Gather, Darkness!

Fritz Leiber's *Gather, Darkness!* stands as a seminal work of science fiction, a stark vision of humanity's struggle for survival and truth centuries after a devastating nuclear holocaust. Set 360 years post-apocalypse, the narrative plunges readers into a world plunged into a new dark age, where superstition reigns and a rigid, false theocracy is maintained by the techno-priests of the Great God. These priests hoard the remnants of lost scientific knowledge, wielding it as a tool of control over a populace steeped in ignorance. Into this bleak landscape steps Armon Jarles, a peasant who rises to become a priest himself, only to discover the hollow core of their divine mandate. Troubled by the deception and the lack of genuine faith amongst his brethren, Jarles embarks on a dangerous path of rebellion, seeking to awaken the enslaved masses to the truth, even as other dissenters and the burgeoning power of witchcraft threaten to ignite the greatest holy war the world has ever known. *Gather, Darkness!* undeniably earns its place among Fritz Leiber's best for several key reasons. Leiber, a master of atmosphere and character, crafts a chillingly believable post-apocalyptic society, showcasing his signature ability to blend elements of sword and sorcery with hard science fiction. The novel deeply explores themes of faith, manipulation, and the enduring human desire for freedom, all filtered through Jarles's compelling moral awakening and his fight against overwhelming societal inertia. Furthermore, the inclusion of "witchcraft" as a counter-force to the techno-priests' technological dogma demonstrates Leiber's willingness to push genre boundaries and explore the multifaceted ways in which belief systems can take root and flourish in desperate times. This potent mix of societal critique, gripping plot, and imaginative world-building solidifies *Gather, Darkness!* as a significant achievement in Leiber's distinguished bibliography.