The Defendant

G.K. Chestertons collected essays on subjects ranging from detective stories and penny dreadfuls to heraldry and patriotism. The essays originally appeared in "The Speaker" but were edited and revised for republication. In an introduction the author humorously offers his reasons for defending the things not generally liked. Following are special defences of "penny dreadfuls," rash vows, skeletons, publicity, nonsense, planets, China shepherdesses, useful information, heraldry, ugly things, farce, humility, slang, baby worship, detective stories and patriotism.