Alexander Belyaev’s high-tension novel about telepathy, the struggle for power, and the strength of the human mind addresses a key question of science fiction since Jules Verne: why scientific achievements should not outpace the improvement of morals. The young scientist Ludwig Styrner, with incredible talent and an original way of thinking, makes a major scientific breakthrough. Studying the workings of the brains of living organisms, he discovers telepathy—the ability to transmit thoughts over any distance. To financially support his scientific projects, the scientist turns to a wealthy banker, Karl Gotlieb. Numerous experiments on animals and people lead to a great success. However, Styrner wants more. He is forced to work for Gotlieb due to financial dependence, but the scientist’s ambition won’t let him accept limitations. Styrner dreams of ruling the world and is ready to do anything to achieve his goal. He doesn’t need armies or deadly weapons—only the power of his own mind, to subjugate all humankind. But a brilliant idea in the hands of a cruel, ambitious, and unstoppable man turns into a manic obsession. Soon it will set off a chain of events that will shake the world and change it forever… Alexander Belyaev is the founder of Soviet science fiction and the author of the famous novels “The Amphibian Man,” “Professor Dowell’s Head,” and many others that millions of readers loved and that were repeatedly adapted into films. Belyaev’s books are also admired by actor Grigory Perel. Listen to his talented performance of the story of a genius scientist who, using science, tried to pave his way to wealth, power, and even the heart of his beloved girl.