Format: PaperbackPages: 352Trim size: 6 x 9 inchesISBN: 978-0-87061-298-5In an airplane news conference on his return from the Philippines in January 2015, Pope Francis mentioned Robert Hugh BensonsLord of the Worldand said, I advise you to read it. It wasnt the first time the Holy Father had praised the book since becoming pope. This 1907 futuristic narrative has been hailed as the finest work of this unsung, but influential author and son of the Archbishop of Canterbury whose conversion to Catholicism rocked the Church of England in 1903. The compelling book includes a new introduction, a biography of Benson, and a theological reflection.Popular young adult books such asThe Hunger GamesandDivergent, as well as literary classics such as Walker PercysLove in the Ruinsand Cormac McCarthysThe Road, have created a growing interest in dystopian novels. In one of the first such novels of the twentieth century, Robert Hugh Benson imagines a world where belief in God has been replaced by secular humanism.Lord of the Worlddescribes a world where Catholics are falling away and priests and bishops are defecting. Only a small remnant of the faithful remains. Julian Felsenburgh, a mysterious and compelling figure arises, promising peace in exchange for blind obedience. Those who resist are subjected to torture and execution. Soon the masses are inFelsenburghs thrall and he becomes leader of the world. Into this melee steps the novels protagonist, Fr. Percy Franklin. Dauntless and clear-sighted, Franklin is a bastion of stability as the Catholic Church in England disintegrates around him. Bensons harrowing plot soon brings these two charismatic men into a final apocalyptic conflict.With an imagination to rival H. G. Wells and theological insight akin to G. K. Chesterton, Bensons astute novel has captured the attention of many today, including Popes Benedict and Francis. This new edition makes it easily available and features an insightful introduction by Rev. Mark Bosco, S.J., a brief biography of Benson by Martyn Sampson, and a theological reflection by Rev. Michael Murphy, S.J.Features & BenefitsLord of the Worldhas been praised by Pope Francis (November 2013) as depicting the spirit of the world which leads to apostasy and mentioned by Pope Benedict XVI in critiquing President George H.W. Bushs New World Order.There is a growing interest in dystopian novels because of popular young-adult books such asThe Hunger Games andDivergent.Featured in Fr. John McCloskeys Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.