Lucky Starr and the Big Sun of Mercury [Unabridged] [Paperback]

Isaac (Writing as Paul French) Asimov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1972

Science - Fiction

Product Details

• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Signet Science Fiction; 1ST edition (1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451049250
• ISBN-13: 978-1451049251
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,090,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scientifically dated, still well worth reading, March 3, 2007

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Lucky Starr and the Big Sun of Mercury (Paperback)

This book is very dated, both in scientific fact and dialog. When written by Asimov using the pen name Paul French, the scientific knowledge concerning the properties of Mercury was quite different. Therefore, some aspects of the plot simply could not happen, as Asimov makes clear in the foreword.
Lucky and his companion Bigman Jones are on Mercury to investigate research being done on a potential new source of energy. Lucky is a representative of the powerful Council of Science and the need for new energy is critical. Shortly after Lucky's arrival on the planet, one of the chief engineers on the project tries to kill him. As usual, his hot temper gets Bigman in trouble. Lucky goes on the sunlit side to look for "ghosts while Bigman explores the abandoned mining tunnels. Each comes close to being killed but both find a way out of their predicament. The manner of the threat to their lives is such that it gives Lucky the knowledge he needs to solve the problem.
If you were to have read this book shortly after it came out, it would have been clear to you that Asimov was the author. Many of Asimov's ideas, such as the laws of robotics and the conflict with the Sirians are used in the plot. Although the advancement of science has rendered many aspects of this book obsolete, Asimov is such a good writer that it still can be read with pleasure.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Isaac Asimov Writing as Paul French, May 31, 2006

By 

Lonnie E. Holder "The Review's the Thing" (Columbus, Indiana, United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lucky Starr and the Big Sun of Mercury (Paperback)

Though Isaac Asimov, one of the principal forces behind modern science fiction, wrote this book under a pseudonym, he eventually tired of the pseudonym and began putting all sorts of clues into these books that should have led most readers to figure out the actual author. I will leave a reader to learn those clues for themselves.

In this book, the fourth in the Lucky Starr series, Lucky and his friend Bigman journey to Mercury to try and learn who is sabotaging an important series of experiments. The plot thickens as Lucky attempts to mislead the leader of the Mercury expedition, an overweight bully, and even Lucky's big-mouthed sidekick, Bigman.

Lucky and Bigman journey through the abandoned mines of Mercury, learning of the hazards in the mine, on the surface, and in the project. Yet, as always, Lucky and Bigman prevail over all, bring the culprits to justice, and ride off into the sunset.

Look for this book also collected in a single volume with "Lucky Starr and the Rings of Saturn" and "Lucky Starr and the Moons of Jupiter." That book is titled "The Further Adventures of Lucky Starr." This book is also collected in "The Complete Adventures of Lucky Starr." Other collections may exist.

The Lucky Starr books are a casual read and perfect for readers who enjoyed the Tom Corbett, Space Cadet series of books and Heinlein's juvenile books. There is a lot of logic in each of the books, and just enough hard science fiction to tantalize a reader and hopefully cause the reader to learn more. These books do have a flavor of Asimov's other books, but are less sophisticated. I enjoy these books, but some other readers find them too mundane. I recommend these books carefully, because I do not know which category of reader you may be. Good luck!