The King's Achievement

by Robert Hugh Benson

2019 · Good Press

In "The King's Achievement," Robert Hugh Benson crafts a richly layered narrative set in the tumultuous era of the English Reformation. The novel entwines historical events with the personal struggles of its protagonist, illustrating the tension between faith and duty. Benson's prose is both lyrical and evocative, employing a vivid style that mirrors the emotional and spiritual conflicts faced by individuals during a time of monumental change. The use of symbolism and deep character development enhances the reader's understanding of the complexities of loyalty and belief in an increasingly fragmented society. Robert Hugh Benson, the son of a prominent Anglican bishop, was profoundly shaped by his Roman Catholic faith and his keen interest in historical contexts. His experiences as a priest and his reflections on the Reformation period provided both the backdrop and the impetus for this compelling work. As a member of the literary elite, Benson wished to address the spiritual crises of his time, making his exploration of faith and morality both personal and relevant, drawing readers into the emotional heart of his characters. Ideal for those intrigued by historical fiction interwoven with deep ethical and spiritual themes, "The King's Achievement" invites readers to engage with its characters' dilemmas and broader societal questions. Benson's narrative serves as a reflective mirror of the struggles between personal conviction and external pressures, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

The King's Triumph

by Robert Hugh Benson, Aeterna Press

Overfield Court lay basking in warm June sunshine. The western side of the great house with its new timber and plaster faced the evening sun across the square lawns and high terrace; and the woods a couple of hundred yards away cast long shadows over the gardens that lay beyond the moat. The lawns, in their broad plateaux on the eastern side descended by steps, in cool shadow to the lake that formed a quarter-circle below the south-eastern angle of the house; and the mirrored trees and reeds on the other side were broken, circle after circle, by the great trout that were rising for their evening meal. The tall front of the house on the north, formed by the hall in the centre with the kitchen at its eastern end and the master’s chamber on the western, was faced by a square-towered gatehouse through which the straight drive leading into the main road approached the house under a lime-avenue; and on the south side the ground fell away again rapidly below the chapel and the morning-room, in copse and garden and wild meadow bright with buttercups and ox-eye daisies, down to the lake again and the moat that ran out of it round the entire domain. Aeterna Press