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Lord of the World

By: Robert Hugh Benson
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Publisher's summary

Secular humanism has triumphed. Everything the late Victorians and Edwardians believed would bring human happiness has been achieved: Technology has made it so no one needs to work for a living, the social sciences ensure a smooth-running social order, and, in the name of tolerance, religious beliefs have been uprooted and eliminated except for a single holdout - a largely discredited and rapidly shrinking Catholic Church. Yet people are unhappy.

What has been created is a sterile world of crass materialism, a world without spiritual dimension, a world where people daily choose legalized euthanasia over the emptiness of existence. Out of this culture of despair, there arises a charismatic leader: Julian Felsenburgh. Soon the masses are in Felsenburgh's thrall, and he becomes leader of the world. But in their eagerness for change, have the citizens of the world embraced the Antichrist and hastened the end of days?

Father Percy Franklin remains a bastion of stability, even as the Catholic Church disintegrates around him. Finally outlawed and driven underground, it is only this small and shrinking church that stands against the "Lord of the World".

Public Domain (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Lord of the World

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Christians please read

Remarkably relevant for today. Paints a pretty grim picture of a world without faith in God but complete faith in man.

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Worth a listen

If for no other reason then because of the fact one doesn’t find many works of Catholic fiction. Good story, although it does get fairly dry for certain stretches. Overall story is good, however.

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Beautifully read; much to consider

I listened to this novel upon papal recommendation. Fascinating, the predictions of both future world and technology, and future Church, from an early 20th century perspective. Science, science fiction, and faith. A great combo.

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the future is now

this is almost creepy in its depiction of the end time. great book through and through. keep praying and watching

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worth a look

surprisingly prescient for being written in 1907. the reader's voice, however, was a bit irritating

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Prophetic for our times

How did Benson have such insight - this man was, sadly, a prophet for our times. Amazing and compelling listening.

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Amazing and scary

amazing view of the coming end. Could this be the 21st century? Will it be soon?

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Wonderful

Though some of the depth this book would be lost on anyone who is not Catholic, it stands as one of the great apocalyptic novels of the twentieth century. The performance was excellent with captivating passion that assists the listener in immersing himself in the story. A great read for all and a must read for all Catholics.

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Excellent Reading

Simon Vance gives by far the best narration of this title available on Audible, avoid the other versions.

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Fantastic Audiobook

Wonderful narration by Mr. Vance and a superb story by Fr. Benson. I highly recommend this audiobook.

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