About this ebook
Excerpt: "The first sign of our approach to Lourdes was a vast wooden cross, crowning a pointed hill. We had been travelling all day, through the August sunlight, humming along the straight French roads beneath the endless avenues; now across a rich plain, with the road banked on either side to avert the spring torrents from the Pyrenees; now again mounting and descending a sudden shoulder of hill. A few minutes ago we had passed into Tarbes, the cathedral city of the diocese in which Lourdes lies; and there, owing to a little accident, we had been obliged to halt, while the wheels of the car were lifted, with incredible ingenuity, from the deep gutter into which the chauffeur had, with the best intentions, steered them. It was here, in the black eyes, the dominant profiles, the bright colours, the absorbed childish interest of the crowd, in their comments, their laughter, their seriousness, and their accent, that the South showed itself almost unmixed. It was market-day in Tarbes; and when once more we were on our way, we still went slowly; passing, almost all the way into Lourdes itself, a long-drawn procession—carts and foot passengers, oxen, horses, dogs, and children—drawing nearer every minute toward that ring of solemn blue hills that barred the view to Spain."
Excerpt: "The first sign of our approach to Lourdes was a vast wooden cross, crowning a pointed hill. We had been travelling all day, through the August sunlight, humming along the straight French roads beneath the endless avenues; now across a rich plain, with the road banked on either side to a...
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About the author
Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) was a prolific English author and clergyman whose life and work straddled significant cultural and religious shifts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into a prominent Anglican family—his father, Edward White Benson, was the Archbishop of Canterbury—Benson's early life seemed destined for ecclesiastical prominence within the Church of England. However, his dramatic conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1903 sent shockwaves through both religious and literary circles, marking him as a figure of controversy and fascination.Benson's literary output was diverse, spanning historical novels, science fiction, and theological treatises. His dystopian novel "Lord of the World" (1907) is particularly notable for its prescient vision of a future totalitarian state, earning him posthumous recognition as a pioneer of the genre. This work has been cited by contemporary figures, including Pope Francis, underscoring its enduring impact.Benson's writings often grappled with themes of faith, morality, and the clash between tradition and modernity. His ability to weave intricate narratives that explored the human condition within the framework of religious belief attracted a wide readership and influenced contemporaries such as G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc.Despite his relatively short life, Benson's bold religious choices and innovative storytelling left an indelible mark on both literary and theological landscapes. His works continue to be studied for their rich historical context and their exploration of timeless spiritual dilemmas, making him a compelling figure for modern readers interested in the intersections of faith, literature, and social change.
Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) was a prolific English author and clergyman whose life and work straddled significant cultural and religious shifts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into a prominent Anglican family—his father, Edward White Benson, was the Archbishop of Canterbury—Ben...
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