'Born Again' Summary

The novel opens with John Convert, a sailor who is cast adrift after a fight with his crew. He washes ashore on an island inhabited by the Sagemen, a race of giant, telepathic humans who dwell in a subterranean city. Convert, after his initial fear, is taken in by the Sagemen and finds himself drawn to Arletta, a giantess who leads him on a journey through their civilization. This journey becomes a catalyst for Convert's personal transformation, as he learns about the Sagemen's advanced technology, their philosophy of peace and unity, and their rejection of traditional societal norms. As Convert embraces this new worldview, he also begins to embody the ideals of Lawsonomy, a philosophical system Lawson himself created, which emphasizes vegetarianism, a decentralized economic system, and a harmonious relationship with nature. The novel, despite its fantastic elements, offers a critical examination of the world through a utopian lens, highlighting Lawson's own social and political views.