Train
IV. The Perfect Game
V. The Extraordinary Cabman
VI. An Accident
VII. The Advantages of Having One Leg
VIII. The End of the World
IX. In the Place de La Bastille
X. On Lying in Bed
XI. The Twelve Men
XII. The Wind and the Trees
XIII. The Dickensian
XIV. In Topsy-Turvy Land
XV. What I Found in My Pocket
XVI. The Dragon's Grandmother
XVII. The Red Angel
XVIII. The Tower
XIX. How I Met the President
XX. The Giant
XXI. A Great Man
XXII. The Orthodox Barber
XXIII. The Toy Theatre
XXIV. A Tragedy of Twopence
XXV. A Cab Ride Across Country
XXVI. The Two Noises
XXVII. Some Policemen and a Moral
XXVIII. The Lion
XXIX. Humanity: an Interlude
XXX. The Little Birds Who Won't Sing
XXXI. The Riddle of the Ivy
XXXII. The Travellers in State
XXXIII. The Prehistoric Railway Station
XXXIV. The Diabolist
XXXV. A Glimpse of My Country
XXXVI. A Somewhat Improbable Story
XXXVII. The Shop Of Ghosts
XXXVIII. The Ballade of a Strange Town
XXXIX. The Mystery of a Pageant
