The Leader by Murray Leinster

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About this eBook

Author Leinster, Murray, 1896-1975
Illustrator Van Dongen, H. R., 1920-2010
Title The Leader
Series Title Produced from Astounding Science Fiction February 1960.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Bruce Albrecht, Stephen Blundell
and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "The Leader" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction narrative written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the rise and reign of a mysterious figure known simply as The Leader, who, despite being illegitimate and uneducated, captivates a troubled population, ultimately seizing control of a nation through sheer charisma and a despotic rule. The narrative grapples with themes of power, control, and the psychological manipulation that allows such an individual to dominate a society, offering a reflection on the nature of authority and its impact on morality. The story is structured through a series of letters and reports written by various individuals, including a professor researching The Leader's history and generals recounting their experiences under his reign. The Leader, a figure marked by fanaticism and superstition, employs extreme measures, including imprisonment and execution, to consolidate his power. As the tale unfolds, it becomes apparent that The Leader’s abilities might extend beyond mere charisma, hinting at a possible psychic influence over others. This exploration culminates in a revealing confrontation that raises significant questions about identity and influence, ultimately leading to The Leader's downfall, wherein he adopts the identity of a more respected and greater figure, the Prime Minister Winston. The intertwining of elements of psi phenomena and the dark aspects of human psychology renders this a thought-provoking read on the complexities of leadership and the fragility of power. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Parapsychology -- Fiction
Subject Psychic ability -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 23612
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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