What I Saw in America
‘What I Saw in America’ is an eloquent record of the polymath G. K. Chesterton’s experiences on a lecture tour of the US in 1921. Many of Chesterton’s reflections are timeless and startlingly prescient, and though unsparingly critical at times he was enthralled by the glorious ideals of the nation – founded on principles of equality, democracy and freedom. Among the finest of Chesterton’s works, the book overflows with wry humour, sympathy and intelligence playing devilishly against an irrepressible mischievousness.
G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) was the author of over 80 books, several hundred poems, 200 short stories and 4000 essays.
Simon Newman is Professor in the Department of History at the University of Glasgow. His research interests focus on the social and political history of early America.