TY  - BOOK
AU  - Leinster,Murray
AU  - Van Dongen,H.R.
TI  - The Leader
T2  - Produced from Astounding Science Fiction February 1960
AV  - PS 
PY  - 2007///
CY  - Salt Lake City, UT
PB  - Project Gutenberg
KW  - Science fiction
KW  - Short stories
KW  - Parapsychology -- Fiction
KW  - Psychic ability -- Fiction
N1  - Release date is 2007-11-24; Produced by Greg Weeks, Bruce Albrecht, Stephen Blundell
and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
http://www.pgdp.net; Original publication data not identified
N2  - "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.)
UR  - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23612
ER  -