The Third Way: Foundations of Distributism As Contained in the Writings of Pope Blessed Leo XIII and Gilbert K. Chesterton

I almost didn't buy this e-book when I noticed that "Pope" is misspelled "Pupe" in a heading for Rerum Novarum. But I'm glad I looked past that. This collection is very well done, with minimal typos, good formatting, and linking that shows real consideration for the reader.The collection begins with the entry on Rerum Novarum from the old Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-1914). We then get the complete text of Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical on industrialization, property, and conflicts between employers and laborers. This is followed by four of G.K. Chesterton's books relating to "Distributism," i.e., the economic philosophy that the means of production should be widely dispersed, so that society will be made up of numerous small producers and tradespeople. The Chesterton works are:- What's Wrong with the World (1910)- Utopia of Usurers and Other Essays (1917)- Eugenics and Other Evils (1922)- The Outline of Sanity (1926)Chesterton is a superb writer and probably the best-known advocate of Distributism. He expresses numerous opinions that today are old-fashioned, if not reactionary. If you're interested in Distributism, this is a great place to start.

This exceptional anthology describes the reasonable middle path between the extremes of unfettered capitalism and undemocratic socialism presented in the blessed Holy Father Leo XIII's writings and the ouvre of the ever-witty Chesterton. Particularly pertinent today, distributism is a refreshing alternative vision of a well-ordered state that offers hope to those disillusioned by our inherently unjust and discriminatory American model but are apprehensive of embracing a socialist system which disregards or devalues the Divine.

with our youth not knowing about communism and their other forms England went thru a period before WWII of discussion on different political / socioeconomic systems.The great minds of England at that time came out with Distributisms , and protection of private property created by many small business, and entrepreneurs in lieu of capitalism ,socialism ,communism.Many people did not hear of the third way. And of course attacked and silenced by socialists , capitalist,Communist,fellow travelers, elitism , oligarchs, nepotism.

This is an excellent resource.I love the encyclicals in the beginning of the book.Although I'm not in agreement with Chesterton on a few points, I respect him as a mind. His writings on feminism are particularly entertaining and ring true. More pressingly, his attacks on modern economics are devastating.I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in political thought.

These are pretty much the main texts and readings to give you a basis on distributism. Great reads! Chesterton is amazing!

It is a timeless writing, filled with common sense. Not an easy read but one that will open the reader's eyes eyes to the workings and manipulations of geopolitics, as well as the ever present wisdom and guidance of the Catholic Church in the world.