Having finally read my first Chesterton non-fiction, finally I say again, I am encouraged and relieved his reputation is well-deserved. Not that there was any doubt, truly, but the satisfaction of experiencing Chesterton is enhanced by knowing I am finally aligning myself with one of the great minds of the modern world (if not all-time). The book was not wholly overwhelming, of course, and it does seem to pick about mid-way through the second half, and Chesterton's style does take a bit more getting used to than just this first book, but the overall experience was good - especially as it was a relief in the midst of a number of lesser-quality books and a tumultuous set of current events that seems to have the entire hemisphere on edge. The first half of the book is enjoyable, for its honest and intellectual treatment of areas of science much of the technological world takes as a fact despite the sheer non-existence of proof. The second half is certainly the highlight, especially the first couple of chapters. The few memorable lines many of us already know (likely because of their influence on Lewis) are scattered throughout, and coming across them is akin to unexpectedly finding an old friend in unfamiliar territory, making the territory suddenly more familiar and enjoyable. It is easy to call this book a product of its time, and some of the final chapters seem almost naive with the events of the intervening 80-some years between us and Chesterton, but we would be doing Chesterton and the work a tremendous disservice. Since the message is true, and Christianity is so far above other religions "comparative religions" is "dust and nonsense," everything from the Great Depression until now certainly don't disprove it or "kill" Christianity any more permanently than Diocletian or Robespierre did. The book is still relevant, especially as the first half needs to be read probably even more now than when he originally wrote it. I enjoyed it for the most part (though, as I said, I need more experience with the Chesterton style). Chesterton, if he is out of style, must be re-embraced for our collective and individual well-being - the sooner the better.