About this book
Robert Hugh Benson's Lord of the World stands as a visionary science fiction novel that imagines humanity's future in a world divided by irreconcilable ideologies. Set four or five generations ahead, this early 1900s masterpiece depicts a civilization split between two opposing forces: Humanitarianism, a philosophy celebrating mankind as the highest power, and Catholicism, representing faith in divine transcendence. What emerges is a prophetic exploration of spiritual conflict and human ambition.
Often recognized as one of the first modern dystopias, Benson crafted this provocative narrative to examine fundamental principles about belief, morality, and the trajectory of civilization. The novel unfolds across three movements—The Advent, The Encounter, and The Victory—building toward a climactic confrontation between these worldviews. Rather than presenting a simple morality tale, Benson creates a complex portrait of a future society grappling with questions that remain strikingly relevant today: What does progress truly mean? Where do we place our ultimate faith?
This audiobook appeals to listeners interested in speculative fiction with philosophical depth, religious themes, and historical significance. Whether you're drawn to early science fiction, theological exploration, or thought-provoking literature that challenges contemporary assumptions, Lord of the World offers a compelling journey through one author's vision of humanity's possible future and the eternal struggle between material and spiritual worldviews.
