Pleasant Profession of Robert A. Heinlein

Robert A. Heinlein is one of the genre's big three, known for his influential short stories and novels like Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers. This critical study by Farah Mendlesohn examines his work, including unpublished stories and speeches, exploring his arguments about science fiction, American politics, and himself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2019
Publisher: Unbound

At the dawn of the Golden Age of science fiction, Robert A. Heinlein embarked on his publishing journey in the 1940s, emerging as a prominent figure in the genre alongside Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. His literary contributions were instrumental in shaping the structure and rhetoric of science fiction literature. Notably, his short stories played a crucial role in developing these elements. Furthermore, his novels, such as "Stranger in a Strange Land" and "Starship Troopers," showcased the potential of science fiction as a medium for political argumentation.

Heinlein's influence continues to be felt strongly, although his legacy is subject to intense debate. His visionary ideas of the future were often radical, while at other times, they exhibited a deep conservatism. Recently, there have been heated discussions about which faction holds the most significant claim to his intellectual ideas.

In this comprehensive critical study, Farah Mendlesohn, an esteemed Hugo Award-winner, delves into a meticulous analysis of Heinlein's entire body of work, encompassing unpublished stories, essays, and speeches. Rather than focusing on interpreting a single book, Mendlesohn aims to explore the profound arguments that Heinlein made throughout his lifetime concerning the nature of science fiction, American politics, and his own self-identity.

Through her meticulous examination, Mendlesohn sheds light on the intricate web of ideas that permeated Heinlein's writings. She examines his exploration of the role of science fiction in shaping society, his critiques of political systems, and his reflections on the human condition. By examining Heinlein's unpublished material, Mendlesohn provides a fresh perspective on his thought processes and offers a deeper understanding of his creative process.

This critical study not only sheds light on Heinlein's contributions to science fiction but also provides valuable insights into his broader political and philosophical ideas. It challenges readers to consider the enduring relevance of his work and its impact on the genre and society as a whole. In conclusion, Farah Mendlesohn's "Robert A. Heinlein: A Critical Study" is a groundbreaking exploration of the life and work of a visionary author who left an indelible mark on the world of science fiction and beyond. Through her meticulous analysis, Mendlesohn offers a fresh perspective on Heinlein's ideas and provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about his legacy.

Weight: 894g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783526789