Oh, how I love Chesterton! When I read him as a 21st century American I can't help but find him a bit stoggy and conservative. But, deeper than his superficial claims is a real gem of true genius. Yes, he is conservative in a sense, in the way that we can mock him for being shocked that women would wear pants. Yet, many of his criticisms of what was becoming modern in his day are now appearing as very real modern disasters. Chesterton, I don't think it's fair to call him conservative, he goes beyond what is new or traditional, but is able to call both equally into question.

His style also earns my praise. He is neither high academic nor vulgar, but a middle road. He doesn't speak with the clarity of philosophers, but he's not spouting simple wisdom either. He can be quite intellectually-challenging while never stepping beyond the speech of a drawing room. Quite an amazing thing!