That Hideous Strength (1945) by C.S. Lewis follows newlywed academics Mark and Jane Studdock in post-war England, as Mark joins the sinister, technocratic National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.) seeking status, while Jane experiences prophetic dreams of a hidden Merlin and the N.I.C.E.'s dark plans to control humanity. The novel details N.I.C.E.'s oppressive takeover of the town of Edgestow and the desperate efforts of the St. Anne's group (including Dr. Ransom) to awaken the ancient wizard Merlin to combat the supernatural evil behind the organization, culminating in a spiritual battle for humanity's soul and the renewal of Mark and Jane's fractured marriage. The trilogy's conclusion brings supernatural forces to Earth, with Mark and Jane finding redemption as they embrace authentic Christian love and stand with Ransom against the forces of destruction, echoing Arthurian myth.