Rating: 
Summary: A Nightmare I Didn't Want to Wake Up From
Review: We must remember that the subtitle of this work is "A Nightmare." It really can't be read as a conventional mystery or detective story. Going into it with an open mind (and heart), you'll come away with so much more than any mere mystery normally delivers. TMWWT is suspense, fantasy, allegory, comedy, tragedy, and yes, mystery. I consider it Chesterton's finest novel (which is saying much). TMWWT is full of GKC's usual wit, good humor, and grace, and what's more, it's profound and deeply moving. I've lost count of my re-readings of this work, but it still delivers a punch every time I reach the last few pages. I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants a truly extraordinary reading experience.
Rating:
Summary: The man who was Chesterton
Review: First I have to say that the charges of incipient Nazism in TMWWT are so much rubbish. Any who think Chesterton a ravening Statist ought to reinvestigate his The Everlasting Man in which he suggests that authoritarian, centralized governments are probably late societal developments and in their totalitarian forms occur in the decay of societies. Such persons should also heed Chesteron's contempt for "our own servile, sentimental weakness for worshipping the Strong Man." In any case, the intrepid detectives seem to have pity on the anarchist who resents the depredations of kings and save their true scorn for the Absolute anarchist who seek ultimately to destroy humanity itself.The tale is bound to disappoint if one reads it strictly as mystery story. It is better read without expectation as to what sort of genre it may represent. If anything, think of it as a surreal adventure story and heed carefully that, at the end, there is some question as to whether any of it really happened at all outside of some fancy. It's really terrbly witty and thought-provoking, even inspiring. It is definitely one of the most distinctive works of prose I have ever read.
Rating: 
Summary: Too much religion, too little self control
Review: I admire Chesterton very much ("The Innocence..." and"Mr Pond's Paradoxes" are masterpieces) However, I totallyagree with readers Skirmont & Diruni; this is technically a great work up to, say, two thirds of it. To my view, by then Chesterton was beginning to show signs of religious fanaticism, up to the point that he forgot he was writing a crime story. The end is most disappointing, unless one is willing to accept all the mystical stuff as belonging to a crime story. As per antisemitism, I would not say it is there, but, according to my experience, underneath a catholic obsession invariably creeps a little of anti-Jewish mistrust. (I may be wrong, but that is, at least, my perception as a non-Jewish person, grew up under Catholic principles and among catholics)
Rating:
Summary: weird story with twists and turns
Review: A very interesting book. I didn't know what it was about when I bought it. As the story progressed, I finally figured it out. Once that happened, the twists and turns seemed less and less plausible and silly. The first half is well worth it, but don't hold your breath on the second half.
Rating:
Summary: Rollicking allegory disguised as detective fiction
Review: Those who would call Chesterton an anti-semitist should read his "Ballad of the Battle of Gibeon" and try repeating the charge. Do not, by any means, try and read "The Man who was Thursday" as a spy intrigue tale. If you do, you will be left completely baffled at the end. The whole Anarchist thing (although a pet peeve of Chesterton's) is not the main point of the story. Rather, "The Man who was Thursday" is a delightful allegory concerning the whole of this madcap creation. Chesterton's Council of the Seven Days is a fantastic type of the universe as a whole. Read it. It's good. Trust me.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent plot and prose
Review: I came across this book by accident. I am please I found it and even more pleased I read it. It may not have been quite accidental that the people who meet in Saffron Park are poets --The first chapter is entitled "The Two Poets of Saffron Park." About 80% of this little book produces a delightful poetic prose for the reader. For the first 60% of the book the plot grabs you and won't let go. Then it gets a bit silly. And ends with an engaging and thought-provoking cosmology which weaves religion, philosophy,and politics into a colorful fabric. But none of those factors sustained my interest in the book as did its poetry.
Rating:
Summary: This one will grow on you.
Review: Many, reading "The Man Who Was Thursday" for the first time, find themselves baffled and put-off at the end. What must be understood is that this work of Chesterton's rarely impresses immediately after the first reading. Usually the meaning of it impresses itself on you at a later date. Rereading at a later time is extremely helpful if you would understand the richness of Chesterton's symbolism.
Rating:
Summary: Maybe I read a different book than the rest of you...
Review: I must be something of a blockhead as I found no fascist or anti-semitic leanings in this novel. In fact, I merely thought it a right ripping adventure yarn with metaphysical overtones. To step from this book to accusations of anti-semitism is a bit far-fetched and not really tenable. The ending of the novel is fairly ambiguous and open, I think, to many interpretations.
Rating:
Summary: Marvellous
Review: Mannered and old-fashioned, to be sure, and maybe eerily foreshadowing of later political movements. But it's still a great read, regardless of whoever seizes on it for whatever purpose.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic along the lines of "Mein Kampf"
Review: This book is, quite simply, an attempt to express some of the most despicable ideas any human being ever had. It foreshadows Chesterton's descent into Nazism and anti-semitism; among Nazis and the KKK this book remains a favorite. Ugly, ugly, ugly, mean, mean, mean.
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