British writer GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON (1874-1936) expounded prolifically about his wide-ranging philosophies-he is impossible to categorize as "liberal" or "conservative, " for instance-across a wide variety of avenues: he was a literary critic, historian, playwright, novelist, columnist, and poet. His witty, humorous style earned him the title of the "prince of paradox, " and his works-80 books and nearly 4, 000 essays-remain among the most beloved in the English language

This 1905 collection of short stories is a splendid example of Chesterton's wicked style and devastating intellect. Revolving around the members of a London club who must invent their own wacky professions-and make a living from them-these tales send up the British class system, the state of London in the Victoria era, the ironies of the law, and more. Complete with the author's original illustrations, the stories include:

. "The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown"
. "The Painful Fall of a Great Reputation"
. "The Awful Reason of the Vicar's Visit"
. "The Singular Speculation of the House-Agent"
. "The Noticeable Conduct of Professor Chadd"
. "The Eccentric Seclusion of the Old Lady