To millions of readers, G.K. Chesterton will remain, above all else, the creator of Father Brown, that innocent, wise, self-effacing, sometimes scandalous priest-cum-detective. Father Brown, the second most famous mystery-solver in English literature, has always had a devoted following, not just in England, but throughout the world.The first collection of Father Brown stories to be published and generally considered the best, The Innocence of Father Brown displays some of G.K. Chesterton's wittiest, most compelling, and original writing, containing marvelous descriptive scenes of both nature and city life, a dry humor, and, above all, deeply perceptive philosophical reflections. Martin Gardner has chosen the first British edition published in 1911 as the basis for this annotated volume. He includes notes that provide both background details about England at the turn of the century and textual variations, as well as a substantial Introduction and full bibliography. The Annotated Innocence of Father Brown will be an indispensable companion volume for Chesterton enthusiasts and a perfect introduction for newcomers to his work.