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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.
