Manalive

(1912)

This clever and comical work Chesterton's arguably most memorable and brilliantly constructed character, Innocent Smith, the "allegorical practical joker." Literally blown in by a gusty London wind to Beacon House, Smith immediately transforms the unhappy atmosphere of the house with his insane zest for life. At the height of their new-found joy, however, the residents are shocked as Smith apparently tries to murder one of their numbers. As they investigate his past, they find charges of multiple murder attempts, robberies, desertion of his wife, and polygamy. In the makeshift home trial that ensues, it is up to moody Irish writer Michael Moon to prove the impossible--that Smith's seemingly heinous acts are perfectly innocent; that "everything is wrong about him, except that he has done no wrong."--Submitted by Anonymous.

Fan of this book? Help us introduce it to others by writing a better introduction for it. It's quick and easy, click here.

• Related Links:

  • Quizzes on Manalive

    No quizzes available to take yet.

  Please submit a quiz here.

Recent Forum Posts on Manalive

Post a New Comment/Question on Manalive