A collection of works--most never before published in book form--by the first Grand Master (Science Fiction Writers of America). Includes major novellas "Tenderfoot in Space" and "Destination Moon," which was made into the famous George Pal film. Tributes from Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Silverberg, and Tom Clancy. "A fine memorial."--Arthur C. Clarke.
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From Publishers Weekly
The New Collected Works portion of this memorial to Heinlein ( Stranger in a Strange Land ) is a delight. Best of these stories, essays and speeches are "Shooting Destination Moon ," an essay on the movie that follows the story on which the film was based, and the prescient Guest of Honor speeches from the World Science Fiction Conventions of 1941 and 1961. Heinlein's contributions, while not necessarily representing his best work, are always thought-provoking and never boring. In contrast, the tributes by such luminaries as Tom Clancy, L. Sprague and Catherine Crook de Camp, Arthur C. Clarke and Spider Robinson offer tedious variations on adulation. The sole exception is Larry Niven's story "The Return of William Proxmire," in which the senator blocks the space program with a time machine. He keeps Heinlein in the Navy and forestalls the body of writing that would influence many to pursue careers in space. Kondo is director of the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite observatory at Goddard Space Flight Center.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
Another of science fiction's weird hybrids, comprising fiction, poems, speeches, reminiscences, and appreciations by and about Robert A. Heinlein (1907-88), one of the most successful and influential science fiction writers of the modern era. Part I features the famous title story, six previously uncollected miscellaneous pieces, and four speeches that Heinlein delivered at sf conventions. Part II reprints the speeches given at the Heinlein retrospective at the National Air and Space Museum in October 1988. Part II consists of tributes to the Grandmaster from, among others, Poul Anderson, Greg Bear, Arthur C. Clarke, Joe Haldeman, Larry Niven, Spider Robinson, Robert Silverberg, and Jack Williamson. Among the more interesting entries are ``Destination Moon,'' the story that formed the basis for the innovative 1950 movie, co-scripted by Heinlein; and Heinlein's account of his involvement in making the movie--essential reading for sf-movie buffs. Elsewhere, Spider Robinson's egregious, ranting defense of Heinlein against mostly unspecified detractors will raise a few eyebrows; contrast Robert Silverberg's panegyric, a more reliable summary of Heinlein's substantial and lasting contribution to the field. Sentimental hagiography. -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tribute to a Grand Master
Sep 13 2005
By J. Robert Rule II
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This work is essential reading for the Heinlein fan. It contains such rarities as Heinlein's guest of honor speech at the Third World Science Fiction Convention in Denver in 1941 and panelist speeches from Jerry Pournelle, L. Sprague de Camp, and even Tom Clancy. You'll find contributions from Poul Anderson, Arthur C. Clarke, Gordon R. Dickson, Joe Haldeman, Larry Niven, Robert Silverberg, and Harry Turtledove. The best parts are by those who knew Heinlein the best, as when L. Sprague de Camp humorously comments on how some fans assumed that The Philadelphia Experiment story was true because he, Isaac Asimov, and Heinlein were all stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Air Station during World War II.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
A must for purists
Jan 19 2012
By Brad
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This was WAY up and down... I liked some of the shorts, though I had already read a number of them.
The convention speeches really gave me insight into the FAR RIGHT MCCARTHY-ISM this guy had going on - at least earlier in his life, and in fairness, it was kind of a sign of the times.
It just caught me by surprise as I have an idea where this author ends up on the left / right scale - IE: dial pointing slightly to the left of the L - think analog dial if that one stumps you...
And though his change is quite dramatic, I cant think it should be too surprising, we all change as we grow, as long as we keep growing as people that is. I hate to meet people in their 30's or 40's who think all the same things they did in their teen's and 20's. If your life experience dont mold you at least SOME you need better life experiences or something...
Anyway, the personal stories were worth the price of admission in my book. I dont think anything really means more in getting a sense of a person - short of actually talking to them - than hearing a bunch of rambling goodbyes from people who loved the decedent.
All in all this is a worthwhile read, and mostly as coherent as this type of collection / tribute can be - I didnt really think much of Larry Niven's alt timeline short story, which in itself is surprising, as I have LOVED most of what he has written without Jerry Pournelle (Footfall & Oath of Fealty just didnt do much for me - Maybe just a letdown after things like The Integral Trees, Smoke Ring, Destiny's Road, & assorted tales of Known Space)
Not that it wasnt well written or thought out - it just felt out of place to me in this otherwise pretty homogeneous amalgam.
All in all this is a must read for fans of RAH - you may just want to save it for last.
The convention speeches really gave me insight into the FAR RIGHT MCCARTHY-ISM this guy had going on - at least earlier in his life, and in fairness, it was kind of a sign of the times.
It just caught me by surprise as I have an idea where this author ends up on the left / right scale - IE: dial pointing slightly to the left of the L - think analog dial if that one stumps you...
And though his change is quite dramatic, I cant think it should be too surprising, we all change as we grow, as long as we keep growing as people that is. I hate to meet people in their 30's or 40's who think all the same things they did in their teen's and 20's. If your life experience dont mold you at least SOME you need better life experiences or something...
Anyway, the personal stories were worth the price of admission in my book. I dont think anything really means more in getting a sense of a person - short of actually talking to them - than hearing a bunch of rambling goodbyes from people who loved the decedent.
All in all this is a worthwhile read, and mostly as coherent as this type of collection / tribute can be - I didnt really think much of Larry Niven's alt timeline short story, which in itself is surprising, as I have LOVED most of what he has written without Jerry Pournelle (Footfall & Oath of Fealty just didnt do much for me - Maybe just a letdown after things like The Integral Trees, Smoke Ring, Destiny's Road, & assorted tales of Known Space)
Not that it wasnt well written or thought out - it just felt out of place to me in this otherwise pretty homogeneous amalgam.
All in all this is a must read for fans of RAH - you may just want to save it for last.
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