Manalive (Annotated)

This edition includes the following editor's introduction: G. K. Chesterton, the man beyond the writer

First published in 1912, “Manalive” is a book by English author and philosopher G. K. Chesterton detailing a popular theme both in his own philosophy, and in Christianity, of the "holy fool," such as in Dostoevsky's “The Idiot” and Cervantes' “Don Quixote.”

“Manalive” tells the story of Innocent Smith, a colossal and comic man who bounds onto the grounds of Brighton House – a manor filled with those who have forgotten the immediacy of existence – and proceeds to awaken life into its residents. Yet when the spirited and mirthful Smith is accused of murder, burglary and unfaithfulness to his wife, it is up the residents of Brighton House to form a court and defend his innocence against the masters of modern science and psychology.

“Manalive” is a wonderfully entertaining and comic tale the goal of which is to bring people to life, to make them recognize the world around them, and at the same time to see the boyish wonder which serves as the foundation for this mirth at life.

There is one thing that the reader may count on when picking up one of Chesterton’s novels, and that is simply that there is no way of knowing what to expect. There is always an air of mystery, of danger, of humor, of depth, and without fail a little absurdity brought about in attempt to awaken the reader to life. Of course, "Manalive" fulfils all these expectations.