Requiem: New Collected Works and Tributes to the Grand Master

by Robert A. Heinlein

Requiem is a compelling celebration of Robert A. Heinlein and his vision, containing many new and uncollected works by the Grand Master of science fiction, including two major novellas: Destination Moon, which was made into the famous George Pal film, and Tenderfoot in Space. There are contributions from such luminaries as Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Silverberg, Spider Robinson, and Gordon R. Dickson, as well as an introduction by Virginia Heinlein.

Heinlein was the pre-eminent science fiction writer of the twentieth century. Requiem reveals the story of Heinlein's passion for space exploration-his glory and his dream.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories, Collections, Science Fiction Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Anthologies

341 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1992

About the author

Robert Anson Heinlein was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific accuracy in his fiction, and was thus a pioneer of the subgenre of hard science fiction. His published works, both fiction and non-fiction, express admiration for competence and emphasize the value of critical thinking. His plots often posed provocative situations which challenged conventional social mores. His work continues to have an influence on the science-fiction genre, and on modern culture more generally.
Heinlein became one of the first American science-fiction writers to break into mainstream magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post in the late 1940s. He was one of the best-selling science-fiction novelists for many decades, and he, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke are often considered the "Big Three" of English-language science fiction authors. Notable Heinlein works include Stranger in a Strange Land, Starship Troopers (which helped mold the space marine and mecha archetypes) and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. His work sometimes had controversial aspects, such as plural marriage in The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, militarism in Starship Troopers and technologically competent women characters who were formidable, yet often stereotypically feminine—such as Friday.
Heinlein used his science fiction as a way to explore provocative social and political ideas and to speculate how progress in science and engineering might shape the future of politics, race, religion, and sex. Within the framework of his science-fiction stories, Heinlein repeatedly addressed certain social themes: the importance of individual liberty and self-reliance, the nature of sexual relationships, the obligation individuals owe to their societies, the influence of organized religion on culture and government, and the tendency of society to repress nonconformist thought. He also speculated on the influence of space travel on human cultural practices.
Heinlein was named the first Science Fiction Writers Grand Master in 1974. Four of his novels won Hugo Awards. In addition, fifty years after publication, seven of his works were awarded "Retro Hugos"—awards given retrospectively for works that were published before the Hugo Awards came into existence. In his fiction, Heinlein coined terms that have become part of the English language, including grok, waldo and speculative fiction, as well as popularizing existing terms like "TANSTAAFL", "pay it forward", and "space marine". He also anticipated mechanical computer-aided design with "Drafting Dan" and described a modern version of a waterbed in his novel Beyond This Horizon.
Also wrote under Pen names: Anson McDonald, Lyle Monroe, Caleb Saunders, John Riverside and Simon York.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice tribute to Heinlein's legacy, with some uncollected works (such as Destination Moon and some related material, some speeches he gave as Worldcon GoH, etc.), and many tributes from his admirers and friends. I suspect that anyone already familiar with Heinlein and his beliefs would enjoy the book very much, and those who dislike him for whatever reason should stay away because it's not going to change their opinion. I was most struck by his enthusiasm and support for space exploration. The contributors include Tom Clancy, L. Sprague de Camp, Jerry Pournelle, Charles Sheffield, Arthur C. Clarke, Gordon R. Dickson, Joe Haldeman, Larry Niven, Spider Robinson (twice, of course), Robert Silverberg, Jack Williamson, and several others. I enjoyed it very much.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a curious book - you can tell it is a labour of love - created by someone who both knew and admired Robert Heinlein.

There is much to praise here in this book - from uncollected works to articles about his history and even testimonials from his closest friends and admirers. There are a few speeches thrown in for a good measure too.

What you see here is a small glimpse behind the curtain and yes I know he is a divisive writer - you either like him or you do not (often quoting various works or achievements to get your point over) but in the end he helped carry the genre to the public who know it today. And I must admit along with fantasy and horror those niche books (and their authors) now command global recognition.

The book like I say is broken in to sections covering off his work, some of his speeches and a number of his admirers - it can get a little hard to read at times but you do get the feeling that there were (sadly a number of them are no longer with us) who openly admit their thoughts about him and the influence he had upon them.

This is one of those books I suspect only two types of readers will pick up - the scholars who want to analyse and the fans who want to know a little bit more about their favourite author. I suspect neither will come away with any new insights but they both will see how deep his legacy goes.

[Jeff Yoak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tear-jerker surrounds the Harriman, the well-known future history character whose company opened up travel to the moon, and his desire to finally, personally visit the moon as an old man. Harriman's single-minded ambition to get to the moon is detailed in other, longer stories. The responsibilities of running the company that makes it possible keep him from traveling there personally. His life's work and ambition can't be complete without a personal visit, which circumstances still make all but impossible. This short story shows him applying the indomitable effort required to open moon travel generally applied to the end of his personal ambition.

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heinlein to me, was a pioneer for human rights. He wrote about simple and yet complex moral quandaries. He also liked to use unused vocabulary that is no longer seen in the present. Topics that society still grapples with today. This speech was beautiful as well as it was touching.

[Darth · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Requiem is a jewel for readers of Heinlein. The eulogies demonstrate what a tremendous impact Heinlein had on the world of science fiction as a writer, and his impact on the men and women who create our technology and drive us towards the stars today.

[Austin Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

FULL TEXT BELOW:

_____________________

This I Believe by Robert A. Heinlein

"I am not going to talk about religious beliefs but about matters
soobvious that it has gone out of style to mention them. I
believein my neighbors. I know their faults, and I know that
theirvirtues far outweigh their faults. "Take Father Michael
downour road a piece. I'm not of his creed, but I know that
goodnessand charity andlovingkindness shine in his daily
actions. I believe in Father Mike. If I'm in trouble, I'll go to
him."
"My next-door neighbor is a veterinary doctor. Doc will get out
ofbed after a hard day to help a stray cat. No fee--no prospect
ofa fee--I believe in Doc.
"I believe in my townspeople. You can know on any door in our
townsaying, 'I'm hungry,' and you will be fed. Our town is no
exception. I've found the same ready charity everywhere. But for
theone who says, 'To heck with you - I got mine,' there are a
hundred, a thousand who will say, "Sure, pal, sit down."
"I know that despite all warnings against hitchhikers I can step
upto the highway, thumb for a ride and in a few minutes a car or
atruck will stop and someone will say, 'Climb in Mac - how far
yougoing?'
"I believe in my fellow citizens. Our headlines are splashed with
crimeyet for every criminal there are 10,000 honest, decent,
kindlymen. If it were not so, no child would live to grow up.
Business could not go on from day to day. Decency is not news. It
isburied in the obituaries, but is a force stronger than crime.
I believe in the patientgallentry of nurses and the tedious
sacrificesof teachers. I believe in the unseen and unending
fightagainst desperate odds that goes on quietly in almost every
homein the land.
"I believe in the honest craft of workmen. Take a look around
you. There never were enough bosses to check up on all that work.
From Independence Hall to the Grand Coulee Dam, these things were
builtlevel and square by craftsmen who were honest in their
bones.
"I believe that almost all politicians arehonest. . .there are
hundredsof politicians, low paid or not paid at all, doing their
levelbest without thanks or glory to make our system work. If
thiswere not true we would never have gotten past the 13
colonies.
"I believe in Rodger Young. You and I are free today because of
endlessunnamed heroes from Valley Forge to theYalu River. I
believein -- I am proud to belong to -- the United States.
Despite shortcomings fromlynchings to bad faith in high places,
ournation has had the most decent and kindly internal practices
andforeign policies to be found anywhere in history.
"And finally, I believe in my whole race. Yellow, white, black,
red, brown. In the honesty, courage, intelligence, durability,
andgoodness of the overwhelming majority of my brothers and
sisterseverywhere on this planet. I am proud to be a human
being. I believe that we have come this far by the skin of our
teeth. That we always make it just by the skin of our teeth, but
thatwe will always make it. Survive. Endure. I believe that this
hairlessembryo with the aching, oversize brain case and the
opposablethumb, this animal barely up from the apes will endure.
Will endure longer than his home planet -- will spread out to the
starsand beyond, carrying with him his honesty and his
insatiablecuriosity, his unlimited courage and his noble
essentialdecency.
"This I believe with all my heart."

Robert A. Heinlein wrote this item in 1952. His wife, Virginia Heinlein,
choseto read it when she accepted NASA's Distinguished Public Service
Medal on October 6, 1988, on the Grand Master's behalf (it was a posthumous
award).

Mrs. Heinlein received a standing ovation.

Merged review:

THE WITCHS DAUGHTERS

Have no truck with the
daughters of Lilith. Pay no mind to the
redheaded creatures. Man, be warned by their
sharp, white teeth; Consider their skulls, and their
other queer features.
Theyre not of our tribe, with their
flame-colored hair; Theyre no sib to us, with their
pale, white skins; Theres no soul behind those
wild green eyes Man, when you meet one-walk widdershins!
When they die, they pop,
like burst soap bubble (Eight hundred years
is their usual span). Loving such beings
leads only to trouble. By Heaven, be warned,
you rash young man!

August 1946


Merged review:

Super short, kinda confusing. A futuristic family go ice-skating and the Father pulls a trick.

[Durval Menezes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically a collection of short texts, many of them non-fiction -- most are interesting, but if you are after Heinlein's wondrous tales, you might want to pass.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Heinlein. I wish, like my friend, Chuck Coffin, I could have met him. I think he'd have been an interesting man in a curmudgeonly way. Those that did know him, seemed to worship him, as some of these stories will attest. Most of the stuff in this book is pretty interesting, but a few are a bit over-the-top, such as Robinson's "rah-Rah-RAH!". Still, it's a fitting memorial to one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited by Yoji Kendo - Contains first book publication of short stories "Requiem", "Tenderfoot in Space" and "Destination Moon" and other material. Speeches at an RAH retrospective at the Smithsonian 10/6/88 by Tom Clancy, de Camp, Pournelle, etc.. Posthumous tributes to RAH by Poul Anderson, Arthur Clarke, Joe Haldeman, Larry Niven, Spider Robinson, etc.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final volume of this 46 volume set, and rightly so. In addition to the original tributes originally included, there are a number of essays submitted some 15 years later, largely by military and scientific personnel, clarifying Heinlein's continuing influence on them and their respective work communities.

[Matt Piechocinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great eulogy and fitting endcap to a true legend, and grandmaster. The shorts, I felt, also showed the versitility of Heinlein as a writer ... the only qualm I have is with Tenderfoot in Space, in that I think the Charlie Vaughn was a little bitchy.

[Jim Szymaszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Master

Where to begin? RAH introduced me to do many ideas that have followed me through my 70+ years and became a fixed part of my personal life code. This book was a fascinating insight into the effect he had on these other writers. A treasure trove of ideas.

[Jonathan Harbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final volume, #46, of the Virginia Edition Heinlein library, and contains emotional farewells and goodbyes to The Grandmaster by his closest friends and loved ones. Since he did not want a funeral service this was sort of a memorial service when this event took place. This book covers the speeches and conversations that were shared at the event at the Art and Science Museum in 1988.

I discovered Robert Heinlein late in life as a result of a misunderstanding in my teenage years. I have been a hard sci-fi fan my entire life and felt repulsed at sci-fi that dealt with fantasy or unrealistic scenarios of any kind. So the first Heinlein novel I picked up in high school was stranger in a strange land from the school library. When I quickly learned that it was about a Martian visiting Earth, I returned it with disgust because obviously there is no life on Mars.

I had missed the point and delayed my introduction to this author buy decades as a result. if I had first come across one of his better novels like starship troopers or the puppet masters or just about anything earlier in his career I would have become a fan much sooner.

It would be easy enough for a reader to convert the story into a tale about an alien in another star system brought back to Earth but at the time I was very rigid in my thinking. If Robert were to write this novel today, aside from being received very differently, he likely would have put the setting out of the nearby star rather than Mars.

Then again many of his novels would simply not work today because our cultural awareness has awakened and sci-fi is not the niche that it was back then. It was even extremely niche when I was a teen in the 80s. And probably it was Hollywood that made sci-fi more mainstream with films like Ridley Scott's Alien in 1979.

I corrected the situation late in life by consuming his entire body of work, and then just recently acquired the Virginia Edition library, which is the finest quality books I have ever owned, leather bound and numbered.

Despite being the final volume of this library, I felt that Requiem would be an interesting place to get started on it because I have already read all of his stuff up to this point. So this is new material for me, and it being a farewell makes it more appropriate for the end of the library but I decided to start at the end.

Any serious sci-fi fan will enjoy this book because of all of the familiar names who chimed in to share their love for Robert and how he influenced their lives and their careers. I was fascinated to learn from the biography that DeCamp and Asimov were colleagues of Heinlein at the naval research lab during WWII. That explains so much!

[vicki_girl]

Preface by Virginia Heinlein - Only one version
Foreword by Yoji Kondo - Only one version
Requiem - serial, collected w error(x), collected, teleplay
Tenderfoot in Space - serial, collected(x)
Destination Moon - teleplay, novella(x)
Shooting Destination Moon - Only one version
The Witch's Daughters (Poem) - Only one version
The Bulletin Board - Only one version
Poor Daddy - Only one version
Guest of Honor Speeches (4) - Only one version
NASA Medal for Distinguished Public Service - Only one version
This I Believe - Only one version
Speeches by the Panelists - Only one version
Speeches by the Special Guests - Only one version
RAH: A Memoir by Poul Anderson - Only one version
Jim Baen's RAH Story - Only one version
Remembering Robert A. Heinlein by Greg Bear - Only one version
Recalling Robert Anson Heinlein by J. Hartley Bowen, Jr. - Only one version
Robert Heinlein by Arthur C. Clarke - Only one version
Robert Heinlein by Gordon R. Dickson - Only one version
Robert A. Heinlein and Us by Joe Haldeman - Only one version
The Return of William Proxmire by Larry Niven - Only one version
Rah Rah R.A.H. by Spider Robinson - Only one version
Robert by Spider Robinson - Only one version
Heinlein by Robert Silverberg - Only one version
Thank You by Harry Turtledove - Only one version
Who Was Robert Heinlein by Jack Williamson - Only one version
Farewell to the Master by Yoji Kondo and Charles Sheffield - Only one version

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure for Robert A. Heinlein fans, with tributes by dozens of other great authors including Larry Niven, Tom Clancy, Gordon R. Dickson, Robert Silverberg, many more, in addition to some very rare but excellent fiction by the late Heinlein himself. I particularly loved Tenderfoot in Space, which only appeared before as a 3 part serial in Boys' Life in 1958, and the novella Destination Moon based on the classic Oscar-winning 1950 film. I also recommend this highly to science fiction readers who aren't that familiar with Heinlein; it's a pretty good introduction.

[Shari Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite SF author, and beyond just SF. This was a wonderful collection of some unpublished (in book form) stories, tributes and speeches to honor this amazing man. If you are a Heinlein fan, you will enjoy sharing so much that others wrote about him; and if you are unfamiliar with Heinlein you may be enticed to read some of his stories. Rest in well deserved peace RAH. You are still a Best-Seller!

[Nick Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the stories were good. when it came to the testimonials, speeches, eulogies they were hit or miss. Requiem, a tenderfoot in space and destination moon were all really good. the speeches were interesting to see Robert's changing views on the world pre and post ww2. overall a good book, but I would just recommend the stories and maybe the speeches. the other parts had interesting insights, but it was tough to read them without knowing any of his other stories

[Lyn Sweetapple · Rating 5 out of 5]

The included rarely published short stories by Heinlein are astounding. His 1961 speech at the WorldCon is incredible apt today. The tributes that revealed the life of this amazing man were poignant and lovely. I was awed by the staff collected for the Navy Aircraft Materials Center during WWII. Can you imagine eating lunch with Heinlein, Asimov, and de Camp.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several science fiction short stories written by Heinlein before his death, but never published are put in the book, along with some of his speeches before the science fiction world and praise from numerous science fiction writers. Heinlein was called the "Dean of Science Fiction Writers" for his writings. I have read most of his works.

[Regine]

Nice tributes.

[AVANTI KUMAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing collection. Especially of interest to those reading up Heinlein. Excellent introduction, in my opinion.

[Old Man Aries · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in , August 1949.

Merged review:

Requiem is a compelling celebration of Robert A. Heinlein and his vision, containing many new and uncollected works by the Grand Master of science fiction, including two major novellas: Destination Moon, which was made into the famous George Pal film, and Tenderfoot in Space. There are contributions from such luminaries as Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Silverberg, Spider Robinson, and Gordon R. Dickson, as well as an introduction by Virginia Heinlein.

Heinlein was the pre-eminent science fiction writer of the twentieth century. Requiem reveals the story of Heinlein's passion for space exploration-his glory and his dream.

[Kevin Hull · Rating 1 out of 5]

Heinlein's shortest story. Misogynist drivel saying all women are witches. At least that's all I get out of it. Read for yourself:

THE WITCHS DAUGHTERS
Have no truck with the
daughters of Lilith. Pay no mind to the
redheaded creatures. Man, be warned by their
sharp, white teeth; Consider their skulls, and their
other queer features.
Theyre not of our tribe, with their
flame-colored hair; Theyre no sib to us, with their
pale, white skins; Theres no soul behind those
wild green eyes Man, when you meet one-walk widdershins!
When they die, they pop,
like burst soap bubble (Eight hundred years
is their usual span). Loving such beings
leads only to trouble. By Heaven, be warned,
you rash young man!
August 1946

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I skipped the last tribute to.. essays at the end - I *know* this is a tribute to volume in the first place and 5 or, say 7 tribute to.. essays from the real big calibers are fine but at the 20th one boredom tends to set in...

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely thought provoking as it is a collection of essays about what we believe. I think this book was interesting and I was able to connect with certain essays within the book. This was a different read for me and I am not usually into philosophy, but it was worthwhile.

[Ray Charbonneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seem to be rereading a bit here.

This on has some reprinted Heinlein, some speeches, and some tributes. It's a mishmash, but necessary for completists.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is awesome. It is a collection of speeches that really let you see into who Heinlein was.

[Anna]

I read this book years ago and loved it and other sci-fi books by Robert so I am reading it again.

[Lisa]

Requiem: New Collected Works by Robert A. Heinlein and Tributes to the Grand Master by Robert A. Heinlein (1992)