He gained his deep understanding of the human – and indeed, criminal – mind from hearing confessions. What may not be always obvious from the TV series, but is eminently declared in the books, is that Father Brown takes a decidedly spiritual and psychological view of criminals and non-criminals alike. (Episodes can currently also be viewed on Netflix.) In the series, the ungainly, awkward but hugely endearing priest applies his love and knowledge of human nature to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator is held accountable – and wherever possible, redeemed for eternity. John O’Connor, a Roman Catholic parish priest who became a good friend, and who was instrumental in Chesterton’s conversion to Catholicism at the age of 46.įor those of us late to discovering the books, there is also the wonderful Father Brown television series on BBC, which began in 2013 and still continues, starring the inimitable Mark Williams. Chesterton read over 10,000 books, memorized many parts of them, wrote over 100 books himself, contributed to 200 others, penned several hundred poems, and published over 5000 essays in newspapers and magazines.Ĭhesterton’s ‘Father Brown’ character was inspired by the Rt. He was larger than life, 6’4” and almost 300 lbs., a popular debater and firm friend of George Bernard Shaw, as well as Hillaire Belloc and H.G. Chesterton was a unique character who, to the delight of his many fans, was happy to share his unconventional and unworldly wisdom. Though from another age, another style, and an ancient orthodoxy, the priest and his creator have a lot to say to us in our jam-packed days of political chaos and all-pervasive social media. Father Brown, as Chesterton’s mouthpiece, offers keen insights and lively observations regarding all manner of life happenings. Brown from “The Sign of the Broken Sword” 1911įor those of you who have never seen, read or heard of Father Brown, he is a fictional Roman Catholic priest who solves crimes and mysteries, deliciously served up for 26 years (from 1910 to 1936) in 53 short stories penned by the English writer, poet, philosopher, orator, and late convert to Catholicism, G.

The wisdom of father brown book