Empire

In a remarkably similar vein to the much older work "The Air Trust", by George Allan England, a megalomaniacal business tycoon (Chambers) hopes to improve the Earth and solar system through monopolizing interstellar trade and development. A wealthy entrepreneur and his partner see the ignoble fate of the Earth and planets and set about trying to stop the tycoon's plans. It is a one-on-one battle, with the wealth and influence of the tycoon balanced against the wealth and creative genius of the entrepreneur.

The tycoon Chambers is given at least the general sense of higher purpose so he isn't simply a cardboard villain, but the idea that he will be the sole determinant of what humanity needs is in direct opposition to Manning's view of individual self-determination.

The ace in the hole held by Manning is so powerful that the author has to deliberately ignore the ramifications of the technology and focus solely on how it gives Manning the upper hand.

A very engaging read.