Last year we began our “Voyage Classics” line of books with The Book of Saints and Heroes, where we re-printed a classic Andrew Lang publication and commissioned for it original illustrations to accompany the text.
This year we are continuing that line of books with a ground-breaking dystopian novel originally published in 1907 by a Catholic priest: Lord of the World.
Our edition contains new typesetting and 20 original illustrations!
This book has been highly praised by both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. In fact, Pope Francis likes the book so much that he as mentioned it several times during his pontificate.
Here is a great summary of the book given by Pope Francis on April 30, 2023.
“Written more than a century ago, [Lord of the World] was to some degree prophetic in its description of a future dominated by technology, where everything is made bland and uniform in the name of progress, and a new ‘humanitarianism’ is proclaimed.” – Pope Francis
When I first read the book, I was astonished by how prophetic it was, describing technologies and ideologies that are now common around the world.
The author of the book, Robert Hugh Benson, predicted a world dominated by air travel and immersed in the artificial. Furthermore, he painted a future where “humanity” was worshipped in an effort to secure lasting peace on earth.
Benson also describes a world where euthanasia is a valid option and accessible by anyone.
The Catholic Church in this world is forced underground and the main priest creates a special type of “religious order” that does not wear any habit and is focused on holiness of life. Many have seen parallels between Benson’s description and the “universal call to holiness” as well as Opus Dei, which consists primarily of lay people.
While it is one of my favorite books, it can be a depressing book for many, as it is similar to other popular dystopian novels, such as Brave New World and 1984. In other words, it is not a book for your 8-year old son. My own age suggestion would be 15-Adult. It requires a mature reader who can discern the light in the darkness.
As I mentioned earlier, two different popes have recommended it and many other prominent Catholics in the last few decades have as well.
For those who read the book, you will encounter a world much like our own, a secular world that hates Christianity. Yet, the last pages of the book will remind you who the “Lord of the World” truly is and will give you some peace knowing that however dark the world gets, God is the one in control and consoles us with his presence in the Eucharist.
For a limited time, order your copy today at a special discounted rate!
Philip Kosloski
Philip Kosloski is the founder of Voyage Comics & Publishing and the writer and creator of the comic book series, Finnian and the Seven Mountains.