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In'Lord of the World,'Robert Hugh Benson presents a prophetic vision of a dystopian future characterized by the ascendance of secularism and the eclipse of faith. Set in the 21st century, the novel explores themes of totalitarianism, moral relativism, and the struggle for spiritual truth amid societal collapse. Benson's literary style deftly blends rich character development with profound philosophical and theological discourse, reminiscent of both the Victorian and early modernist literary traditions. The narrative unfolds in a world increasingly dominated by a mechanized humanity that has forsaken its spiritual heritage, culminating in a gripping portrayal of a clash between good and evil. Benson, a former Anglican who converted to Catholicism, infuses his work with deep-seated religious conviction and eschatological urgency. His background as a writer deeply entrenched in the religious and political discourse of his time informs the novel's explorations of faith and tyranny. Drawing from the social and theological anxieties of early 20th-century Europe, Benson's insights into the challenges posed by modernity resonate with contemporary debates on the role of religion in a secular age.'Lord of the World'is a compelling read for those intrigued by the intersection of faith and society, offering a cautionary tale that remains relevant today. Benson's intricate narrative and evocative prose invite readers to reflect on the consequences of a world disconnected from its spiritual roots, making this novel essential for those who seek profound philosophical and spiritual engagement.

“If you want to understand me,” says Pope Francis, “read this book.” Speaking to a planeload of reporters on his way home from a visit to the Philippines in January 2015, the Pope explained that a reading of Lord Of The World would help people understand his fears for a secular society, including the promotion of contraception and gay marriage, a phenomenon he had described as “ideological colonisation” in Manila. First published in 1907 as a response to the utopian, atheistic vision of British author H.G.Wells, Lord Of The World was written by Robert Hugh Benson, an Etonian author who also specialised in ghost stories. Set in the 21st century, Lord Of The World sees socialists, humanists and Freemasons taking over a society where euthanasia is obligatory for the ill, Esperanto is the common language, and everyone travels by ‘volor', a form of Zeppelin. Religion has been suppressed. The antichrist returns, becoming the president of the world before going to war with the Catholic Church, precipitating the end of the world. Benson, formerly an Anglican priest, wrote his dark vision of the future, often cited as one of the first modern dystopias, after converting to Catholicism in 1904 and becoming a Catholic priest. The youngest son of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Benson hailed from literary stock. One brother, Edward Frederic Benson, wrote the Mapp and Lucia comic novels, while another, Arthur Christopher Benson, wrote the words for Land of Hope and Glory, and also Hugh – Memoirs of a Brother, the biography that comes free with this profusely illustrated www.ApostropeBooks.com edition.

Belief in God has been replaced by secular humanism in this gripping tale of the apocalypse. Protestantism is over, Catholicism is driven underground, and the Eastern religions have merged into a single pantheistic creed that poses an ongoing military threat to the West. Without a spiritual dimension to their lives, people are literally bored to death, choosing legal euthanasia rather than an empty existence. A charismatic leader arises amid this culture of despair, and in their eagerness for change, the citizens support the coming of the Antichrist and the end of days.One of the first works of modern dystopic fiction, this 1907 novel is remarkably prescient in its depiction of a technologically advanced society that rushes headlong toward its own destruction. Author Robert Hugh Benson, son of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a convert to Roman Catholicism, wrote this dark parable in response to the science-fiction novels of H. G. Wells, which portrayed utopian societies in terms of atheism and one-world government. The novel has been hailed as prophetic by Dale Ahlquist, Joseph Pearce, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, among others.