Grumbles from the Grave
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| Grumbles from the Grave | |
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 First Edition cover for Grumbles from the Grave |
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| Author(s) | Robert A. Heinlein |
| Cover artist | Michael Whelan |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction memoir |
| Publisher | Del Rey |
| Publication date | 1989 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) |
Grumbles from the Grave is a posthumous 1989 autobiography of science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein collated by his wife Virginia Heinlein from his notes and writings.
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[edit] Background
The work is the closest that Heinlein, an ex-naval officer and prominent science fiction writer, came to writing an autobiography. The book contains a wide range of correspondence, notes and memoirs edited by Heinlein's wife Virginia, and was published a year and a half after his death.
[edit] Contents
Beginning with a short biography of Robert by Virginia, the bulk of the book consists of excerpts of correspondence from the period from 1939 to 1970, from when he began writing science fiction until the onset of his first major illness. There is considerable information provided into how the 13-year gestation of Heinlein's famous novel Stranger in a Strange Land evolved. Additionally there is the original postlude to Podkayne of Mars and a discussion of cuts made to his novel, the Red Planet.
[edit] Legacy
Grumbles from the Grave is notable for the insight it provides into Heinlein's writing process (and the editorial/publishing process with which he was often at odds). In addition to writing, it also contains evidence of his philosophy as applied to his life and personal opinions. There is much detail to interest readers familiar with Heinlein's fiction and people interested in the history of the science fiction field.
[edit] Awards and honors
The book was a finalist for the 1990 Hugo Award for Best Non-Fiction Book.
[edit] Selected quotes
- "How long has this racket been going on?" — Heinlein's remark after receiving a $70 US check for his first published story on page 3.
- "I expect this to be my last venture in this field; 'tain't worth the grief" — Heinlein's response to attempts to censor his juvenile novel Red Planet for language, violence, and references to reproduction among Martians on page 53.
