An anthology of G.K. Chesterton’s religious writing, offering a sometime surprising synthesis of Chesterton’s view of the essence of Christianity.


The Truest Fairy Tale is the only major themed analytical anthology of Chesterton’s religious writing with real focus and usefulness. Although presented as an anthology, it is more than just a collection of quotations. Many of the selections included here are previously uncollected, and each passage has been carefully chosen with respect for its relevance and context, effectively creating a new text in which Chesterton’s religious views are made more accessible, while encouraging the reader to ponder their meaning more deeply.

Morris is a revisionist, who challenges the view that the later Chesterton was a conservative Roman Catholic. Rather, he was a liberal Christian, who encouraged the reader to think philosophically, as well as religiously. Morris emphasises Chesterton’s tolerant temperament, his universal appeal, and, above all, his significance to all Christians. As he points out: “The point of reading Chesterton today is to be ideologically and intellectually stimulated, challenged and perhaps inspired and enlightened, rather than to be informed about facts or instructed in doctrinal details.”

The Truest Fairy Tale provides the most comprehensive general statement on Chesterton as a Christian writer.