Perspective

G.K. Chesterton was an English author and journalist who lived from 1874 to 1936. He was neither a trained philosopher nor a trained theologian and, as a result, when treating St. Thomas' thought, he always approaches it with a kind of humility and restraint, careful not to speak beyond what he knows. Nevertheless, despite his lack of formal training, Chesterton is very familiar with Catholic doctrine and obviously familiar with the thought of St. Thomas. His approach to the subject is primarily as an admirer of St. Thomas, and thus he puts a great deal of emphasis on his life and circumstances.

Chesterton's reason for writing this book, as is made clear in the final chapter, is to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of St. Thomas Aquinas, who he sees as the cure for many problems in the modern world. While Chesterton talks at greatest length about the...