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Defiant Joy: The Remarkable Life & Impact of G. K. Chesterton
You may be aware that G. K. Chesterton authored influential Christian biographies and apologetics. But you may not know the larger-than-life Gilbert Keith Chesterton himself—not yet. Equally versed in poetry, novels, literary criticism, and journalism, he addressed politics, culture, and religion with a towering intellect and a soaring wit.
Chesterton engaged his world through the written word. He carried on lively, public discussions with the social commentators of his day, continually challenging them with civility, humility, erudition, and his ever-sharp sense of humor. Today’s reader can find the same treasures, for as Chesterton said, “What a man can believe depends upon his philosophy, not upon the clock or the century.”
In Kevin Belmonte’s fresh new biography, you’ll get to know the real G. K. Chesterton and his literary and cultured accomplishments. A giant of his time, Chesterton continues to live large in the imaginations of twenty-first-century readers.
“Chesterton’s explanation of Christianity makes absolute sense of the world. He reminds us that, free of our comforting delusions, reality is a tragic adventure in which we get to participate.” —DONALD MILLER, author of the New York Times bestsellers A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and Blue Like Jazz
“Bravo to Kevin Belmonte for turning his caring attention to the incomparably hilarious and brilliant genius that is G.K. Chesterton!” —ERIC METAXAS, New York Times best-selling author of Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Amazing William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
“There’s a great new biography about one of the Christian giants of the 20th Century. And I mean that literally. To read Kevin Belmonte's recent book Defiant The Remarkable Life & Impact of G. K. Chesterton, is to feel a powerful sense of longing . . . because there is such a longing, a great need for advocates like Chesterton in our day. . . . But let's be grateful we still have the works of that great man to study and learn from. . . And we also have for you have Belmonte's vibrant new biography -- a wonderful reminder of the magnificent example Chesterton has set for us.” —CHUCK COLSON(
Chesterton engaged his world through the written word. He carried on lively, public discussions with the social commentators of his day, continually challenging them with civility, humility, erudition, and his ever-sharp sense of humor. Today’s reader can find the same treasures, for as Chesterton said, “What a man can believe depends upon his philosophy, not upon the clock or the century.”
In Kevin Belmonte’s fresh new biography, you’ll get to know the real G. K. Chesterton and his literary and cultured accomplishments. A giant of his time, Chesterton continues to live large in the imaginations of twenty-first-century readers.
“Chesterton’s explanation of Christianity makes absolute sense of the world. He reminds us that, free of our comforting delusions, reality is a tragic adventure in which we get to participate.” —DONALD MILLER, author of the New York Times bestsellers A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and Blue Like Jazz
“Bravo to Kevin Belmonte for turning his caring attention to the incomparably hilarious and brilliant genius that is G.K. Chesterton!” —ERIC METAXAS, New York Times best-selling author of Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Amazing William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
“There’s a great new biography about one of the Christian giants of the 20th Century. And I mean that literally. To read Kevin Belmonte's recent book Defiant The Remarkable Life & Impact of G. K. Chesterton, is to feel a powerful sense of longing . . . because there is such a longing, a great need for advocates like Chesterton in our day. . . . But let's be grateful we still have the works of that great man to study and learn from. . . And we also have for you have Belmonte's vibrant new biography -- a wonderful reminder of the magnificent example Chesterton has set for us.” —CHUCK COLSON(
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2010
33 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Belmonte
29 books16 followersKEVIN BELMONTE holds a B.A. in English from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a second Master's Degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine. He has twice been a Finalist for the John Pollock Award for Christian Biography, and in 2003, his book, William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity, won that award. For five years, his biography of William Wilberforce has been taught as part of a course on leadership and character formation at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. On several occasions, he has served as a script consultant for the BBC, and also for the PBS documentary, The Better Hour. For six years, he was the lead script and historical consultant for the critically acclaimed film, Amazing Grace. Kevin resides in a seaside village in Maine with his wife, Kelly, and their seven-year-old son, Sam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 20, 2022
As a fan of G.K. Chesterton I was happy to review Defiant Joy: The Remarkable Life & Impact of G.K. Chesterton a new biography by Kevin Belmonte. The author notes that this book is not a comprehensive or definitive study, but to introduce a life and legacy. I am all for introducing Chesterton to a wider range of people.
The book mostly allows Chesterton to speak for himself as there are numerous paragraphs from his books and other writings within. The basic framework of the book is to go sequentially through his books with chapters devoted to milestones of his publishing life. I would start of with Dale Ahlquists’ books instead and it does remind me that I need to read Joseph Pearce’s biography of GKC.
This book was not meant to be a comprehensive biography, unfortunately often it is hardly even a sketch biographically of Chesterton. If this had been the only book I had read on Chesterton I would hardly have any idea about the man other than some of the barest details. This is a book mainly on Chesterton the author, and not Chesterton the man. Major milestones in his life and the effect on his writing are covered in brief – often in just a sentence. His spiritual life is barely covered. The darkness he descended to in art school is covered, but nothing on the effect his wife had on him and his return to Anglicanism. His conversion to the Catholic Church got a sentence and his friendship with Hilaire Belloc was mentioned in passing. Rather odd considering that the author appears to be a Protestant who takes spiritual themes seriously in GKC’s writings. There are so many great stories about Chesterton and especially his legendary absentmindedness, yet this isn’t even mentioned or one of those famous stories told. Of course GKC called absentmindedness, presentmindeness on something else. GKC as a personality was seemingly bigger than life – you would learn none of that here. Though you do get some idea of the interplay between George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, and G.K. Chesterton and how they retained their lifelong friendship despite their opposing views.
Where the book succeeds is with Chesterton the author and you do get a good summary of his writings and the reactions to them then and now. From his early literary criticism to milestones such as The Napoleon of Notting Hill, Heretics, Orthodoxy, The Man who was Thursday, Father Brown, his poems, his essays on America, plays, etc. These chapters revolve around extensive quotations of the works. Literary criticism that appeared in response to these works and what effect Chesterton’s writings had on others is a part of these chapters. The author has done his homework from other biographies and of course Maise Ward’s biography of GKC is quoted throughout. Though the author makes a major gaffe in referring to her husband as publisher Frank Ward. That should be Frank Sheed one of the great Catholic apologists and later publisher with his wife — Sheed & Ward.
I was a bit disappointed on the chapter on Orthodoxy and thought it deserved much more than just the view of it from Gary Wills and Philip Yancey. While testimonials to the impact of Orthodoxy are fitting, I would have liked to see more of an outline of this book and some of the major themes within. Though I also suspect that I would hardly be satisfied with any chapter on Orthodoxy in that I try to reread this book every year.
This book has spurred me on to wanting to read Chesterton’s literary criticism. I was aware of his works concerning Dickens and Chaucer and while reading literary criticism is not my thing, I think GKC’s take will be. I do love Dickens and I really need to learn more of Chaucer.
This book reminds me of Chesterton’s quip on George Bernard Shaw comparing him to Venus de Milo in that what is there is good. I read through the book fairly quickly since I enjoyed it, it is just that I was constantly aware of what was missing. Missing was any mention of Manalive, Lepanto, or so many other of his books. Certainly in a book of this type you can’t devote a chapter to such a prolific author, but I so love Manalive and I consider it a key to understanding Chesterton the man and his philosophy.
As a supplementary biography Defiant Joy is somewhat worthwhile, just don’t make the mistake of getting this book as a primary biography of Chesterton.
The book mostly allows Chesterton to speak for himself as there are numerous paragraphs from his books and other writings within. The basic framework of the book is to go sequentially through his books with chapters devoted to milestones of his publishing life. I would start of with Dale Ahlquists’ books instead and it does remind me that I need to read Joseph Pearce’s biography of GKC.
This book was not meant to be a comprehensive biography, unfortunately often it is hardly even a sketch biographically of Chesterton. If this had been the only book I had read on Chesterton I would hardly have any idea about the man other than some of the barest details. This is a book mainly on Chesterton the author, and not Chesterton the man. Major milestones in his life and the effect on his writing are covered in brief – often in just a sentence. His spiritual life is barely covered. The darkness he descended to in art school is covered, but nothing on the effect his wife had on him and his return to Anglicanism. His conversion to the Catholic Church got a sentence and his friendship with Hilaire Belloc was mentioned in passing. Rather odd considering that the author appears to be a Protestant who takes spiritual themes seriously in GKC’s writings. There are so many great stories about Chesterton and especially his legendary absentmindedness, yet this isn’t even mentioned or one of those famous stories told. Of course GKC called absentmindedness, presentmindeness on something else. GKC as a personality was seemingly bigger than life – you would learn none of that here. Though you do get some idea of the interplay between George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, and G.K. Chesterton and how they retained their lifelong friendship despite their opposing views.
Where the book succeeds is with Chesterton the author and you do get a good summary of his writings and the reactions to them then and now. From his early literary criticism to milestones such as The Napoleon of Notting Hill, Heretics, Orthodoxy, The Man who was Thursday, Father Brown, his poems, his essays on America, plays, etc. These chapters revolve around extensive quotations of the works. Literary criticism that appeared in response to these works and what effect Chesterton’s writings had on others is a part of these chapters. The author has done his homework from other biographies and of course Maise Ward’s biography of GKC is quoted throughout. Though the author makes a major gaffe in referring to her husband as publisher Frank Ward. That should be Frank Sheed one of the great Catholic apologists and later publisher with his wife — Sheed & Ward.
I was a bit disappointed on the chapter on Orthodoxy and thought it deserved much more than just the view of it from Gary Wills and Philip Yancey. While testimonials to the impact of Orthodoxy are fitting, I would have liked to see more of an outline of this book and some of the major themes within. Though I also suspect that I would hardly be satisfied with any chapter on Orthodoxy in that I try to reread this book every year.
This book has spurred me on to wanting to read Chesterton’s literary criticism. I was aware of his works concerning Dickens and Chaucer and while reading literary criticism is not my thing, I think GKC’s take will be. I do love Dickens and I really need to learn more of Chaucer.
This book reminds me of Chesterton’s quip on George Bernard Shaw comparing him to Venus de Milo in that what is there is good. I read through the book fairly quickly since I enjoyed it, it is just that I was constantly aware of what was missing. Missing was any mention of Manalive, Lepanto, or so many other of his books. Certainly in a book of this type you can’t devote a chapter to such a prolific author, but I so love Manalive and I consider it a key to understanding Chesterton the man and his philosophy.
As a supplementary biography Defiant Joy is somewhat worthwhile, just don’t make the mistake of getting this book as a primary biography of Chesterton.
December 20, 2022
Around 1995 I entered a bookstore in Chambersburg, PA. This shop had the *complete* collected works of G.K. Chesterton from Ignatius in tan paperbacks. Oh, how I wanted them. I had no money. Shipping 37 (?) books to Oregon? Forget it. I still remember the exquisite torture of walking away.
Reading Kevin Belmonte's literary biography of GKC brought back the yearning. Thankfully, I own enough of GKC's oeuvre to keep me occupied. A good book, in my mind, slingshots you into other good books. Defiant Joy is a good book.
The "scare hair" on the cover is precisely my look every morning. GKC and me: kindred.
Tangent: I got to thinking how many authors I know by three initials. CSL, GKC, RLS, PGW, GAH, NDW. [OK - four intials: JRRT, MFKF]
I — not a Catholic — have been considering a subscription to Formed, a Catholic app that has several audiobooks I cannot find elsewhere: Chesterton, Joseph Pearce, Michael D. O'Brien, Thomas Howard, Peter Kreeft, and Sigrid Undset. At $9.99/month it would be an economical way to listen in.
Reading Kevin Belmonte's literary biography of GKC brought back the yearning. Thankfully, I own enough of GKC's oeuvre to keep me occupied. A good book, in my mind, slingshots you into other good books. Defiant Joy is a good book.
The "scare hair" on the cover is precisely my look every morning. GKC and me: kindred.
Tangent: I got to thinking how many authors I know by three initials. CSL, GKC, RLS, PGW, GAH, NDW. [OK - four intials: JRRT, MFKF]
I — not a Catholic — have been considering a subscription to Formed, a Catholic app that has several audiobooks I cannot find elsewhere: Chesterton, Joseph Pearce, Michael D. O'Brien, Thomas Howard, Peter Kreeft, and Sigrid Undset. At $9.99/month it would be an economical way to listen in.
October 31, 2016
Belmonte gets 5/5. My first top down portrait of the life of GKC. One of my favorite elements of the books was the relationship GKC had with many of the people he lampooned in his works. GKC joyfully fought, and he fought with gratitude. There is no evidence of envy and jealousy in his battles. Most of all I left with vaulting respect for George Bernard Shaw, who was Chesterton's friend throughout his life and offered many kindnesses to Frances Chesterton after Gilbert had passed.
One of my favorite passages was a quote from Cosmo Hamilton, who Chesterton debated several times:
"To hear Chesterton's howl of joy . . . to see him double himself up in an agony of laughter at my personal insults, to watch the effects of his sportsmanship on a shocked audience who were won to mirth by his intense and pea-hen-like quarks of joy was a sight and a sound for the gods . . . It was monstrous, gigantic, amazing, deadly, delicious. Nothing like it has ever been done before or will ever be seen, heard and felt like it again."
One of my favorite passages was a quote from Cosmo Hamilton, who Chesterton debated several times:
"To hear Chesterton's howl of joy . . . to see him double himself up in an agony of laughter at my personal insults, to watch the effects of his sportsmanship on a shocked audience who were won to mirth by his intense and pea-hen-like quarks of joy was a sight and a sound for the gods . . . It was monstrous, gigantic, amazing, deadly, delicious. Nothing like it has ever been done before or will ever be seen, heard and felt like it again."
March 23, 2012
The strength and weakness of this book is its reliance on quotes. It's always good to read Chesterton's own words, but even I, sympathetic to Chesterton as I am, found myself rolling my eyes when Belmonte would write something along the lines of "...his comments deserve to be quoted in full."
Still, the book does offer what I assume is a decent overview of GKC's important works. I would have loved to see some commentary on the extensive quotes, but in fairness Belmonte does not claim to be writing a work of criticism. Still, we're left with a fairly vague impression that, yes, Chesterton was important, and there were plenty of important folks who thought so.
Despite that, and despite the fact that the book feels very "skimmy" - covering vast and complex works in ten or so pages at a stretch - perhaps the best thing that can be said about it is that it inspired me to seek out GKC's works and read them for myself. I'm grateful to Belmonte for putting the book together and helping me to a general understanding of Chesterton's place in history.
Still, the book does offer what I assume is a decent overview of GKC's important works. I would have loved to see some commentary on the extensive quotes, but in fairness Belmonte does not claim to be writing a work of criticism. Still, we're left with a fairly vague impression that, yes, Chesterton was important, and there were plenty of important folks who thought so.
Despite that, and despite the fact that the book feels very "skimmy" - covering vast and complex works in ten or so pages at a stretch - perhaps the best thing that can be said about it is that it inspired me to seek out GKC's works and read them for myself. I'm grateful to Belmonte for putting the book together and helping me to a general understanding of Chesterton's place in history.
December 26, 2021
This was more literary biography than biography biography, so it wasn't quite what I wanted, but I know which Chesterton books I want to read next. And I know I may never forgive him for single-handedly rescuing Dickens from the obscurity he was drifting into a few decades after his death. 😆
Reader was not my favorite.
Reader was not my favorite.
February 23, 2025
I’ve often said that I think GKC is the most underrated writer of all time. After reading this book, I’ve realized that he is just underrated in the 21st century. I absolutely loved this book!
August 23, 2025
This is an engaging and well-researched survey of the major literary milestones in the life of G.K. Chesterton. Belmonte provides concise snapshots of Chesterton's writing (including reception and legacy) in chronological order of when he wrote the works. There aren't a lot of biographical details, but if you're looking for a superb introduction to GKC's thinking and writing across his life, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it!
December 14, 2015
My son, Alan, has encouraged me to read GK Chesterton. So, I have read Heretics and Orthodoxy. I'm currently reading The Man Who Was Thursday.
My son and I recently took a trip to Wheaton College to research some books owned by CS Lewis that were written by GK Chesterton. In order to prepare for that trip and the research, I learned about this book, Defiant Joy, which is a literary biography of GKC.
Kevin Belmonte has a great appreciation for Chesterton. He has the ability to tell the story of Chesterton's life while introducing readers to the works and words to GKC.
I am very glad I read this book. I will refer to it often. As a result of this introduction, I have developed my GKC reading list and can refer back to this book to understand the context of his life that prompted the writing of each volume.
I especially enjoyed the insights that Bellmonte shared about GK Chesterton's relationship with two opponents of his fault, HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw. They were his literary opponents but maintained a great affection for Chesterton. In today's world where incivility reigns supreme in the political and intellectual world, it is refreshing to learn about opponents who maintained a bond of friendship.
My son and I recently took a trip to Wheaton College to research some books owned by CS Lewis that were written by GK Chesterton. In order to prepare for that trip and the research, I learned about this book, Defiant Joy, which is a literary biography of GKC.
Kevin Belmonte has a great appreciation for Chesterton. He has the ability to tell the story of Chesterton's life while introducing readers to the works and words to GKC.
I am very glad I read this book. I will refer to it often. As a result of this introduction, I have developed my GKC reading list and can refer back to this book to understand the context of his life that prompted the writing of each volume.
I especially enjoyed the insights that Bellmonte shared about GK Chesterton's relationship with two opponents of his fault, HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw. They were his literary opponents but maintained a great affection for Chesterton. In today's world where incivility reigns supreme in the political and intellectual world, it is refreshing to learn about opponents who maintained a bond of friendship.
May 9, 2012
An excellent, readable literary biography of the great GK Chesterton, recommended as an introduction to GKC's work. This is not a conventional biography, but rather one that focuses on the circumstances in which Chesterton wrote his most important works, and the impact of those works on culture and on other writers. Belmonte has an engaging prose style and an infectious enthusiasm about GKC. He quotes extensively from a wide range of GKC's books, which allows readers to be enticed into reading more widely in Chesterton's works. Belmonte also puts his literary-historian research skills to good use, quoting from newspapers and journals of GKC's day to show how he was received at the time.
January 1, 2022
The four star rating is not because this book isn’t excellent, it absolutely is. It is because it needs more book. The author does an exceptional job on what he focuses on, stellar, thorough, and fascinating, but he needs to focus on more things. It’s biographical snippets told through what is essentially a biography of Chesterton’s bibliography. Again, what is there is superb, it just that it isn’t enough. Much as if one went to a fine restaurant which promised a phenomenal meal, and one was given the most delectable wine, the finest hors d'oeuvres, and a magnificent dessert, and then the meal was over. One cannot complain about the food, as the quality of all that was served was above and beyond expectation, but one will still leave the restaurant with a dissatisfied feeling, as there was no main course, and one can only imagine what the dinner would have been like with it.
Overall, a great read. Just lacks a plat principal.
Overall, a great read. Just lacks a plat principal.
October 17, 2020
Chesterton was a giant jug of warm joy, bumbling here and there and spilling over everything and everyone with no concern for the preferred depressed stodginess of those he came across. He lived fiercely, and I want to be like him in many respects. While I don’t aspire to his physical girth, I certainly do aspire to what his physical girth represented: a gratitude for all good things.
This book is a literary biography of Chesterton, delving into the context and content of many of his published works. It is splendid, and I heartily recommend it.
This book is a literary biography of Chesterton, delving into the context and content of many of his published works. It is splendid, and I heartily recommend it.
August 17, 2020
The author's intent is to open a window into the life and writings of GKC and develop an interest in the reader that will hopefully develop into a love of GKC. Mission accomplished. I will definitely be reading more GKC.
December 9, 2022
While this felt less like a biography and more like a review of some of Chesterton’s major works, it was very enjoyable. A great resource for anyone wanting to read and understand more of Chesterton. Note that there are spoilers for The Man Who Was Thursday and some of Father Brown. My main takeaway is that I now want to read The Ballad of the White Horse as soon as possible!
November 9, 2020
A literary biography worthy of the great man himself.
April 12, 2022
More of a literary review than a biography.
Best bits are the quotes from GKC himself.
Best bits are the quotes from GKC himself.
February 11, 2022
Belmonte is carving himself a title as the modern Chesterton scholar and works like this help establish that as true. Chesterton is worthy of your eyes and ears, this much is true.
November 23, 2021
What original writing the author did was fine; there just wasn't enough of it.
It seemed that 80% of the book was made up of quotes, either from Chesterton
himself or from other people commenting on his works. That sounds like it might
be a good thing, but it got tiresome. It would have been great
if he had paraphrased, summarized, and made clear statements with support from
his research. Also, I learned almost nothing about Chesterton's life! How he came
to faith, what his marriage and family life were like ... very little was offered by
way of biographical information. The reader of the audiobook was my favorite, though --
Robertson Dean.
It seemed that 80% of the book was made up of quotes, either from Chesterton
himself or from other people commenting on his works. That sounds like it might
be a good thing, but it got tiresome. It would have been great
if he had paraphrased, summarized, and made clear statements with support from
his research. Also, I learned almost nothing about Chesterton's life! How he came
to faith, what his marriage and family life were like ... very little was offered by
way of biographical information. The reader of the audiobook was my favorite, though --
Robertson Dean.
June 21, 2012
I am really glad I read this book, and I am now going to search for some of his works that I must try to read. I'm currently doubting my ability to appreciate G.K. Chesterton, but I am going to try. The style was somewhat off-putting at first because the author used many of long quotes,both from Chesterton and from what others said about him, but as I progressed through the book, that style grew on me. It was less a book about his life than about his impact on his world, which was considerable.
February 2, 2016
I quite liked this book about Chesterton, though it didn't entirely serve my purpose for reading it. I could have hoped to gain more knowledge about Chesterton's life, but for that I might have to turn to other sources. However the book really stood out in the way that it did a brief, but with an abundance of citations - from Chesterton himself and others, introduction to his literary works and influence. It is most certainly a book I would consult when I read different writings from Chesterton.
February 23, 2022
Robert Louis "Stevenson had the first essential qualification of a great man: that of being misunderstood by his opponents. ... We learn that he has the other essential qualification, that of being misunderstood by his admirers." (pg. 66) - GKC
"The human race, according to religion, fell once, and in falling gained knowledge of good and of evil. Now we have fallen a second time, and only the knowledge of evil remains to us." (pg. 89) - GKC
If only Chesteron had lived in the modern age. He is, if nothing else, the king of the witty one-liner. SO MANY of his sentences (quoted by Belmonte) would be ironically awesome on Twitter! "But wit," Belmonte says, "was not the only arrow in Chesterton's rhetorical quiver (151). He was a consummate debater, especially in writing, and could plunge the depths of eloquence in his artistic descriptions, especially in his fiction.
Belmonte strives to make Chesterton understandable (no small feat!). But the degree to which one finds this biography "good" depends on what one wants from a biography. This example is heavy on published works and what they mean for society, light on what was happening in GKC's personal life (marriage, etc.). It touches on those things, but the book is structured around the writing/publishing and critiques of it. Perhaps Maisie Ward's 1943 biography, Gilbert Keith Chesterton would better satisfy my desire for an intimate view.
Belmonte employs many long quotes strung together, held in place by transitional comments. While he exhaustingly endnoted almost every line, he was sometimes lazy about it, as in the following quote.
"Chesterton was one of the deepest thinkers who ever existed; he was deep because he was right; and he could not help being right; but he could not either help being modest and charitable, so he left it to those who could understand him to know that he was right, and deep; to the others, he apologized for being right, and he made up for being deep by being witty." (pg. 250) - Etienne Gilson, after GKC's death (Belmonte is quoting Ward's biography. Ward was quoting Gilson.)
Recommended for anyone interested in Chesterton, especially if you find his writing difficult to understand (as I do).
"The human race, according to religion, fell once, and in falling gained knowledge of good and of evil. Now we have fallen a second time, and only the knowledge of evil remains to us." (pg. 89) - GKC
If only Chesteron had lived in the modern age. He is, if nothing else, the king of the witty one-liner. SO MANY of his sentences (quoted by Belmonte) would be ironically awesome on Twitter! "But wit," Belmonte says, "was not the only arrow in Chesterton's rhetorical quiver (151). He was a consummate debater, especially in writing, and could plunge the depths of eloquence in his artistic descriptions, especially in his fiction.
Belmonte strives to make Chesterton understandable (no small feat!). But the degree to which one finds this biography "good" depends on what one wants from a biography. This example is heavy on published works and what they mean for society, light on what was happening in GKC's personal life (marriage, etc.). It touches on those things, but the book is structured around the writing/publishing and critiques of it. Perhaps Maisie Ward's 1943 biography, Gilbert Keith Chesterton would better satisfy my desire for an intimate view.
Belmonte employs many long quotes strung together, held in place by transitional comments. While he exhaustingly endnoted almost every line, he was sometimes lazy about it, as in the following quote.
"Chesterton was one of the deepest thinkers who ever existed; he was deep because he was right; and he could not help being right; but he could not either help being modest and charitable, so he left it to those who could understand him to know that he was right, and deep; to the others, he apologized for being right, and he made up for being deep by being witty." (pg. 250) - Etienne Gilson, after GKC's death (Belmonte is quoting Ward's biography. Ward was quoting Gilson.)
Recommended for anyone interested in Chesterton, especially if you find his writing difficult to understand (as I do).
December 11, 2025
I found a quote while reading the book that exactly defines it. (Actually, the book in this instance is quoting another fellow named Mencken.) "You will find it amazing in the things it contains and irritating beyond measure in the things it doesn't contain."
I suppose I should say why I read this book. My siblings and I were sitting in my dad's office before church, and as he is a pastor, he has lots of books. I was looking at them, and this one caught my eye. Maybe because of the bold title, or the interesting cover art, I don't know. But I started reading it and it was alright, and my dad was like "you can take that home if you want" and I did. (thanks dad)
I guess I was disappointed by this book because I thought it was going to be more of a biography, with facts about his life. While it had some of that in the earlier chapters, and it was super interesting, it turned into "here's a book this guy wrote, here's what I think about it, here's what people contemporary with Chesterton thought about it, and here's what people after Chesterton wrote about it." It included a lot (a lot) of quotes - it seems like half the book is quotes. At first it didn't bother me, but more towards the end I was just thinking GET ON WITH IT! I would have liked to know more about Chesterton's life, not just what he wrote. (I mean, the subtitle is the REMARKABLE life and impact of GK Chesterton... I still don't know what was remarkable about his life after reading the book...)
I did know nothing about Chesterton before reading this book, and now I have a lot of his works on my TBR list.
PS.
(WOW I wrote a review that wasn't just a vague sentence!)
PPS.
(I didn't finish this book in a day like it says on the goodreads. I just forgot to add it earlier. :) )
I suppose I should say why I read this book. My siblings and I were sitting in my dad's office before church, and as he is a pastor, he has lots of books. I was looking at them, and this one caught my eye. Maybe because of the bold title, or the interesting cover art, I don't know. But I started reading it and it was alright, and my dad was like "you can take that home if you want" and I did. (thanks dad)
I guess I was disappointed by this book because I thought it was going to be more of a biography, with facts about his life. While it had some of that in the earlier chapters, and it was super interesting, it turned into "here's a book this guy wrote, here's what I think about it, here's what people contemporary with Chesterton thought about it, and here's what people after Chesterton wrote about it." It included a lot (a lot) of quotes - it seems like half the book is quotes. At first it didn't bother me, but more towards the end I was just thinking GET ON WITH IT! I would have liked to know more about Chesterton's life, not just what he wrote. (I mean, the subtitle is the REMARKABLE life and impact of GK Chesterton... I still don't know what was remarkable about his life after reading the book...)
I did know nothing about Chesterton before reading this book, and now I have a lot of his works on my TBR list.
PS.
(WOW I wrote a review that wasn't just a vague sentence!)
PPS.
(I didn't finish this book in a day like it says on the goodreads. I just forgot to add it earlier. :) )
October 6, 2021
As a “fan” of Chesterton, I thought I’d take a chance on this book. Part biography, part review of the career and works of G.K. Chesterton, the book is a fascinating meandering through 40 years of his public life as a journalist, an essayist, a book reviewer, a dramatist, an orator, and cultural observer. One mustn’t forget the many points of contact with his faith and family.
The reader was eloquent and seemed to enjoy the artistry of the written word and the many-faceted splendor of the subject.
The author, also, delights in his subject. However, more than once, he latches on to a favorite phrase or quote and repeats himself either in the same context or circles back around a few chapters later. It isn’t a huge deal, but it makes for double takes while listening.
This semi-biography is a great place to learn of Chesterton works that may have been previously unknown to the listener or reader. It is also a place to learn what his friends, family, colleagues, and admirers thought of him and his body of work, from George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, C.S. Lewis, and T.S. Eliot, among others. He received high praise, indeed.
The reader was eloquent and seemed to enjoy the artistry of the written word and the many-faceted splendor of the subject.
The author, also, delights in his subject. However, more than once, he latches on to a favorite phrase or quote and repeats himself either in the same context or circles back around a few chapters later. It isn’t a huge deal, but it makes for double takes while listening.
This semi-biography is a great place to learn of Chesterton works that may have been previously unknown to the listener or reader. It is also a place to learn what his friends, family, colleagues, and admirers thought of him and his body of work, from George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, C.S. Lewis, and T.S. Eliot, among others. He received high praise, indeed.
April 14, 2021
As someone who has read and reread most of the books written about in this book, I found this to be almost nostalgic as it walked me back through my favorite non-fiction writer. I learned a ton too! The only two defects to the book were the strange chapter in how Chesterton j fluency Phlip Yamcey and Garry Wills. Wut? Didn't understand that. Skip that part and read the rest if you are a chesrerton fanatic! And why wasn't What's Wrong With the World mentioned? That confused me.
I would say this is more a literary biography than a dates and details bio (more in keeping with Chesrerton's style and his own autobiography). Fr. Ian Kerr's book is probably what you'd want if you were looking for something more in depth about where he lived and why he was so far, etc.
Now I want to read a book that focuses exclusively on Chesterton's friendships with Bernard Shaw and H G Wells. Mr. Belmont, please write that one.
I would say this is more a literary biography than a dates and details bio (more in keeping with Chesrerton's style and his own autobiography). Fr. Ian Kerr's book is probably what you'd want if you were looking for something more in depth about where he lived and why he was so far, etc.
Now I want to read a book that focuses exclusively on Chesterton's friendships with Bernard Shaw and H G Wells. Mr. Belmont, please write that one.
September 18, 2018
Audiobook: 8h.26m.
I’ve harboured a literary affection for GK Chesterton ever since I was introduced to his writings by CS Lewis, several years ago.
I found this biography to be a charming and expertly balanced delve into the life and work of this author. I had no idea that he was so well respected in his time, and I loved learning about his famous friendships, his familial devotion and his philosophy as presented in the works he published. This book quotes from those works at length, but every passage chosen was helpful in clarifying either a point of his theology, or in demonstrating his sense of humour, or in some other way moving the narrative forward; it did not feel overused.
Recommended reading for people who can appreciate a mischievous twinkle in the eye of a stranger.
I’ve harboured a literary affection for GK Chesterton ever since I was introduced to his writings by CS Lewis, several years ago.
I found this biography to be a charming and expertly balanced delve into the life and work of this author. I had no idea that he was so well respected in his time, and I loved learning about his famous friendships, his familial devotion and his philosophy as presented in the works he published. This book quotes from those works at length, but every passage chosen was helpful in clarifying either a point of his theology, or in demonstrating his sense of humour, or in some other way moving the narrative forward; it did not feel overused.
Recommended reading for people who can appreciate a mischievous twinkle in the eye of a stranger.
November 27, 2020
I have known G.K. by name and now I feel like I have just touched into something much deeper, vibrant, and meaningful. It is to our detriment that we do not read these early century philosophers who were given such a keen intellect and wisdom, with whit and the turn of a phrase.
The book is a good overview of Chesterton's life, his works, and his journey of faith - although most just focuses on his life. If you want a quick guide to plug classical liberalism into the modern world, there are fair portions of this book that are good on that front as well.
All in all, very good. Although all in all, he would find this review lacking in the meaning of address to do the work justice - so read it. I will be looking for much more from him.
The book is a good overview of Chesterton's life, his works, and his journey of faith - although most just focuses on his life. If you want a quick guide to plug classical liberalism into the modern world, there are fair portions of this book that are good on that front as well.
All in all, very good. Although all in all, he would find this review lacking in the meaning of address to do the work justice - so read it. I will be looking for much more from him.
November 16, 2018
What a delightful man! Reading this truly interesting biographical portrait has been an inspiration. I'm sure I read some of his poetry in English classes at school, but I shall be off to the library (and used-book shops) to find some of his works.
That a person can have inspired, and influenced so wide a range of people; commanded the respect and admiration of those who embraced his beliefs as much as those who disagreed; and enjoyed such varied friendships, speaks volumes about this "larger than life"man who seemed to be utterly comfortable with (and within) himself and anybody else he met.
That a person can have inspired, and influenced so wide a range of people; commanded the respect and admiration of those who embraced his beliefs as much as those who disagreed; and enjoyed such varied friendships, speaks volumes about this "larger than life"man who seemed to be utterly comfortable with (and within) himself and anybody else he met.
July 19, 2019
Have always loved and respected GK Chesterton’s faith, his ability to maintain relationships with people with whom he disagreed and his writings. That said, this book was a tough read. It might be more accurate to call it a “literary biography” since it focused on his writing and other people’s reviews of his writing. As others have said, the quotes from his and others writings were not selective or focused enough. With regret, I can’t recommend this book.
June 3, 2022
I listened to this book on Audibe. I have read very little Chesterton but decided to listen to this book after being encouraged by many respected friends to begin to read him. I thought I would start by getting an idea about who he was and what he is known for. Overall, I found it to be a pretty engaging and interesting reflection on his life. I now have a better idea of which of his works have had the most impact, why, and which ones I would like to read first.
January 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this! It was the first book about Chesterton’s life that I have read so I was hoping for it to be more biographical. But I’m assuming that there are other books which cover those things and Belmonte didn’t want to be redundant. As a survey of his work this book is very helpful! It is a treasure trove of reviews and contemporary responses to Chesterton’s writing. Well done!
April 7, 2019
I have recently read three of Chesterton’s well known works, this biography by Belmonte seems to soundly describe the man responsible for those pieces and more. It is understandable that the man behind such outlandish and paradoxical writing, would be likewise. It was striking to see just how unique GKC was, and the opponents he conversed with.
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