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Initiation
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
- GenresCatholic
456 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1914
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About the author
Robert Hugh Benson
326 books186 followersMrsgr. 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 9, 2021
the journey of the main character is extremely relevant to my life and I love the author’s insight into human nature
February 10, 2025
There are times when you think you know an author's style and subject very well indeed, and he turns and snarls at you.
‘Initiation’ by Robert Hugh Benson, published in 1914, is one such novel. It is completely different from either Msgr Benson’s historical novels, or his dystopian ones, or even the mystical ones like ‘The Necromancers.’ However, while there is, on the whole, a complete absence of dogma or open antiProtestantism, it is partisan to the extent that it explores the very Catholic value of redemption through shock, pain, suffering and sacrifice.
Other Catholic themes that run lightly through the novel are that of the Pietà, the symbolic and real meaning of the Holy Grail, attendance at Mass and so on, but they are really in a minor chord.
The framework story is interesting in itself, and very revealing both of character and personality. A rather shy, unassuming young man gets engaged to an ambitious, opinionated and rather brutal young lady. When the lady later breaks off the engagement, the suspense begins. If some of the characters seem to be stock cutouts, the principals certainly show themselves strong, with qualities that are either attractive or unsympathetic. Even long deceased persons have personalities that act powerfully on the living souls of the book.
Whether one likes Benson's general themes or not, his style and language is always powerfully vigorous and spirited. There is never a moment when the story seems to have lost its way, or the language languish into hyperbole or flowery description. ‘Initiation’ is no exception.
‘Initiation’ by Robert Hugh Benson, published in 1914, is one such novel. It is completely different from either Msgr Benson’s historical novels, or his dystopian ones, or even the mystical ones like ‘The Necromancers.’ However, while there is, on the whole, a complete absence of dogma or open antiProtestantism, it is partisan to the extent that it explores the very Catholic value of redemption through shock, pain, suffering and sacrifice.
Other Catholic themes that run lightly through the novel are that of the Pietà, the symbolic and real meaning of the Holy Grail, attendance at Mass and so on, but they are really in a minor chord.
The framework story is interesting in itself, and very revealing both of character and personality. A rather shy, unassuming young man gets engaged to an ambitious, opinionated and rather brutal young lady. When the lady later breaks off the engagement, the suspense begins. If some of the characters seem to be stock cutouts, the principals certainly show themselves strong, with qualities that are either attractive or unsympathetic. Even long deceased persons have personalities that act powerfully on the living souls of the book.
Whether one likes Benson's general themes or not, his style and language is always powerfully vigorous and spirited. There is never a moment when the story seems to have lost its way, or the language languish into hyperbole or flowery description. ‘Initiation’ is no exception.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews