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 1909 collection shows off Chesterton's talent as a master of short-form prose. These "fleeting sketches, " which originally appeared the London newspaper Daily News, describe the most ordinary of events and observations, but through Chesterton's eye, they take on profound new meaning. He explores: . the secret of a train . an extraordinary cabman . the advantages of having one leg . on lying in bed . what he found in his pocket . an orthodox barber . some policemen and a moral . little birds who won't sing . and much more.