Heretics
Today we start the release of Heretics, a series of essays by Gilbert Keith Chesterton. First published in 1905. Read by David “Grizzly” Smith.
Chesterton had a sense of humor, had a sense of drama, and had sense. He was a man of strong opinions, and quite willing to argue vehemently for his own opinions, even with his friends — and they remained his friends — like George Bernard Shaw and Rudyard Kipling. Seems to me that is hard to find anymore.
He wrote prolifically. He wrote humor. He wrote mystery novels, the Father Brown mysteries in particular. But he also wrote his opinions, his religious opinions and his opinions about religion.
“Heretics” is a book about religion and politics, theory and fact, morals and efficiency. What I most admire about “Heretics,” written a bit over a century ago, is that his arguments are exceptional, and that so many of them are still quite recognizably true. He argues that the weakening and devaluing of religion has also weakened and devalued heresy. He argues that people should be able to speak freely — but that freedom of speech has actually decreased people’s willingness to speak about important issues. And so much more.
The one disclaimer I feel I must offer is that this book was “timely.” Some of the people and events he mentions will be familiar. Many other people and events would have been familiar to you, if you’d lived in England at the beginning of the last century. The ideas he opposes, however, are either regaining popularity, or have never lost it. And his arguments are as valid and wise now as they were.
In some ways, he was ahead of his time. You may disagree with him, but you can’t deny his intelligence and wisdom. This isn’t the book you might expect it to be. I think you’ll enjoy it, and maybe even learn something. Even if you disagree.
Book Theme: “Thaxted,” written by Gustav Holst, arranged by Kevin MacLeod
The first five episodes are in the default feed. David is pretty good about adding new episodes weekly. Of course, people who subscribe to a custom feed never have to worry about getting too many episodes all at once!
August 24th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I admit this book is a little out of the ordinary for my usual selection of books. But I just couldn’t resist the quality and intelligence of the writing. If you like this one, I have two other Chesterton books I’m planning on recording. Those will probably come after a couple of other interesting projects I think you’ll like.
Now that I’ve started Media Studies schooling, I’ll have access to much better recording space, and actual training on how this recording and editing stuff is supposed to be done. Might even shanghai a couple of my fellow students for some voicework!
September 6th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Finally got the Promo finished for the book. I like the way it turned out. Not terribly impressive, but I think it successfully conveys what the book is like. If you’re a podcaster, I hope you’ll grab a copy and play it for me. I’ll do my best to return the favor.
Griz
November 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am
[...] and here it is read by David “Grizzly” Smith: http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2009/08/22/heretics/ and here is the podcast feed: [...]