October Meeting

Join us this week for our first discussion of The Club of Queer Trades (Chapters 1 & 2 only), at 7 o’clock on Thursday at Smith’s of Cohoes!

Rochesterton, the future and other follies…

A halberd: Notting Hill’s ubiquitous icon of patriotic vitality.

Thanks to all who came out to Smith’s last night.  ‘Twas another rollicking get-together, and a most engaging discussion to wrap up our journey through The Napoleon of Notting Hill.  Those who’d also attended our August meeting will recall how the conversation at The Pegasus devolved somewhat into politics.  September’s chat did seem to stay closer to the book.

Themes of vitality of place, love and size, abstraction vs. the lovable concrete, monarchy vs. democracy or republicanism, fullness of character (or lack thereof), longing for the king, and possible biblical parallels to Auberon (John the Baptist) and Adam Wayne (Christ) kept things interesting from start to finish.  There was even a reference to Theology of the Body (fantastic, MG!).  We’re always edified by our membership’s rich stores of historical, theological, cultural and literary nous, and we thank all who grace us with their company at our monthly ACS meetings.

Looking ahead to October, get your hands on a copy of The Club of Queer Trades and join us on 1st Thursday for Chapters 1 & 2.  As there are six chapters in total, we expect to spend three months on this gem of the detective fiction variety, one of Chesterton’s beloved genres.

As for our ongoing voyage through GK’s surrealism, rest assured that we shall soon enough turn to some non-fiction essays (there’s no shortage!).  Persevere in the joyful knowledge that our hearts are made for stories, and the most mature and reasonable among us are especially in need of a good somersault now and again.  Tumbling down imaginary grassy knolls can keep a man sane.

~

And, in more urgent news, it’s that wonderful time of year again (when we don’t have to wait a full month to get our GKC fix!)…  We present the flier you’ve all been waiting for:

 

Our compatriots, er … our friendly neighbors to the West… The Chestertonians of Rochester, NY have extended a special invitation to us people of the Hudson River.  The 11th Annual Conference of the Rochester NY Chesterton Society will take place on Saturday, the 27th of September, at St. John Fisher College’s Coleman Chapel.

Dale Ahlquist and Joseph Pearce are once again on the docket, much to our delight.  The topics, speakers and audience are always a treat, and the venue is comfortable and personal!  Expect books to be on sale, among other paraphernalia, so you’ll want to bring cash in excess of the $10 entry donation.  They often raffle off a few prizes too.  Mark your calendars!

September Gathering

Thursday, September 4th ~ 7 o’clock in the evening ~ Smith’s Restaurant of Cohoes, 171 Remsen St. ~ The Napoleon of Notting Hill. ~ Book IV, Chapter 2: The Correspondent of the Court Journal to the End ~

A reminder that our October (and beyond) reading selection is The Club of Queer Trades, so be sure to get your hands on a copy in time to read up!