The Everlasting Man

by G.K. Chesterton
The Everlasting Man cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Religion and Theology
Technical
  • ID: 2343
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780486460369
  • Publisher: Courier Corporation
  • Published: 2007-09-19
  • Reviews: 3

G.K. Chesterton's 'The Everlasting Man' is a compelling history of humanity, Christ, and Christianity that has left a lasting impact on readers. Published in 1925, this polemic is renowned for its role in converting C. S. Lewis from atheism to Christianity. Chesterton's unique perspective presents Christianity as a harmonious blend of philosophy and mythology, making it appealing to both intellectuals and those seeking spiritual fulfillment. The book is celebrated for its ability to engage readers' minds and hearts simultaneously. Chesterton's brilliant writing style and deep insights into the human condition make 'The Everlasting Man' a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences today. It challenges conventional views and offers a fresh perspective on the historical and spiritual significance of Christianity.

Reviews
The Catholic Telegraph · 2024-07-30
compelling 4.50

The book is a significant contribution to the debate on human history and religion, offering a strong critique of materialism. It presents a well-articulated defense of Christianity's unique place in history.

The Catholic Telegraph highlights The Everlasting Man as a pivotal work in the ongoing debate between Chesterton and HG Wells. The reviewer notes that Chesterton's arguments are well-structured and compelling, particularly in his defense of Christianity against the backdrop of evolutionary materialism. The book is praised for its depth and clarity, making it a valuable read for those interested in the intersection of history, philosophy, and faith. The reviewer appreciates Chesterton's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner, making the book both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The Everlasting Man, published in 1925, was Chesterton's contribution to the controversy surrounding the publication of HG Wells' Outline of History (1920).

    Chesterton's arguments are well-structured and compelling, offering a strong critique of materialism.

    The book presents a well-articulated defense of Christianity's unique place in history.

Paul Kingsnorth Substack · Paul Kingsnorth · 2023-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book challenges the stereotype of Jesus as a meek teacher and offers a compelling counterpoint to evolutionary materialism. It presents a unique perspective on human history and religion.

Paul Kingsnorth appreciates Chesterton's effort to dismantle the popular image of Jesus as merely 'meek and mild,' arguing that this portrayal oversimplifies his significance. He finds the book's response to HG Wells' evolutionary materialism particularly engaging, highlighting Chesterton's ability to weave together history, philosophy, and theology in a thought-provoking manner. Kingsnorth suggests that while some arguments may feel laboured, the overall impact is a refreshing and insightful exploration of Christianity's place in human history.

Quick quotes

    Chesterton spends a lot of time - some of it laboured - pushing back against the popular notion that Jesus was simply a 'meek and mild' teacher.

    This is a book that challenges the evolutionary materialism of its time and offers a compelling alternative view.

    Chesterton's writing is both witty and profound, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Rooted Thinking · 2015-05-08
original 4.25

The book is a witty and original apologetic that advocates for monotheism over evolutionary accounts of religion. It is praised for its unique perspective on the supernatural origins of faith.

Rooted Thinking reviews The Everlasting Man as a witty and original apologetic work that challenges evolutionary accounts of religion. The reviewer appreciates Chesterton's advocacy for original monotheism and his exploration of the supernatural origins of faith. The book is noted for its unique perspective and engaging writing style, making it a valuable contribution to the discourse on religion and history. The reviewer finds Chesterton's arguments convincing and his writing both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This is a witty apologetic that advocates original monotheism, as opposed to an evolutionary account of religion.

    Chesterton's exploration of the supernatural origins and distinct nature of Christianity is both original and compelling.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of history, philosophy, and faith.

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