A Winnowing

by Robert Hugh Benson, Michael D. Greaney (Foreword)

Mixing such seemingly incongruous elements as social satire, near-slapstick, and obsession with death, "A Winnowing," first published in 1910, is the first of Robert Hugh Benson's "mainstream novels." An undeservedly overlooked work today, the novel flays Edwardian society in terms that bring to mind the comedy of P. G. Wodehouse, and the black humor of Evelyn Waugh. The influence of "A Winnowing" is evident in Evelyn Waugh's take on the funeral industry in Southern California ("The Loved One: An Anglo-American Tragedy"). This edition features a foreword by Benson scholar Michael D. Greaney.

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Mrsgr. Robert Hugh Benson AFSC KC*SG KGCHS was an English Catholic priest and writer. First an Anglican pastor, he was received into the Catholic Church in 1903 and ordained therein the next year. He was also a prolific writer of fiction, writing the notable dystopian novel Lord of the World, as well as Come Rack! Come Rope!.

His output encompassed historical, horror and science fiction, contemporary fiction, children's stories, plays, apologetics, devotional works and articles. He continued his writing career at the same time as he progressed through the hierarchy to become a Chamberlain to Pope Pius X in 1911, and gain the title of Monsignor before his death a few years later.

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two dimensional characters and overly didactic. I’m all for some Catholic content but this wasn’t delivered in a very compelling package.