Lord of the world book
Lord of the World
Published in 1908, Lord of the World is a piece of Catholic fiction driven by conflict between Christian tradition and modernity. The prevailing drives of the 19th century seem to have achieved fruition in Lord of the World; democracy has triumphed over monarchy, social programs and psychology over religion, and -- in general – the material over the spiritual. Europeans across the board are irreligious, with the exception of what is left of the Catholic church, concentrated in Ireland and the City of Rome. There is a religious sentiment alive in the Europeans, a worsh
Reading 1900-1950
Book Review by Sylvia D: It’s striking that all the reviews that have been posted so far have been of dystopian novels. I wonder if that is a reflection of the strange and troublesome times we are living through.
My first choice was Swastika Night but I couldn’t get hold of a reasonably-priced copy so I’m glad Kathryn has reviewed it. I usually end up choosing novels that were published in the interwar period which reflects my interest in the history of this period, so I decided to try one from an earlier period and by an author I’d never heard of.
Robert Hugh Benson, the writer of Lord of the World, published the year before Jack London’s The Iron Heel reviewed by Alice, was the youngest son of Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1883 to 1886 and was himself ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1895. Benson already tended towards the High Church tradition and in 1903 caused a sensation in Church of England circles by not only converting to Roman Catholicism but also being ordained a Roman Catholic priest. Alongside his ministry, Benson had a prolific output as a scribe of historical, horror, science fiction and children’s
Summary of Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson
The Author: Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) was the youngest son of Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, and younger brother of Edward Frederic Benson. In 1895, he was ordained a priest in the Church of England by his father who was then Archbishop of Canterbury. After many years of questioning and soul-searching he was received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1903. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1904 and named a Monsignor in 1911. In his introduction to this novel, Benson remarks:
“I am perfectly aware that this is a terribly sensational book, and open to innumerable criticisms on that account, as well as on many others. But I did not know how else to express the principles I desired (and which I passionately believe to be true) except by producing their lines to a sensational point. I have tried, however, not to scream unduly loud, and to retain, so far as possible, reverence and consideration for the opinions of other people. Whether I have succeeded in that attempt is quite another matter.”
Summary:Lord of the World is a 1907 apocalyptic novel that describes a future where faith i
“Lord of the World”
By Robert Hugh Benson. Newman Press, Long Prairie, Minn., first published in 1907, republished in 1982,
Grade 10 and higher. Column reprint from 2010.
Apocalyptic literature describes the disasters, wars and catastrophes before the end of the world.
The final book of the Bible, written by St. John, is called the Book of the Apocalypse or the Book of Revelation. St. John uses commanding images and creatures such as dragons to convey his message. The End Times were a matter of considerable debate with the turning of the millennium and the supposed prophesies of the Mayan Calendar. In the early 20th century, the distinguished Catholic writer Msgr. Robert Benson wrote a powerful work of literature concerning these matters. The title of this compelling book is “Lord of the World.”
The world has changed. Nation states have disappeared throughout the world and the rise of three great powers has occurred. First, there is the Asian sphere, which comprises China, India, Australia, Japan and all of the Far East. The second power is Europe. Occupying the continent of Europe and nearby countries, this land mass has great influence because of its cultural develo
Introduction to Benson's "Lord of the World"
by Father John McCloskey
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.– Ephesians 6-12
And yet in spite of this universal world which we see, there is another world, quite as farspreading, quite as close to us, and more wonderful; another world all around us, though we see it not, and more wonderful than the world we see, for this reason if for no other, that we do not see it. All around us are numberless objects, coming and going, watching, working or waiting, which we see not: this is that other world, which the eyes reach not unto, but faith only.– Blessed John Henry Newman from "The Invisible World"
Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson's Lord of the World is a novel about the Antichrist, who will tempt Christians to apostasy before Christ's Second Coming. It describes the final battle in the supernatural war for souls that has been fought continually both in heaven and on earth from the time of the Fall and will conclude with the general judgment; thereupon will