Gilbert Keith Chesterton (29 May 1874 – 14 June 1936) was a renowned English author, philosopher, and Christian apologist, best known for creating the detective Father Brown. His works, such as Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man, had a profound impact on 20th-century literature and Christian thought. Chesterton's distinctive writing style, filled with paradoxes and allegories, made his ideas both engaging and thought-provoking.
Born in London, Chesterton was educated at St Paul's School and the Slade School of Art. He married Frances Blogg in 1901, and their marriage remained childless. After converting to Catholicism in 1922, Chesterton’s faith influenced much of his writing, including critiques of capitalism and socialism, and his promotion of distributism, which advocates for the widespread distribution of property.
Chesterton’s ideas on society, tradition, and faith shaped many thinkers, including C. S. Lewis, who credited The Everlasting Man with his conversion to Christianity. Despite facing criticism for some of his views, especially on Jews, Chesterton remains an influential figure in literature and philosophy. His legacy endures through his writings and their ongoing influence.