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5.0 out of 5 stars
Tales of the Future, March 12, 2010
This review is from: The Green Hills of Earth and The Menace from Earth (Paperback)
The Green Hills of Earth & The Menace from Earth (2009) is an omnibus edition of two short story collections by Heinlein. It contains eighteen short stories, an introduction and an afterword.
Futures, Histories (2010) by William H. Patterson is an introduction to the concept of future history as created by Heinlein. It includes the Heinlein Timeline chart (first published in 1941).
The Green Hills of Earth (1951) is the second SF collection in the Future History series. It contains ten short stories published in magazines between 1941 and 1949.
- Delilah and the Space-Rigger (Blue Book, 1949) tells about the building of Space Station One.
- Space Jockey (SEPost, 1947) describes a routine flight from Earth orbit to Luna, until a passenger visits the control room.
- The Long Watch (American Legion, 1949) recounts the deeds of Lieutenant John Ezra Dahlquist, junior bomb officer of Moon Base.
- Gentleman, Be Seated (Argosy, 1948) reveals the hazards of moonquakes.
- The Black Pits of Luna (SEPost, 1948) explains the rescue of a tourist on the moon.
- It's Great to Be Back (SEPost, 1947) exposes the irritations and hazards of Earth.
- "--We Also Walk Dogs" (Astounding, 1941) divulges the methods of General Services.
- Ordeal in Space (Town & Country, 1948) depicts a man who spends too much time outside a spaceship.
- The Green Hills of Earth (SEPost, 1947) discloses the origins of the final song composed by Rhysling, Blind Singer of the Spaceways.
- Logic of Empire (Astounding, 1941) examines the work contract system on Venus.
The Menace From Earth (1959) is a collection of short stories unrelated to the Future History series. It contains eight tales published in various magazines between 1941 and 1957.
- The Year of the Jackpot (Galaxy, 1952) concerns cyclic patterns in human beings and stars.
- By His Bootstraps (Astounding, 1941) is the classic time travel story nonpareil.
- Columbus Was a Dope (Starling Stories, 1947) shows the attitudes of those who go to the stars and those who disparage the whole idea, with a zinger for an ending.
- The Menace From Earth (F&SF, 1957) depicts a young couple on the Moon and a tourist who drops in for a visit.
- Sky Light (Imagination, 1963) tells of the costs of spaceflight and human perseverance.
- Goldfish Bowl (Astounding, 1942) is about the reactions of a Naval Captain upon encountering an advanced race.
- Project Nightmare (Amazing, 1953) portrays the difficulties of defending the country using paranormal talents.
- Water Is for Washing (Argosy, 1947) accounts the trials of a hydrophobe when the sea reclaims the Imperial Valley.
Afterword (2010) by Robert Buettner is about the author's character and techniques.
These stories are about people in unusual situations and places. Most show human responses to trying conditions. They demonstrate the differences between Golden Age Science Fiction and its predecessors. And they are also quite entertaining.
Highly recommended for Heinlein fans and for anyone else who enjoys classical tales from the Golden Age.
-Arthur W. Jordin
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