The Higher Criticism and Mr. Hibbs
The Higher Criticism and Mr. Hibbs is a book by G.K. Chesterton that critiques the methods of higher criticism in biblical scholarship. The book argues against the idea that the Bible should be interpreted as a collection of myths or legends, and instead advocates for a more literal interpretation of scripture.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Satire, Mystery, Social Commentary · 5,143 words
First lines
PEBBLEWICK boasted an enterprising evening paper of its own, called "The Pebblewick Globe," and it was the great vaunt of the editor's life that he had got out an edition announcing the mystery of the vanishing sign-board, almost simultaneously with its vanishing. In the rows that followed sandwich men found no little protection from the blows indiscriminately given them behind and before, in the large wooden boards they carried inscribed:
THE VANISHING PUB PEBBLEWICK'S FAIRY TALE SPECIAL
What this Textopian page supports
The Higher Criticism and Mr. Hibbs is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Mystery, Social Commentary, Comedy, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 5,143 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Higher Criticism and Mr. Hibbs by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Higher Criticism and Mr. Hibbs?
- How does this short story by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- How I Found The Superman by G. K. Chesterton
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- The Divine Detective by G. K. Chesterton
- The United Idolaters by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Satire — The work employs humor and irony to critique journalism and societal attitudes.
- Mystery — The narrative revolves around the unexplained disappearance of a sign-board, creating a sense of intrigue.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social and political dynamics, particularly through the character of Hibbs and the reactions to the event.
- Comedy — The absurdity of the characters' actions and the public's responses provide comedic elements.
Tags
literary criticism · philosophy · theology · religion · debate · rationalism · faith · interpretation · textual analysis · historical context · Christianity · skepticism