gk chesterton collection of essays

Who is This Man and Why Haven't I Heard of Him?

by Dale Ahlquist

G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) was one of the greatest and most prolific writers of the 20th century. A convert to Catholicism, he is well known for his Father Brown mystery stories and for his reasoned defense of the Christian faith. Learn More

• Quotations Explore quotations by topic
• Chesterton in Brief Summaries by topic
• Selected Works Stories, essays, and poetry
• Chesterton as Apologist Defense of Faith and Family
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• Reading Plan Here's how to get started
• Bibliography Books in chronological order
• Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's about Chesterton
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• Essential Essays Prophetic readings for today
• Meet Frances Chesterton Get to know Mrs. Chesterton
• Apologetics
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Selected Works

The essayist.

With over 7,000 essays to his name, G.K. Chesterton is one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century.

January One

by G. K. Chesterton on 1904-01-01 for The Daily News

The Twelve Men

An incomparable explanation of juries

Negative and Positive Morality

Salvation is not negative, but highly positive

On Mending and Ending Things

Two opposite methods to reform

The Extraordinary Cabman

A parable on certainty

A Defence of Rash Vows

The vow as a truly sane thing

A Defence of Baby Worship

With each new baby, the whole universe is again put on trial

A Piece of Chalk

The importance and interest of small things

Copyright © 2024 | The Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. All rights reserved.

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G. K. Chesterton Collection

The G.K. Chesterton Collection at Notre Dame London exists to encourage interest in, and scholarship related to, G.K. Chesterton.

The collection consists of a research collection of writings by and about Chesterton, as well as an array of personal items that belonged to Chesterton. As one of the premier English Catholic intellectuals of the 20th Century, Chesterton is well known for his many contributions to literature, journalism, theology, and the arts.

Join mailing list     Collection Highlights    Media Gallery    Research Opportunities

About the G.K. Chesterton Collection

The collection was independently compiled by schoolmaster and bookseller  Aidan Mackey,  one of the foremost Chesterton experts and among the only surviving individuals with connections to Chesterton’s family circle. An admirer of Chesterton since childhood, Mackey has made furthering the genius of Chesterton his life's mission. 

As well as publishing numerous articles, reviews and a story book including Chesterton drawings entitled "Mr. Chesterton Comes to Tea", Mackey also spent many decades acquiring materials by and about Chesterton. His interest in the great author led him to become friends with Dorothy Collins, Chesterton's secretary and literary executor after his death in 1936. After her own death in the 1980s Mackey acquired many of Chesterton's own books. In the 1990's, the Collection grew again, when the British Library offered Mackey custody of a large quantity of Chesterton memorabilia. 

For many years it was under the custodianship of  Stratford Caldecott  and Centre for Faith & Culture in Oxford (with support from the  Chesterton Institute at Seton Hall  and later the  Thomas More College of Liberal Arts ). The Trust was formed by Stratford Caldecott in 2008 with the object of safeguarding the collection and promoting "the study of G.K. Chesterton and other writers for the benefit of the public by activities related to the establishment and maintenance in England of a suitably equipped research library". In 2013, the collection moved to the  Oxford Oratory  library building.

The early influence of Stratford Caldecott was instrumental in Mackey's building of the collection and the efforts of Rev. Jerome Bertram and Dr. William Griffiths in housing it at the Oxford Oratory have also been significant.

The Trustees see this move to Notre Dame London as the best way to further these aims and provide a safe and fruitful setting for the Collection in Chesterton's home country. Mackey is delighted about the move. "To watch as the trustees and Notre Dame have arranged the collection’s elevation to so prestigious a home as [Notre Dame London] is, for me, warming beyond measure,” he said.

About G.K. Chesterton

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was a Catholic English author and genuine polymath who wrote prolifically on philosophy, theology, Catholic social teaching, literary criticism, history, and more. He was a journalist, a writer of fiction and poetry, and was formally trained in the areas of art and design. He is known as the Prince of Paradox because of his whimsical, humorous style of writing that contained serious commentary on politics, philosophy, theology and many other topics. 

Chesterton’s most popular work is his fictional priest-detective series, Father Brown, but his contribution to literature, journalism, and academia goes far beyond this. During his lifetime he penned 80 books, several hundred poems, 200 short stories, 4,000 essays, and several plays. Despite being one of the most prolific authors of the 20th century, Chesterton considered himself primarily a journalist, having written countless articles for the Daily News, Illustrated London News, and his own paper, G.K’s Weekly.

The Chesterton collection reflects all these many talents, and is particularly remarkable for its inclusion of some of Chesterton's “design.” For example, a children’s theater set designed by Chesterton which he used to run shows for local children, as well as a plethora of his personal books that contain doodles in the margins, and sometimes right across the text. 

Chesterton and Notre Dame

Chesterton had a very specific connection to the University of Notre Dame in the USA: He was named a visiting professor and given an honorary degree at the home campus in South Bend, Indiana, in 1930. It is appropriate, then, that Notre Dame, widely recognized to be the leading Roman Catholic teaching and research university in the United States, is home to such a remarkable collection. Serving as a tangible connection between the Notre Dame main campus and the University of Notre Dame (USA) in England, the collection also aims to unite the University with the broader Roman Catholic community in the United Kingdom.

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Archives & manuscripts, gilbert keith chesterton collection of papers 1895]-1935.

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[Identification of the item]. The Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection of English and American Literature, The New York Public Library.

This is a synthetic collection consisting of manuscripts and typescripts, correspondence, an undated notebook, legal and financial documents, a sketchbook, and a portrait sketch.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was an English writer of autobiographies, biographies, essays, historical works, journalism, literary criticism, novels, plays, and short-stories.

This is a synthetic collection consisting of manuscripts and typescripts, correspondence, an undated notebook, legal and financial documents, a sketchbook, and a portrait sketch. The manuscripts and typescripts include articles and essays, poems, and a number of reader's reports sent to the publisher T. Fisher Unwin about various authors. Also included are essays, reviews and notes for essays about Chesterton, in typescript and manuscript, written by W. H. Auden, Max Beerbohm, Sean O'Casey, Bernard Shaw, Ann Wolfe, and Humbert Wolfe. The correspondence consists of letters from the author, dating from 1904 to 1935, to E. V. Lucas, Clement King Shorter, the publisher T. Fisher Unwin, and the literary agency A. P. Watt and Son. The collection also includes correspondence relating to the author, dating from 1896 to 1928, between various correspondents, including Edward Chesterton, Dorothy Collins, H. B. Elliott, Humbert Wolfe, T. Fisher Unwin, A. P. Watt and Son, and the literary agency James B. Pinker and Son. There is one letter to Chesterton from Humbert Wolfe, dated April 19, 1933.

The Gilbert Keith Chesterton collection of papers are arranged in four series:

• Manuscripts and Typescripts
• Correspondence
• Financial and Legal Documents
• Pictorial Works

Custodial history

Previous owners include Humbert Wolfe, the American Play Company, W. T. H. Howe, and Owen D. Young.

Source of acquisition

This is a synthetic collection, created from materials acquired through gift and purchase from various sources.

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Processed by Staff; Machine-readable finding aid created by Lynn Lobash and Nina Schneider.

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For permission to publish, contact the Curator, The Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection of English and American Literature

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Accompanied by the printed text from The New Witness, Sept. 7, 1916. Y.

Signed with initials. H.

With her: ANS to "Grandpa" [Joseph C. Graham] Dec. 1 [n.y.]. Came with the papers of her father, Humbert Wolfe

Detailed analysis of contents on folders. On p. [2] of "After battle" his: [London sonnets] Sometimes when I think of love. Holograph draft, undated. 1 p. Folder 1

Signed Accompanying ms. note signed D. E. Collins. Published under title: On Mammoth Portraiture in his All I Survey, London, Methuen, 1933

Signed with initials "B. C." and 3 additional ones, the last signed (?) by J. S. Phillimore

Signed with initials, "B. C."

Accompanied by his: 3 ALS, 2 ANS to John Sullivan, Aug. 21 [1967]-Dec. 2, 1972. 1 p. each; Sullivan, John. 2 TL (carbons) to W. H. Auden, Aug. 30 and Oct. 11, 1972. 1 p. each. Published in G. K. Chesterton: A Centenary Appraisal, edited by John Sullivan, London, 1974

Accompanied by his: ALS to Richard Mealand of Nash's Pall Mall magazine. June 26, 1933. 1 p. Published in Nash's Pall Mall magazine, v. 92, no. 486, Nov. 1933, p. 8-9, 94-96

With reader's report by Edward Garnett

From the files of the American Play Co.

Signed with initials. With unidentified pen-and-ink illustration on verso

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G. K. Chesterton Manuscripts

An inventory of his collection at syracuse university.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in London, England on May 28, 1874 to Edward and Mary Louise (Grosjean) Chesterton. He married Francis Blogg on June 28, 1901.

Although Chesterton is known for his mystery/crime/detective fiction, he first gained popularity as a journalist. In addition to his many novels, Chesterton wrote pieces of poetry, literary criticism and history, and social commentary. Interestingly, he is remembered most for his creation, Father Brown, who first appeared in The Innocence of Father Brown in 1911, but Chesterton did not convert to Roman Catholicism until 1922.

Chesterton died on June 14, 1936 in England from complications caused by an edematous condition.

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The G. K. Chesterton Manuscripts includes a signed, holograph manuscript poem, and an essay by the English journalist and author.

The word 'Informer'...does not mean anything low or vulgar. It does not mean spy or sneak. It means one who gives information. It means what 'journalist' ought to mean. The only difference is that the Common Informer may be paid if he tells the truth. The common journalist will be ruined if he does.

Now the quite plain point before the party journalist is this. If he really means that a corrupt bargain between a Government and a contractor ought to be judged by public opinion, he must (nowadays) mean Parliament; that is the caucus that controls Parliament. And he must decide between one of two views. Either he means that there can be no such thing as a corrupt Government. Or he means that it is one of the characteristic qualities of a corrupt Government to denounce its own corruption. I laugh; and I leave him his choice."

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Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

G. K. Chesterton Manuscripts Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of George and Lena Arents.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: SEH Date: 15 Nov 1993 Revision history: 10 Sep 2008 - converted to EAD (LDC)

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Why were so many metro stations in Moscow renamed?

Okhotny Ryad station in Soviet times and today.

The Moscow metro system has 275 stations, and 28 of them have been renamed at some point or other—and several times in some cases. Most of these are the oldest stations, which opened in 1935.

The politics of place names

The first station to change its name was Ulitsa Kominterna (Comintern Street). The Comintern was an international communist organization that ceased to exist in 1943, and after the war Moscow authorities decided to call the street named after it something else. In 1946, the station was renamed Kalininskaya. Then for several days in 1990, the station was called Vozdvizhenka, before eventually settling on Aleksandrovsky Sad, which is what it is called today.

The banner on the entraince reads: "Kalininskaya station." Now it's Alexandrovsky Sad.

Until 1957, Kropotkinskaya station was called Dvorets Sovetov ( Palace of Soviets ). There were plans to build a monumental Stalinist high-rise on the site of the nearby Cathedral of Christ the Saviour , which had been demolished. However, the project never got off the ground, and after Stalin's death the station was named after Kropotkinskaya Street, which passes above it.

Dvorets Sovetov station, 1935. Letters on the entrance: "Metro after Kaganovich."

Of course, politics was the main reason for changing station names. Initially, the Moscow Metro itself was named after Lazar Kaganovich, Joseph Stalin’s right-hand man. Kaganovich supervised the construction of the first metro line and was in charge of drawing up a master plan for reconstructing Moscow as the "capital of the proletariat."

In 1955, under Nikita Khrushchev's rule and during the denunciation of Stalin's personality cult, the Moscow Metro was named in honor of Vladimir Lenin.

Kropotkinskaya station, our days. Letters on the entrance: "Metropolitan after Lenin."

New Metro stations that have been opened since the collapse of the Soviet Union simply say "Moscow Metro," although the metro's affiliation with Vladimir Lenin has never officially been dropped.

Zyablikovo station. On the entrance, there are no more signs that the metro is named after Lenin.

Stations that bore the names of Stalin's associates were also renamed under Khrushchev. Additionally, some stations were named after a neighborhood or street and if these underwent name changes, the stations themselves had to be renamed as well.

Until 1961 the Moscow Metro had a Stalinskaya station that was adorned by a five-meter statue of the supreme leader. It is now called Semyonovskaya station.

Left: Stalinskaya station. Right: Now it's Semyonovskaya.

The biggest wholesale renaming of stations took place in 1990, when Moscow’s government decided to get rid of Soviet names. Overnight, 11 metro stations named after revolutionaries were given new names. Shcherbakovskaya became Alekseyevskaya, Gorkovskaya became Tverskaya, Ploshchad Nogina became Kitay-Gorod and Kirovskaya turned into Chistye Prudy. This seriously confused passengers, to put it mildly, and some older Muscovites still call Lubyanka station Dzerzhinskaya for old times' sake.

At the same time, certain stations have held onto their Soviet names. Marksistskaya and Kropotkinskaya, for instance, although there were plans to rename them too at one point.

"I still sometimes mix up Teatralnaya and Tverskaya stations,” one Moscow resident recalls .

 “Both have been renamed and both start with a ‘T.’ Vykhino still grates on the ear and, when in 1991 on the last day of my final year at school, we went to Kitay-Gorod to go on the river cruise boats, my classmates couldn’t believe that a station with that name existed."

The city government submitted a station name change for public discussion for the first time in 2015. The station in question was Voykovskaya, whose name derives from the revolutionary figure Pyotr Voykov. In the end, city residents voted against the name change, evidently not out of any affection for Voykov personally, but mainly because that was the name they were used to.

What stations changed their name most frequently?

Some stations have changed names three times. Apart from the above-mentioned Aleksandrovsky Sad (Ulitsa Kominterna->Kalininskaya->Vozdvizhenka->Aleksandrovsky Sad), a similar fate befell Partizanskaya station in the east of Moscow. Opened in 1944, it initially bore the ridiculously long name Izmaylovsky PKiO im. Stalina (Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest Named After Stalin). In 1947, the station was renamed and simplified for convenience to Izmaylovskaya. Then in 1963 it was renamed yet again—this time to Izmaylovsky Park, having "donated" its previous name to the next station on the line. And in 2005 it was rechristened Partizanskaya to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II. 

Partizanskaya metro station, nowadays.

Another interesting story involves Alekseyevskaya metro station. This name was originally proposed for the station, which opened in 1958, since a village with this name had been located here. It was then decided to call the station Shcherbakovskaya in honor of Aleksandr Shcherbakov, a politician who had been an associate of Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev had strained relations with Shcherbakov, however, and when he got word of it literally a few days before the station opening the builders had to hastily change all the signs. It ended up with the concise and politically correct name of Mir (Peace).

The name Shcherbakovskaya was restored in 1966 after Khrushchev's fall from power. It then became Alekseyevskaya in 1990.

Alekseyevskaya metro station.

But the station that holds the record for the most name changes is Okhotny Ryad, which opened in 1935 on the site of a cluster of market shops. When the metro system was renamed in honor of Lenin in 1955, this station was renamed after Kaganovich by way of compensation. The name lasted just two years though because in 1957 Kaganovich fell out of favor with Khrushchev, and the previous name was returned. But in 1961 it was rechristened yet again, this time in honor of Prospekt Marksa, which had just been built nearby.

Okhotny Ryad station in 1954 and Prospekt Marksa in 1986.

In 1990, two historical street names—Teatralny Proyezd and Mokhovaya Street—were revived to replace Prospekt Marksa, and the station once again became Okhotny Ryad.

Okhotny Ryad in 2020.

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