It was established in 1974 to promote an interest in all aspects of G. K. Chesterton's life, work, art, and ideas, including his Christian apologetics.

The journal includes essays and articles written by Chesterton, and occasionally publishes special issues on particular topics.

It also publishes special editions in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian.

Founded by the Canadian Catholic priest Ian Boyd, editor-in-chief is Dermot Quinn.

The Chesterton Review is abstracted and indexed in the ATLA Religion Database and MLA International Bibliography.