Lodge in the Wilderness

John Buchan's political novel A Lodge in the Wilderness imagines a conference organized by a wealthy man named Francis Carey. Carey has invited eighteen upper-class guests, equal numbers of men and women, to discuss the British Empire and its potential as a positive global influence. Over the course of their conversations, Buchan gives voice to a diverse array of perspectives on contemporary political and social issues related to the Empire. Though fictional, the characters represent real-world figures that would have participated in such discussions at the time. This novel provides insight into the complex attitudes surrounding the Empire in early 20th century Britain. Buchan utilizes the characters and their exchanges to explore and share his own views on the Empire and its role in the world.