Martyr

"Martyr" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Senator Dan Fowler as he battles against a powerful elite that seeks to monopolize rejuvenation technology, allowing only a select few to benefit from it while the rest of humanity remains at risk. Through Fowler’s struggle, themes of power, mortality, and the ethical implications of advanced medical technology are explored. The opening of the novel introduces several key characters and sets the stage for the conflict at hand. We meet Carl Golden, who is undercover in the Mars Colony, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a colleague, Kenneth Armstrong. Golden's interactions and the brewing tension hint at a deeper conspiracy connected to the rejuvenation program. Meanwhile, Senator Fowler learns from his doctor that he has a serious health condition, prompting him to consider participating in the very system he is fighting against, adding personal stakes to the political struggle. The opening sets a dark, suspenseful tone, inviting readers into a complex narrative that intertwines personal ambition with broader societal issues. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alan Edward Nourse was an American science fiction writer and physician. He wrote both juvenile and adult science fiction, as well as nonfiction works about medicine and science. His SF works sometimes focused on medicine and/or psionics.