The Provost — John Galt

John Galt's novel The Provost details the rise to power of James Pawkie, an aspiring businessman and politician who becomes a big-time mover and shaker in the Scottish town of Irvine. Galt uses Pawkie's ascendance to comment on the perils of acquiring influence rapidly, as well as the all-too-keen temptation to misuse it for personal gain.