First published in 1922, ‘What I Saw in America’ by G.K. Chesterton, an English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic.
The book tells us as much about the author and his particular views as it does about his destination. Indeed, Chesterton's personalised observations—his aversion to imperialism, capitalism, Anglo-Americanism, and his commitment to democracy and fraternity—are distinguished by the piercing wit for which he is famed.
Many of Chesterton's reflections are timeless and startlingly prescient. He was highly critical of both the naive immigration policies and the grinding dehumanization brought about by the growth of the economy. Nonetheless, he was enthralled by the glorious ideals of the nation—founded on principles of equality, democracy, and freedom—even if the essence of these ideals had been lost somewhere along the way. It ranks among the finest of Chesterton's works, containing all of the author's virtues and vices: his wry humor, sympathy, and intelligence playing devilishly against an irrepressible mischievousness.
