
A lively collection of essays, this book takes the reader on a spirited tour of early‑twentieth‑century thought. Its author turns his sharp wit on the celebrated writers, politicians and social theorists of the day—Shaw, Wells, Kipling, and many others—probing the assumptions that underlie their fame. With a blend of humor and rigor, each piece unpacks the paradoxes of modern life, from the bustle of the press to the rise of scientific materialism.
Beyond the witty critiques, the work defends a deeper sense of “orthodoxy,” not as stale conformity but as a grounding in timeless values. It argues that the true heresy lies in the unthinking acceptance of contemporary norms, urging readers to reconsider what genuine tradition and faith can offer. Engaging and thought‑provoking, the essays invite anyone curious about the cultural battles that still echo today.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (361K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Mike Piff and Martin Ward. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
1996-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1874–1936
Best known for creating Father Brown, this English writer brought wit, paradox, and a love of argument to everything from detective stories to essays and Christian apologetics. His books are lively, funny, and often surprisingly modern in the questions they ask.
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