The wisdom of life; Counsels and maxims; Religion: a dialogue, etc.; The art of literature; Studies in pessimism; On human nature; The art of controversy.

Published in 1911, here is a gathering of the prefaces that Chesterton wrote for more than twenty of Dickens's novels. With quintessential Chesterton wit, the chapters display his supreme admiration for Dickens. He writes: Dickens must definitely be considered in light of the changes which his soul foresaw. Thackeray has become classical; Dickens has done more; he has remained modern … he belongs to the times since his death.