Richard Gerber – författare

This book, originally published in 1955 and reissued in 1973, is a study of the flourishing of an ancient literary form which had only recently been recognized and systematically studied as a proper genre – utopian fiction. Beginning with the imaginary journeys of writers like H. G. Wells at the end of the nineteenth century, Professor Gerber traces the evolving themes and forms of the genre through their culmination in the sophisticated nightmares of Aldous Huxley and George Orwell. It is a two-fold transformation: On the one hand, the optimism of social reformers whose visions of the future were nurtured by the theories of Darwin and the triumph of science and industry gradually gives way to the pessimism of moral philosophers alarmed at the power science and technology have put at the disposal of totalitarian rulers. On the other hand, the earlier writers’ dependence on framing and distancing devices for their stories and heavy emphasis on technical details give way to the subtlety of complex psychological novels whose artistry makes the reader a citizen of the tragic worlds depicted.

This book, originally published in 1955 and reissued in 1973, is a study of the flourishing of an ancient literary form which had only recently been recognized and systematically studied as a proper genre – utopian fiction. Beginning with the imaginary journeys of writers like H. G. Wells at the end of the nineteenth century, Professor Gerber traces the evolving themes and forms of the genre through their culmination in the sophisticated nightmares of Aldous Huxley and George Orwell. It is a two-fold transformation: On the one hand, the optimism of social reformers whose visions of the future were nurtured by the theories of Darwin and the triumph of science and industry gradually gives way to the pessimism of moral philosophers alarmed at the power science and technology have put at the disposal of totalitarian rulers. On the other hand, the earlier writers’ dependence on framing and distancing devices for their stories and heavy emphasis on technical details give way to the subtlety of complex psychological novels whose artistry makes the reader a citizen of the tragic worlds depicted.

Oklahoma City is no stranger to terror and Richard Gerber ratchets terror up tenfold. Detective Nick Witkowski is called upon to lead his team to stop multiple terrorist attacks. Nick''s team hits a roadblock until an unexpected ally enters the fray. An Oklahoma senator has his own secret weapon in Jake Baer, a modern day paladin, who surreptitiously joins with Nick to rid Oklahoma City of a jihadist group bent on destruction.

The long arm of retribution stretches from Oklahoma to Virginia and back again in spite of federal inaction.

Hundreds of innocent victims, including the Oklahoma Governor''s family, are caught in several stunning horrific plots. Witkowski and Baer are pressed for time before anyone else dies. Witkowski and Baer battle not only the jihadis but their own inner doubts and frustrations. Will Witkowski''s and Baer''s tenacity carry them through the multiple jihadist attacks? A clash of wills between Nick Witkowski and the leader of the jihadis, fight for control of Oklahoma City and ends in a dramatic combat.

A former senator of Oklahoma and his paladin seek justice for the brutal rape of a sixteen-year-old girl in Maryland. The rapists are septuagenarians, all still living; in Maryland, Florida, and West Virginia. The assignment is not for the fainthearted. How will justice be served?