Why this book?
Lord of the World, by Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson, was intended as a parable, but since its publication in 1906 has proved rather prescient regarding the movement of humanity away from God, and the ways this movement affects society and individuals. This book is an opportunity to become better prepared for whatever lies ahead in the storm. It will help us build mental agility through considering possible situations, decisions, and actions. It can help us develop spiritual “toughness” and courage, virtues which aid us in taking the next right step.
Lord of the World
In this profound and prescient novel, Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson gives us an imaginative foretelling of the end of the world. All stories, Aristotle said, have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but most ends are relative, the terminus of this chain of acts or that. But what of the end that terminates all human action as we know it, the end of time itself, the Second Coming? Since this novel appeared in 1906, many others have been devoted to nuclear disaster, destructive comets, and other hair-raising possibilities. What sets Benson’s story apart and makes it as readable today as when it was written is the Catholic and biblical context that provides the ultimate meaning.
Robert Hugh Benson (1871–1914) was the son of the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose conversion to Catholicism caused a stir. He became a great apologist for the faith, in spiritual works as well as in works of the imagination. Lord of the World is first of all a tremendous “read,” but it is also spiritual food for thought.
“Mr. Benson sees the world, four or five generations hence [this review was written in 1906], free at last from all minor quarrels, and ranged against itself in two camps, Humanitarianism for those who believe in no divinity but that of man, Catholicism for those who believe in no divinity but that of God.” – London Times
“Interesting it must be to all to whom the deepest convictions of a man’s heart are of moment. And in the artistic balance and taste of Father Benson’s literary power every reader will find delight.” – New York Times
“The book as art is beautiful, delicately balanced, deeply inspired, intelligently executed.” – Putnam’s
The above description is quoted from staugustine.net >
You can purchase the paperback at the above link, or search online for other options.
You can also listen or read for free: Audiobook >Duration: 10 hrs 35 min
- There are 3 main sections in this book, so let’s start by reading BOOK I.
- Engage in the continuing conversation by commenting on this post and/or in the CORAC Book Club group on Signal.
- With enough interest, we’ll schedule a live Zoom discussion as well.
- Email education@coracusa.com to be added to the email list for book club announcements.
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