The Defendant

Chesterton's earliest collection of essays covers a wide range of topics, from detective stories and penny dreadfuls to skeletons, slang, and patriotism. Each subject is addressed with his characteristic combination of wit, paradox, and good humor, as he "defends" seemingly harmless subjects only to reveal many hidden assumptions and dogmas of his time.

The extensive writings of G. K. Chesterton (1847–1936) include journalism, poetry, plays, history, biography, apologetics, and detective fiction. His writings have profoundly influenced countless readers, from C. S. Lewis to Michael Collins to Mahatma Gandhi.

In Defence of a New Edition In Defense of an Even Newer Edition Introduction A Defence of Penny Dreadfuls A Defence of Rash Vows A Defence of Skelletons A Defence of Publicity A Defence of Nonsense A Defence of Planets A Defence of China Shepherdesses A Defence of Useful Information A Defence of Heraldry A Defence of Ugly Things A Defence of Farce A Defence of Humility A Defence of Slang A Defence of Baby-Worship A Defence of Detective Stories A Defence of Patriotism