"Navigators, mutated by spice into beings far superior to normal humans, make space travel possible across the burgeoning Imperium. Their prescient awareness allows them to foresee safe paths through the universe as starship engines 'fold' space. Only industrial magnate Josef Venport knows the secret of creating Navigators, and he intends to build a commercial empire to span the galaxy. But at every turn Josef is embattled by the forces of antitechnology fanaticism, 'Butlerian' zealots led by the charismatic and dangerous Manford Torondo. They aim to turn back humanity's new renaissance and drive the Imperium into a dark age. And between those titanic forces stands the uncertain new emperor, Roderick Corrino, forced to take the throne after the assassination of his brother. The Navigators are the key to charting a glorious future for humanity ... or the end of civilization."--