Father Brown

While on a break from Catullus, I've been indulging myself and reading, Father Brown and the Church of Rome.

The book is a collection of short mysteries penned by G.K. Chesterton, with the humble Fr. Brown managing to mentally muscle his way through one curious mystery after the other, offering insight into the human condition along the way.

As the Ignatius Press synopsis mentions, "This deluxe hardcover Father Brown edition includes generous footnotes (not available in other editions) which help to clarify the literary and historical allusions made by Father Brown." I tend to be the kind of reader who scoffs at such explanations, feeling superior when someone elaborates on who Cassandra was. But, among other things, the stories thus far have taught me of the inadequacy of my understanding of most, if not all references. In addition to me being a generally poor reader, if there's one thing I do, it's utterly overlook the subtle significance of historical and literary references. The footnotes in this edition have actually been enormously enlightening and forced me to reread much more than I am wont to do.

I heartily recommend the collection for any time after nightfall or indoors whenever it's raining, preferably in the company only of a crackling fire.