Before going to the Rosenbach to celebrate the work of Charles Dickens, which does well this time of year, I came across the book Appreciation and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens by G.K. Chesterton.
Among a number of interesting notes, in his review of Hard Times, Chesterton writes, “I have heard that in some debating clubs there is a rule that the members may discuss anything except religion and politics. I cannot imagine what they do discuss; but it is quite evident that they have ruled out the only two subjects which are either important or amusing.” He goes on to explain that “The warmth of the discussion [in Dickens] is as much a part of hospitality as the warmth of fire.”
Here is to the cold days of winter and the warmth of discussion and fire.
Read the full Chesterton book, here.