The Club of Queer Trades: A novel by G. K. Chesterton

by G. K. Chesterton

Overview

Charles Swinburne and his friend, the private detective Rupert Grant, are startled when Major Brown recounts the things that happened to him that morning. Along with Rupert's brother, the ex-judge Basil Grant, they launch headlong into their investigation only to discover that the antagonist is a member of the Club of Queer Trades. Over the course of six short stories, the secrets of the Club come to light in surprising ways.

The Club of Queer Trades was one of G. K. Chesterton's earlier works, and was originally serialized in Harper's Weekly in 1904 before being collected into a novel in 1905. In recent years it was produced as a six-part radio drama by the BBC.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9782491251024
Publisher:	Les Prairies Numeriques
Publication date:	07/12/2019
Pages:	124
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x 0.29(d)

About the Author

British writer GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON (1874-1936) expounded prolifically about his wide-ranging philosophies. A man of strong opinions, with a humorous style that earned him the title of the "prince of paradox," he is impossible to categorize as "liberal" or "conservative": he was a literary critic, historian, playwright, novelist, columnist, and poet. His thousands of essays and 80 books remain among the most beloved in the English language.

Table of Contents

The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown

First appeared in Harper’s Weekly [v47, December 19th 1903]

While investigating a case of assault brought by Major Brown, Rupert Grant, the private detective, and his brother Basil stumble upon the Adventure and Romance Agency, Limited, an agency that creates adventures for its clients. The story is notable for prefiguring the concept of the alternate reality game.

The Painful Fall of a Great Reputation

Basil Grant investigates Wimpole, the great raconteur.

The Awful Reason of the Vicar's Visit

First appeared in Harper’s Weekly [v48, May 28 & June 4, 1904]

"Cherub" Swinburne is asked to investigate the mysterious assault on the Vicar of Chuntsey (in Essex).

The Singular Speculation of the House-Agent

First appeared in Harper’s Weekly [v48, June 11 and 18, 1904]

Basil Grant investigates the mystery of Lieutenant Keith, whose house, "The Elms", Buxton Common, cannot be found.

The Noticeable Conduct of Professor Chadd

First appeared in Harper’s Weekly [v48, June 25 1904]

Basil Grant finds out why Professor Chadd insists on dancing.

The Eccentric Seclusion of the Old Lady

First appeared in Harper’s Weekly [v48, July 9 & 16, 1904]

Rupert Grant rescues a lady from her kidnappers but cannot understand why she refuses to be rescued. The answer leads to the final unveiling of the mystery of The Club of Queer Trades.

Editorial Reviews

“Of the last two friends of yours who had the modern mind; one thought it wrong to eat fishes and the other thought it right to eat men...”

― G.K. Chesterton, The Club of Queer Trades

“...he sometimes felt himself to be a painfully prosaic person, but by the same token he knew he was incurably sane.”

― G.K. Chesterton, The Club of Queer Trades

“We have eternity to stretch our legs in.”

― G.K. Chesterton, The Club of Queer Trades

From the Publisher