"By What Authority?" by Robert Hugh Benson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the tumultuous religious conflicts of Elizabethan England, the narrative explores the intertwining lives of several characters living in a small village, particularly focusing on the Catholic Maxwell family and the Protestant Norris family. The story delves into themes of faith, loyalty, and the personal impact of broader societal struggles, showcasing the complexities of religious identity during this period. At the start of the novel, the setting is introduced in the village of Great Keynes, juxtaposing the quiet life there with the political unrest affecting England. The narrative centers on the Maxwell family, particularly old Sir Nicholas, who remains steadfast in his Catholic faith despite the pressures of the Reformation, and his two sons, Mr. James and Hubert, each representing different responses to the era's changing religious landscape. Meanwhile, the Norris family represents the Protestant perspective, particularly through Mr. Norris and his daughter Isabel, who grapples with her feelings toward the suave and complex Hubert. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for the central conflicts of the novel, outlining the complicated relationships between these characters as they navigate their faiths amid external challenges and personal dilemmas

"Come Rack! Come Rope!" by Robert Hugh Benson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in Elizabethan England, focusing on the persecution of Catholics following the Protestant Reformation, embodied by the struggles of its protagonist, Robin Audrey. The novel explores themes of faith, love, and familial conflict, particularly against the backdrop of the societal pressures and dangers faced by those who adhered to the Catholic faith during that tumultuous time. The opening of the novel introduces Robin Audrey, a young man grappling with personal troubles as he rides to meet his beloved, Marjorie. It quickly becomes apparent that Robin is facing a crisis: his father has declared his intent to abandon the Catholic faith, a significant shift that weighs heavily on Robin's conscience and commitment. This tension sets the stage for deeper conflicts between the son and his father, as well as Robin's struggles with his religious beliefs in the face of familial and societal expectations. The narrative skillfully establishes a rich historical context while delving into the characters’ inner lives, foreshadowing the significant choices and challenges they will encounter throughout the story

The sixth and final of Robert Hugh Benson's "mainstream" novels, "Loneliness", published posthumously in 1915, examines the life of a woman who sacrifices everything to be accepted by people who can see her only in terms of her singing ability and the roles she plays on the stage. They abandon her when she can no longer fit into their preconceived ideas. This is a novel about renunciation. A young singer is forced to choose between her religion (Catholicism) and the man she loves (a tepid Anglican). Which will leave her more lonely? "Loneliness" may be Benson's least known, yet one of his most insightful — and entertaining — novels. It highlights the tendency to judge people for what they can do for us, rather than their value as human beings

"Lord of the World" by Robert Hugh Benson is a dystopian novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores a future where traditional religious beliefs are in decline, and materialism and social upheaval dominate society, particularly focusing on the rise of Communism and Humanitarianism. The story introduces characters like Oliver Brand and Father Percy Franklin, who navigate this tumultuous world while grappling with the existential threat posed by the Eastern Empire and the enigmatic figure Felsenburgh. The opening of "Lord of the World" sets up a complex narrative that establishes this future society marked by technological advancement and the erosion of faith. We are introduced to Father Percy and Father Francis as they discuss the socio-political landscape of their time, reflecting on how religion has faded and Communism has surged in the absence of traditional authority. The scene shifts to Oliver Brand, a politician who is deeply concerned about the looming threat from the East and the rise of a powerful new leader, Felsenburgh. As tensions escalate, questions about the nature of belief and the fate of humanity filter through the interactions of the characters, laying the groundwork for the ideological conflicts that will unfold throughout the novel

"Oddsfish!" by Robert Hugh Benson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the main character, Roger Mallock, who embarks on a significant journey that intertwines with the political and religious turmoil of 17th-century England, notably during the reign of Charles II. As a messenger from the Holy See, Roger's mission involves navigating the complex societal landscape of England while maintaining his loyalty to the Catholic Church. At the start of the novel, we find Roger, a young English gentleman, being summoned by Pope Innocent XI to serve in a diplomatic capacity at the English court. Having spent two years as a novice in a monastery, he questions his vocation but is eager to serve God in the world rather than in the cloister. The scene shifts as he arrives in London after a seven-year absence, describing the city’s transformation since the Great Fire. Introduced to a host of characters, including his boisterous cousin Tom Jermyn and the enigmatic Cousin Dorothy, Roger's arrival marks the beginning of his involvement in the political intrigues and cultural dynamics of a court influenced by religious struggles, complex alliances, and his own personal desires

"The Dawn of All" by Robert Hugh Benson is a speculative fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the potential future of humanity through a parable that contrasts the outcomes of modern thought against ancient religious traditions. The central character, Monsignor Masterman, is introduced in a state of confusion and amnesia, awakening in a strange world where he has lost touch with his identity, exposing the conflict between faith and contemporary ideas. At the start of the narrative, Monsignor Masterman gradually regains awareness while lying in an unfamiliar setting, slowly piecing together his surroundings and memories. As he reflects on his fragmented thoughts, he realizes he has been thrust into a future society that is radically different from his previous life, notably seeing elements like state-supported Catholicism and advanced technology. Through vivid descriptions of his environment and encounters with mysterious characters, including priests and government officials, the reader witnesses his struggle to understand this new world, setting the stage for deeper explorations of faith, identity, and societal change amidst the backdrop of a seemingly Christian-dominated civilization

Пристрастие англичан к хорошим историям о привидениях широко известно. «Стоит только пяти или шести лицам, говорящим на родном для них английском языке, собраться в предрождественскую ночь у камина, как они непременно начинают рассказывать друг другу разные истории о призраках», — писал Джером К. Джером. Чуть ли не в каждом приличном английском доме живет свое привидение, о котором хозяева с удовольствием рассказывают знакомым, особенно если за окном мрачная, дождливая погода. Разумеется, это не могло не найти отражения в литературе. На страницах настоящего сборника «рассказов о привидениях», куда вошли истории как английских, так и американских писателей конца XIX — начала XX века, таких как Марк Твен, Монтегю Родс Джеймс, Амели Эдвардс, Эдит Уортон и других, читатель встретится с оживающими гравюрами, магическими заклятьями, зловещими двойниками и, конечно, со страдающими душами, не сумевшими обрести покой

Однажды вечером после ужина гости сидели у камина, разговор, как это часто бывало, зашел об извечном споре науки и религии, и священник рассказал об исповеди, услышанной им в деревушке невдалеке от места убийства Фомы Кентерберийского…