The book is developed as an intellectual quest by a spiritually curious person who is looking for the ultimate truth about the meaning of life and ends up at truth that uniquely fits the exact imprint of human needs. “By coincidence”, this truth is the same one revealed by Christianity. Chesterton likens this discovery to a man setting off from the south coast of England, journeying for many days, only to arrive at Brighton, the point he originally left from. Such a man, he proposes, would see the wondrous place he grew up in with newly appreciative eyes.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (May 29, 1874–June 14, 1936) was an influential English writer of the early 20th century. He wrote in an off-hand, whimsical prose studded with startling formulations. His prolific and diverse output included journalism, philosophy, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy, and detective fiction. Chesterton has been called the “prince of paradox.” (Wikipedia)