G.K.C. THE INIMITABLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 21 September 1929, Page 8 (Supplement)

G.K.C. THE INIMITABLE.

FATHER BROWN'S LOCUM.

Tlio mind of G. K. Chesterton, may be likened to a huge Catherine wheol which, as if. revolves, sends out showers of sparks, glitteiing and many-coloured, but itself remains pinned securely to its slick. Irony and epigram, prejudice and paradox spurt, from his pen, but they merely illumino Ins own unalterable fixity of ideas. Tho splendours of tho Roman 'Catholic faith and tho delights of deep drinking form in his mind a sort of holy binity, and whatever may bo his ostensible subject it serves as a peg whereon to hang (i glorification of inns and inccnso, rollicking and ritual.

This tenacity enables Mr. Chesterton with the utmost case to reconcile seeming opposites. As a vehicle for tho ex position of a creed who else would choose detective mysteries? Yet Father Brown no doubt, lias inado converts as well as convicts.

Just now tho innocent Father is taking a holiday and in his placo wc aro introduced, in " Tho Poet and the Lunatics," to tho long, lank tow-haired Gabriel Gale, poet and friend of madmen and superlative detector of crime. Hi 3 methods are unique. Measurements ho disregards, footprints do not interest him, cigarette ash leaves him cold. Lying on his back or it may be standing on his head, he gazes at familiar objects of the countrysido, and the truth is revealed to him. A primrose on tho river's brim (ells Gale a good deal more than it told Wordsworth himself, and a starfish on tho sand unravels the mystery of a brutal murder.

By those who like their sensational fiction served with hraiu sauco and m an unusual form " Tho Poet and the Lunatics" will be found delicious. Others will prefer the more familiar dishes of Edgar Wallace or Frank L. Packard.

" The Poet nnd Tho Lunatics," by G. K Chesterton (Cassull).