Lord of the World

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Lord of the World

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Set in a dystopian future where secular power has eradicated traditional religion, this novel explores the resurgence of faith amidst persecution. As a new global authority imposes compulsory worship, a small group of former priests navigates political intrigue and spiritual crisis, challenging the absolute materialism of the state.

Summary up to 500 words

In Robert Hugh Benson's dystopian novel *Lord of the World*, a future England is dominated by a Communist, Materialist regime that has abolished the state church and replaced traditional faith with the worship of the 'Spirit of the World.' The narrative centers on Father Percy Franklin and Father Francis, former Catholic priests who have adapted to this new order to serve as officials within the very government that once persecuted them. They meet with Oliver Brand, a high-ranking government official, to discuss the restoration of Divine Worship, which is becoming compulsory for citizens over the age of seven. The priests offer their expertise in Catholic ritual to ensure the new state religion is conducted with dignity, hoping to reclaim their faith within the system. The story explores the tension between enduring faith and rising secular power in a world where space has been conquered and technology advanced, yet spiritual freedom is under threat. As the new era of worship begins, the novel examines the resilience of the individual soul against a collective, godless state, questioning whether true faith can survive in a world demanding total conformity. The plot details the historical shift from the Labour Parliament of 1917 to the eventual fall of the House of Lords and the Established Church, driven by the rise of absolute Materialism and Socialism. The narrative culminates in a grand ceremony where the 'Spirit of the World' is revealed as a divine presence, blurring the lines between human will and spiritual reality. Characters experience a profound transformation, moving from fear to ecstatic acceptance as they realize that the 'Spirit of the World' is the true God. The novel concludes with a vision of a unified humanity worshipping this new deity, suggesting that the old world of conflict and division has been replaced by a singular, overwhelming spiritual force that transcends previous religious and political boundaries.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/robert-hugh-benson_lord-of-the-world.epub

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data/epubs/url-23840c64eb7a19ce.epub

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2026-06-30 19:02 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Science Fiction
• Dystopian Fiction
• Religious Fiction