By Proxy

"By Proxy" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book revolves around Terrence Elshawe, a news reporter involved in an unusual story concerning Malcom Porter, a man with a tumultuous past who claims to have invented a revolutionary device for space travel. The narrative explores themes of innovation, authority, and the nature of truth as Elshawe navigates the uncharted territory of Porter's ambitions and the implications for both the man and society. The story follows Elshawe as he investigates Porter’s attempt to launch a purported spacecraft, infused with a device he claims operates on a new principle of physics. Despite his erratic history, Porter’s determination to prove his invention leads Elshawe through twists and turns, as they encounter resistance from government authorities wary of Porter's past and the authenticity of his claims. As tensions escalate, Porter’s fixation on proving his worth and gaining recognition culminates in a dramatic turn of events that thrusts both men into the spotlight, culminating in a journey that challenges the boundaries between genius and madness while questioning the moral implications of invention and recognition.