Historical Imagination of G.k. Chesterton - Locality, Patriotism, and Nationalism

This study examines a selection of Chesterton's novels, poetry, and literary criticism and outlines the distinctive philosophy of history that emerges from these writings. Looking at Chesteron's relationship with and influence upon authors including William Cobbett, Sir Walter Scott, Belloc, Shaw, H.G. Wells, Christopher Dawson, Evelyn Waugh, and Marshall McLuhan, McCleary contends that Chesterton's recurring use of the themes of locality, patriotism, and nationalism embodies a distinctive understanding of what gives history its coherence. The study concludes that Chesterton's emphasis on locality is the hallmark of his historical philosophy in that it blends the concepts of free will, specificity, and creatureliness which he uses to make sense of history.

List of contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One: The Critics and Chesterton’s Philosophy of History
Chapter Two: Influences and Contemporaries
Chapter Three: The Critical Lens
Chapter Four: The Creative Lens
Chapter Five: The Critical and Creative Legacy: Dawson, Waugh, and McLuhan
Chapter Six: Conclusion: Locality, Patriotism, and Nationalism and One Lens More
Notes
Bibliography
Index

About the author

Joseph McCleary is Superintendent of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School District near Boston.

Summary

This study examines a selection of Chesterton’s novels, poetry, and literary criticism and outlines the distinctive philosophy of history that emerges from these writings. Specifically, McCleary contends that Chesterton’s recurring use of the themes of locality, patriotism, and nationalism embodies a distinctive understanding of what gives history its coherence.

Product details

• Authors: Joseph McCleary, Joseph R McCleary, Joseph R. McCleary, Joseph R. (University of Maryland Mccleary, McCleary Joseph R.
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 23.04.2015
• EAN: 9781138868724
• ISBN: 978-1-138-86872-4
• No. of pages: 158
• Series: Studies in Major Literary Authors; Studies in Major Literary Auth; Studies in Major Literary Authors
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 20th Century, Literary studies: from c 1900 -, Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers, Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers, Literary studies: c 1900 to c 2000, LITERARY CRITICISM / Novel as Form