Join us, the bibliophile members of the long-standing Midwest Chesterton Society at our new meeting location, namely, the Forest Park Public Library. Formerly, for many years we met at the Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore in Forest Park. We thank Augie Alesky, Proprietor, for his years of hosting and dedication to our group. |
Midwest Chesterton Society
meets monthly to discuss written works now at Forest Park Public Library 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park, IL 60130 Topic for meeting next month:
St. Thomas Aquinas Saturday, April 13, 2024, 2:00 p. m. Midwest Chesterton Society reading list for 2023-24:
Oct 14: The Ball and the Cross Nov 11: The Literary Lives of the Inklings Dec 9: Lepanto Jan 13: The Wisdom of Father Brown Feb 10: The Great Divorce Mar 9: St. Francis of Assisi Apr 13: St. Thomas Aquinas May 11: Clouds of Witness June 8: The Thing July 13: The Power and the Glory Aug 10: Robert Browning Sept 14: Manalive |
GKC's Life and TimesExplore the life of G. K. Chesterton through the
American Chesterton Society, available at the button. If you'd like to explore other sources of Chestertonian items, click (below) at the button.
If books and websites don't satisfy your pursuit of GKC, you can also subscribe to Gilbert, the magazine of Chesterton from the ACS.
He's pithy, witty, and wise!
|
GKC's WritingsNot only get to know the man, but sample for yourself a few of his many and varied written works, available at the button.
If you'd like to listen to Gilbert, do so with audio books from various outlets (below) at these buttons (but note they're not free).
|
GKC's contemporariesChesterton knew and kept company with some of the finer literary minds of his day. Get to know them at the button.
If you'd like to find a map of your own contemporaries interested in Gilbert, click the button (below).
Read how today GKC is still being discovered by those who never knew him but now can only hope to be his contemporary.
See and hear the man himself!
|
Greetings to fellow fans of G. K. Chesterton!
We of the Midwest Chesterton Society welcome our fellow members and your visit to our web page. For now, we'll alight here and use this perch from which to observe, muse, and comment on the writings of one of our favorite authors. Scroll down this column every month for summaries of monthly meetings.
We meet monthly on designated Saturday afternoons at the bookstore of independent bookseller Augie Aleksy (in Forest Park, IL). At these Saturday sessions we present and discuss not only the works of Chesterton but those of his literary contemporaries. It's free-wheeling literary fun, guided and goaded by the good Dr. Arthur Livingston, the founder of this group with the late and great Frank Petta and Ann Stull Petta. You can always find the latest summary (just below) in the column titled Our Saturdays with Gilbert. Scroll farther down for earlier summaries.
In this column, we'll endeavor to keep you abreast of our monthly discussions, with follow-up and occasional links for further reading. Bookmark this page and come back often. Or, visit us in person!
We meet monthly on designated Saturday afternoons at the bookstore of independent bookseller Augie Aleksy (in Forest Park, IL). At these Saturday sessions we present and discuss not only the works of Chesterton but those of his literary contemporaries. It's free-wheeling literary fun, guided and goaded by the good Dr. Arthur Livingston, the founder of this group with the late and great Frank Petta and Ann Stull Petta. You can always find the latest summary (just below) in the column titled Our Saturdays with Gilbert. Scroll farther down for earlier summaries.
In this column, we'll endeavor to keep you abreast of our monthly discussions, with follow-up and occasional links for further reading. Bookmark this page and come back often. Or, visit us in person!
Our Saturdays with Gilbert
. . .summaries of some past discussions
GKC's Robert Louis Stevenson; The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
An author who enjoyed celebrity in his lifetime in the late-19th century but whose reputation had nearly disappeared by the mid-20th century, Robert Louis Stevenson was an author of repute celebrated by Chesterton during his own lifetime in the earlier third of the last century. GKC doesn't seek so much to write a biography of Stevenson as he seeks to "review his books with illustrations from his life; rather than to write his life with illustrations from his books."
Primarily an author of novels, short stories, poetry, and travel writing, Stevenson was also a musician (adept at piano and flageolet) and something of a playwright, having collaborated with a contemporary, William Ernest Henley.
In addition, Chestertonians of the MCS also took up The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a Stevenson novella first published in 1886, that explores Stevenson's apparent intrigue with the interplay of good and evil in human personality. A compelling novella that dramatists like to present, you can find this story dramatized several ways, namely, in the three-hour audio book, the one-and-a-half hour movie, and the 45-minute animation.
RAK 05/15/2017
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
An author who enjoyed celebrity in his lifetime in the late-19th century but whose reputation had nearly disappeared by the mid-20th century, Robert Louis Stevenson was an author of repute celebrated by Chesterton during his own lifetime in the earlier third of the last century. GKC doesn't seek so much to write a biography of Stevenson as he seeks to "review his books with illustrations from his life; rather than to write his life with illustrations from his books."
Primarily an author of novels, short stories, poetry, and travel writing, Stevenson was also a musician (adept at piano and flageolet) and something of a playwright, having collaborated with a contemporary, William Ernest Henley.
In addition, Chestertonians of the MCS also took up The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a Stevenson novella first published in 1886, that explores Stevenson's apparent intrigue with the interplay of good and evil in human personality. A compelling novella that dramatists like to present, you can find this story dramatized several ways, namely, in the three-hour audio book, the one-and-a-half hour movie, and the 45-minute animation.
RAK 05/15/2017
Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
Saturday, April 8, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
Clive Staples Lewis, an Irish writer born in Belfast in 1898, became a well-known apologist for the Christian faith during the first half of the 20th century. Graduated from Oxford University, emphasizing literature and classic philosophy, he taught at its Magdalen College, starting in 1925.
As a member of academe and thence onward from the 1930’s through the 1940’s, he also joined The Inklings, a gaggle of accomplished writers who counted among its members J. R. R. Tolkien (while his contemporary, G. K. Chesterton, appeared as an occasional guest). Through the group’s evident influence (and GKC's The Everlasting Man ), Lewis re-embraced Christianity after his disillusionment from it during his childhood and adolescence.
Though perhaps better known for The Chronicles of Narnia (a set of fanciful tales with Biblical themes, the first portion of which debuted in 1950), his earlier work, Mere Christianity, was more straightforward as a logical, lively account of his understanding of the Christian faith.
As an Oxford don and a convert to the Church of England, Lewis delivered a set of radio lectures on the prime issues that defined Christianity, which became the basis for Mere Christianity. Serialized over radio by the British Broadcasting Company during the middle years of World War 2, the lectures were converted later into book form. Though its content was delivered in the 1940's, the book offers in these modern times a compelling and rational basis for moral behavior and a belief in God.
As a Professor of Mediaeval and Renaissance Literature (a title he gained in 1954 at Cambridge University), Lewis was no doubt well acquainted with word etymologies. The book's title of Mere Christianity may seem curious; that is, the choice of the word "mere" in the title. Does it mean pure, plain, or perhaps unalloyed ? Discover its origin here. And, after you look that up, give a listen to one of his BBC radio lectures in his own words.
RAK 04/09/2017
Saturday, April 8, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
Clive Staples Lewis, an Irish writer born in Belfast in 1898, became a well-known apologist for the Christian faith during the first half of the 20th century. Graduated from Oxford University, emphasizing literature and classic philosophy, he taught at its Magdalen College, starting in 1925.
As a member of academe and thence onward from the 1930’s through the 1940’s, he also joined The Inklings, a gaggle of accomplished writers who counted among its members J. R. R. Tolkien (while his contemporary, G. K. Chesterton, appeared as an occasional guest). Through the group’s evident influence (and GKC's The Everlasting Man ), Lewis re-embraced Christianity after his disillusionment from it during his childhood and adolescence.
Though perhaps better known for The Chronicles of Narnia (a set of fanciful tales with Biblical themes, the first portion of which debuted in 1950), his earlier work, Mere Christianity, was more straightforward as a logical, lively account of his understanding of the Christian faith.
As an Oxford don and a convert to the Church of England, Lewis delivered a set of radio lectures on the prime issues that defined Christianity, which became the basis for Mere Christianity. Serialized over radio by the British Broadcasting Company during the middle years of World War 2, the lectures were converted later into book form. Though its content was delivered in the 1940's, the book offers in these modern times a compelling and rational basis for moral behavior and a belief in God.
As a Professor of Mediaeval and Renaissance Literature (a title he gained in 1954 at Cambridge University), Lewis was no doubt well acquainted with word etymologies. The book's title of Mere Christianity may seem curious; that is, the choice of the word "mere" in the title. Does it mean pure, plain, or perhaps unalloyed ? Discover its origin here. And, after you look that up, give a listen to one of his BBC radio lectures in his own words.
RAK 04/09/2017
-- 30 --
William Cobbett by G. K. Chesterton
Saturday, March 11, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
William Cobbett was a cranky curmudgeon that Chesterton appeared to like well. In his biography of the yeoman farmer and member of Parliament, GKC wrote of a pugilistic, prolific pamphleteer, who, paradoxically, was also a patient, tireless educator. That is, he could be airily snappy in his assessment of adults who, in his estimation, ought to be self-sufficient, but exercised calm encouragement to children, to whom he sought to teach self-sufficiency.
An investigative journalist in his own day, he regularly made the rounds of his own beat, to see first-hand conditions while riding in the countryside, and, wrote of the plight of the working Englishmen (which he published as his Rural Rides). In his own working-class newspaper, the Political Register (archived facsimiles at this link), he called to account the corrupt and the criminal, who, in his mind, were various politicians, clergymen, and military officers of his day.
Jailed on occasion for his controversial publications, Cobbett was not content merely to report on poor working conditions and corrupt behavior, he sought to change them. He stood for Parliament, and, after several unsuccessful runs, did garner a seat and fought against the Poor Law of 1834, which attempted to discourage relief to anyone who refused to enter a workhouse at the time. While championing rights of the poor, according to GKC, it was Cobbett who often did not recognize that the very compatriots he sought to enlist in his causes also sought to undermine him.
As he railed against the vagaries of the Industrial Revolution, corrupt politicians, harsh laws, and absent-tee clergymen, he sought to return England to its roots as an agrarian state, a viewpoint that GKC evidently shared in his own championing of Distributism. You can buy your own copy of Chesterton's Cobbett biography here.
RAK 03/12/2017
Saturday, March 11, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
William Cobbett was a cranky curmudgeon that Chesterton appeared to like well. In his biography of the yeoman farmer and member of Parliament, GKC wrote of a pugilistic, prolific pamphleteer, who, paradoxically, was also a patient, tireless educator. That is, he could be airily snappy in his assessment of adults who, in his estimation, ought to be self-sufficient, but exercised calm encouragement to children, to whom he sought to teach self-sufficiency.
An investigative journalist in his own day, he regularly made the rounds of his own beat, to see first-hand conditions while riding in the countryside, and, wrote of the plight of the working Englishmen (which he published as his Rural Rides). In his own working-class newspaper, the Political Register (archived facsimiles at this link), he called to account the corrupt and the criminal, who, in his mind, were various politicians, clergymen, and military officers of his day.
Jailed on occasion for his controversial publications, Cobbett was not content merely to report on poor working conditions and corrupt behavior, he sought to change them. He stood for Parliament, and, after several unsuccessful runs, did garner a seat and fought against the Poor Law of 1834, which attempted to discourage relief to anyone who refused to enter a workhouse at the time. While championing rights of the poor, according to GKC, it was Cobbett who often did not recognize that the very compatriots he sought to enlist in his causes also sought to undermine him.
As he railed against the vagaries of the Industrial Revolution, corrupt politicians, harsh laws, and absent-tee clergymen, he sought to return England to its roots as an agrarian state, a viewpoint that GKC evidently shared in his own championing of Distributism. You can buy your own copy of Chesterton's Cobbett biography here.
RAK 03/12/2017
-- 30 --
The Scandal of Father Brown by G. K. Chesterton
Saturday, February 11, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
By some writers, Chesterton is described as one of those "larger-than-life" characters that sometimes defies description. In fact, in the literary world Chesterton himself was larger in life than many of his contemporaries, and, apparently enjoyed being that way.
As for the fictitious characters in his books, especially in his series of stories that feature Father Brown, several speak the words that Chesterton highlights in his non-fiction, at least one may glean that from Fr. John O’Connor, the real-life inspiration for the fictional Father Brown, who had published his own lengthy paean to Chesterton within a year after Gilbert’s death.
The Father Brown stories, grouped as they are, can each read like an insightful essay shrouded within the setting of a detective story, describing unconventional sleuthing, whose outcome usually hinges on a paradoxical twist. Though Chesterton paints well with words, it may be helpful to see screen dramatizations of the character in action. Over the last 60 years, several portrayals of the character have been attempted, which you can find here and here and here.
Everyone will have their favorite dramatization, but the best portrayals still can be found on the pages of the stories themselves, where the scripts play out in fun fashion while the sets and scenery are coaxed from one's imagination. As for the actual scandal of Father Brown? You’ll have to read the story.
RAK 02/12/2017
Saturday, February 11, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
By some writers, Chesterton is described as one of those "larger-than-life" characters that sometimes defies description. In fact, in the literary world Chesterton himself was larger in life than many of his contemporaries, and, apparently enjoyed being that way.
As for the fictitious characters in his books, especially in his series of stories that feature Father Brown, several speak the words that Chesterton highlights in his non-fiction, at least one may glean that from Fr. John O’Connor, the real-life inspiration for the fictional Father Brown, who had published his own lengthy paean to Chesterton within a year after Gilbert’s death.
The Father Brown stories, grouped as they are, can each read like an insightful essay shrouded within the setting of a detective story, describing unconventional sleuthing, whose outcome usually hinges on a paradoxical twist. Though Chesterton paints well with words, it may be helpful to see screen dramatizations of the character in action. Over the last 60 years, several portrayals of the character have been attempted, which you can find here and here and here.
Everyone will have their favorite dramatization, but the best portrayals still can be found on the pages of the stories themselves, where the scripts play out in fun fashion while the sets and scenery are coaxed from one's imagination. As for the actual scandal of Father Brown? You’ll have to read the story.
RAK 02/12/2017
-- 30 --
The Woman Who Was Chesterton by Nancy Carpentier Brown
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 2:00 p. m.
For those who arrived ready and well-read this past Saturday at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore in Forest Park, IL, the members of the Midwest Chesterton Society were treated to more than two hours of both poignant and piquant commentary from Nancy Carpentier Brown on the life of Frances Chesterton, as she recounted many details offered in her recent book The Woman Who Was Chesterton (published in September 2015 by ACS Books.)
A life-long, devoted companion to her famous husband, Frances Chesterton not only arranged his lectures and negotiated his fees, she took dictation, answered his correspondence, attended to his appearance, and both organized and prodded Gilbert to produce his many manuscripts and essays. More to her own credit, Frances Chesterton also deserves her own place in the pantheon of English literature for her poetry, songs, and plays, which Ms. Brown referenced as part of an extended line of literary luminaries on Frances’s side of the family.
According to Nancy Brown, though Gilbert’s own work continues to undergo assembly and organization as more details of his past works come to light, additional details of Frances’s own collected works, mostly assembled by Ms. Brown herself, continue to be slowly brought to light and evaluated for their literary grace and style.
Ms. Brown concluded her delightfully informative afternoon for the MCS by graciously signing copies of her book. Please contact this bookstore for copies of this must-read in Chesterton literature. You can hear an interview, a recent podcast of Nancy Carpentier Brown at this link (recorded in September 2015), as she discusses her recent book.
RAK 01/15.2017
-- 30 --
Thank you for visiting!
I have dedicated this web page to author, essayist, poet, apologist, and playwright Gilbert Keith Chesterton. Like fellow members of the Midwest Chesterton Society, I am also an avid bibliophile and like to explore the writings of a number of authors, including Chesterton and his noted contemporaries. I hope you do as well.
This web page is part of the home website of science teacher, business instructor, astronomy enthusiast, and pencil artist, Roy Kaelin. Please take time to look around, and, to explore the other pages here that highlight my interests in astronomy and other natural sciences.
Not only teaching and stargazing, but drawing holds my interest as well. Please visit the companion site, here, at artwork.roykaelin.com for my portraits in pencil and my digital imagery, hosted by Fine Art America.
This web page is part of the home website of science teacher, business instructor, astronomy enthusiast, and pencil artist, Roy Kaelin. Please take time to look around, and, to explore the other pages here that highlight my interests in astronomy and other natural sciences.
Not only teaching and stargazing, but drawing holds my interest as well. Please visit the companion site, here, at artwork.roykaelin.com for my portraits in pencil and my digital imagery, hosted by Fine Art America.
In addition to drawing and digital photography, I have an interest in writing, which is featured at this current website. You can explore it by clicking on the menu tabs at the top of this page, or, click here, at books.roykaelin.com to read summaries on a couple of my books: one of science fiction, and, another on an innovative telescope design. Both books you can purchase at this website.
Wait! Before you leave. . . .
Make certain to visit and shop at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore in Forest Park, IL. You can find the store at this link. An independent bookseller, the bookstore is well worth the visit in person to browse titles and buy books.