G.K. Chesterton: Thinking Backward, Looking Forward

by Stephen R.L. Clark

In this book, Stephen R. L. Clark, a philosopher with a lifelong "addiction" to science fiction, explores G.K. Chesterton's ideas and arguments in their historical context and evaluates them philosophically. He addresses Chesterton's sense that the way things are is not how they must have been or need be in the future, and his willingness to face up to the apparent effects of the nihilism he detected in the science and politics of his day.



Clark offers a detailed study of some of Chesterton's works that have been identified by science fiction writers and critics as seminal influences. He attempts to deal with some of Chesterton's theories that have been found offensive or "positively wicked" by later writers and critics, including his arguments against female suffrage and in praise of war, his medievalist leanings, and his contemptuous rejection of Darwinian evolutionary theory.

248 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Mommalibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very challenging to me. I used Google constantly. Much was made clear in the afterword. I propose as a new title: What Science Fiction Writers Thought of G. K. Chesterton.

I was very angry with the author for much of the book. I have not read a lot of Chesterton and the author assumes you are completely familiar with all his works. It spends little energy on what others of the same period thought and the cross-pollination of ideas. More is included in later chapters. Almost every chapter spills out lists of science fiction stories and whether they upheld or reputed ideas of Chesterton. I was not familiar with any of the cited science fiction.

I did finish the book determined to read more Chesterton; his essays as opposed to his fiction. One question the author waltzed around was the effect of Darwinism (not necessarily what was written by Darwin) on the philosophy of morality. Is the highest moral 'good' = survival of the species? I have not read a lot of philosophy. A second idea put forward is that English law/ common law is based "on precedent, not principle, and so cannot be challenged as intrinsically absurd." I am curious to know what the basis of Law is in various countries, new and old.

[Andrew Orange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for fans of science fiction and Chesterton.
Also, it's extremely helpful for authors-beginners!