A Short History of England

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 - 1936) was a massively prolific English writer whose diverse output included journalism, play writing, philosophy, poetry, literary criticism, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy and detective fiction. A portly man of extraordinary brilliance, Chesterton wrote often in pithy epigrammatic and highly quotable language, for example: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it."

In A Short History of England, Chesterton gives us a cutting, humorous and brilliant tour of English History; though to be honest it's more of a collection of essays and a commentary on popular histories of the day. It follows the great arc of English history from the Roman era to WWI, always with wit, charm and empathy. To get a full sense for Chesterton's philosophical romp through time, it is perhaps best to at least have a vague familiarity with the island's history before reading the book. Having done so (or not) the reader will certainly be thrilled with G.K.'s brilliant and poignant retelling of the great events, with commentary.