The Heritage of Heinlein - (Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy) by Thomas D Clareson & Joe Sanders (Paperback)

About the Book

Robert A. Heinlein is generally recognized as the most important American science fiction writer of the 20th century. This is the first detailed critical examination of his entire career. It is not a biography--that is being done in a two-volume work by William Patterson. Instead, this book looks at each piece of fiction (and a few pieces of sf-related nonfiction) that Heinlein wrote, chronologically by date of publication, in order to consider what each contributes to his overall accomplishment. The aim is to be fair, to look clearly at the strengths and weaknesses of the writings that have inspired generations of readers and writers.

Book Synopsis

Robert A. Heinlein is generally recognized as the most important American science fiction writer of the 20th century. This is the first detailed critical examination of his entire career. It is not a biography--that is being done in a two-volume work by William Patterson. Instead, this book looks at each piece of fiction (and a few pieces of sf-related nonfiction) that Heinlein wrote, chronologically by date of publication, in order to consider what each contributes to his overall accomplishment. The aim is to be fair, to look clearly at the strengths and weaknesses of the writings that have inspired generations of readers and writers.

Review Quotes

"a thorough...probing investigation...enlightening...a fine and engaging read"--SFRA Review; "a clear, penetrating, accessible, and comprehensive study of Heinlein's fiction...invaluable"--The New York Review of Science Fiction.

About the Author

The late Thomas D. Clareson was a leading scholar in the fields of science fiction, 19th century American literature, and Victorian literature. A professor of English at the College of Wooster (Ohio) for 38 years and the author or editor of more than 20 books, Clareson died in July 1993. The late Joe Sanders, professor emeritus, Lakeland Community College, wrote extensively about Roger Zelazny, E.E. "Doc" Smith, and Neil Gaiman. He lived in Willoughby, Ohio.