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Gather, Darkness!

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"Gather, Darkness" was one of two dystopian novels written by Fritz Leiber (The other was "A Specter Is Haunting Texas".). Without question this splendid little novel still remains one of his most impressive literary achievements. It is also one of the best conceived, best written novels of a dismal future for humanity.

Three hundred years after a nuclear holocaust, humanity is ruled by a secretive religious brotherhood, the Hierarchy of the Great God, which uses science as the supernatural means of ensuring its control over an impoverished, predominantly illiterate population. Opposing this brotherhood is a secret society of witches, the followers of Sathanas, seeking to use science to overthrow the brotherhood's tyrannical theocracy. A young Hierarchy priest, Brother Armon Jarles, skeptical of his beliefs and the Hierarchy's orthodoxy, soon finds himself caught in the bitter struggle between both groups. A struggle that is meant to gather darkness against the Hierarchy's grip on power.

After the Great War that ended the first Atomic Age the Priesthood rebuilt the world. But the priests of the Hierarchy weren't really priests, at least not in the old timeless sense. In fact, the first thing a young initiate was taught was that the Great God did not exist- it was just a false idol and technological trick used to control the commoners. For the priests were really composed of all the privileged classes of the old age- the scientists, engineers, managers, doctors, and psychologists. They had banded together to rule the world by fear and superstition. They used the technology that they controlled to force and frighten the common people into serfdom and slavery. Indeed, they had used the Dark Ages as their inspiration and pattern in social organization, costumes, architecture- they even allowed witches to exist and operate as a means to help terrorize the masses. Unfortunately for the priests of the Hierarchy, the Witchcraft was far more than it seemed....

It is absolutely incredible that this tight little novel was written in 1943. Just the use of the term "Atomic Age" two years before Hiroshima is remarkable. Then combine that with the fact that Leiber accurately describes atomic power, genetic engineering, cloning, holograms, scientific brainwashing, psychological warfare, and mutually impenetrable force beams that sound exactly like light sabers. This novel was far ahead of its time and holds up as a gripping read even today. In fact, the oppressive elitism that it describes is more plausible today than it would have been in the freer decade of the 40's.

In this post world war three novel, the class system has been re-enacted on earth and God has taken a new role over the poor public. The book brings together the uninformed technological public with the advanced brotherhood of God. But one brother has a different take on things and deffects from the order to join the witches of the dark underground. IN the end, the oppresive brotherhood is overrun by the witches in a spectacular show of technology power. The book took a new approach to the sometimes dull sci-fi books. The dark world was unlike any other and many times the reader felt like the book didn't have any point. But in any case it made you think about the setting and a new world of the mind. A good read for the sci-fi fan who wants something a bit different.

Over thirty years ago this novel grabbed me with its themes of technology, politics, and religion. Naturally, over the years it has lost its initial impact on my imagination, but retains interest with a fascinating and imaginative description of a world struggling with issues of political and religious freedom. Sci-fi/fantasy fans will enjoy the intermingling of supernatural and technological phenomena.

Imagine a world where the church ran everything. Sound good? Well, it's not. Just like in the middle ages, this church rules with an iron hand. Since God must be with the church, then opposition to the church is considered witchcraft, and it seemingly comes from Satan. A wonderful view of the negative possibilities should one single religion ever really take over the world. Lieber is a master writer, and this is one of his very best novels.

This is the first book of Leiber's that I have read and I am very impressed. Though the book was written in the 1950's it is able to transend 40 odd years and still be relevent in todays thinking. The most interesting twist is how Leiber moved away from science explaining the supernatural to science using the supernatural to maintain control on an ignorant society of peasents. Another impressive twist to the book was Leiber's ability to move the focus of the novel from between three different, yet important characters, without any interuption. I can not wait to read more of his books.

I'm pretty sure George Lucas read this one as a kid. This book elegantly portrays how a government can control the masses via religious emotions and fear. The chaos unveiled once the curtains are down, exposing the influential special effects, is quite stunning. The resulting revolt is dramatic. Originally published in a serialized format in the 40s, you can read chunks at a time and still follow it...if that's suitable to your lifestyle. The story stands the test of time well. Who are the real bad guys? A highly recommended, enjoyable read.

I was skeptical of a `science fiction' book which read on the cover, `An epic struggle between science and magic' and had an illustration of an old lady, a cat and a monkey. If it wasn't for my prior research into the book, I never would have even touched the book. Thankfully, for once, my regards to this book is in line with others.

I'm allergic to fantasy, so I have a most difficult time swallowing magic, witches and spells. One book which repressed my gag reflex was Trapped by James Alan Gardner. In his novel, the characters exhibit their magic in the form of manipulating nanites which are specific to each owns brain chemistry (or whatever- anyway, it was readable). Now when I pick up a classic like Gather Darkness which includes elements of magic AND religion, I was suspicious. Fritz weaves a decent tale though without causing me to spew.

In the era the novel takes place, an Hierarchy has been long established which uses masqueraded high technology to mimic miracles of God and powers granted to the priests. The commoners are draconian yokels left in the dark about the secret affairs of the church. Yet, there is a secret resistance invoking Witchcraft (so says the Church, but it is in fact technology which the Church doesn't have). The story follows the resistance of the Witches and heretics, the escalating war between the two and friction which spills over into the populous city.

Considering the later-combined were penned in 1943, a number of remarkable technologies make their appearance. One could say that Fritz was, perhaps, visionary in his technological apparatuses and memes. His ideas were also original, something which is hard to sift through when going over pulp 40s and 50s science fiction. Even now, the novel stands as a one-of-a-kind science fiction novel which only touches base with very few other novels combing scientific magic and religion.