Born in London, Chesterton was educated at St. Paul University College, and the Slade School. This absent-minded, overgrown elf of a man, who laughed at his own jokes and amused children at birthday parties, wrote a book called The Everlasting Man, which led C.S. Lewis to become a Christian; and wrote a novel called The Napoleon of Notting Hill, which inspired Michael Collins to lead a movement for Irish Independence. His tombstone was designed by Eric Gill.