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Space Cadet
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Space Cadet

4.3 43
by Robert A. Heinlein
 

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This is the seminal novel of a young man's education as a member of an elite, paternalistic non-military organization of leaders dedicated to preserving human civilization, the Solar Patrol, a provocative parallel to Heinlein's famous later novel, Starship Troopers (which is about the military).
Only the best and brightest--the strongest and the most

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Overview

This is the seminal novel of a young man's education as a member of an elite, paternalistic non-military organization of leaders dedicated to preserving human civilization, the Solar Patrol, a provocative parallel to Heinlein's famous later novel, Starship Troopers (which is about the military).
Only the best and brightest--the strongest and the most courageous--ever manage to become Space Cadets, at the Space Academy. They are in training to be come part of the elite guard of the solar system, accepting missions others fear, taking risks no others dare, and upholding the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all.
But before Matt Dodson can earn his rightful place in the ranks, his mettle is to be tested in the most severe and extraordinary ways--ways that change him forever, from the midwestern American boy into a man of the Solar Patrol.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“The lively story of a group of boys--Matt and Tex, from Terra; Oscar, from Venus; Pierre, from one of Jupiter's moons; and others--who train to uphold the peace of the solar system. This account of their training and their subsequent adventures is good, colorful fiction by an author who can write it ably and entertainingly.” —Chicago Tribune on Space Cadet

“Throughout the story there is a constant stream of Heinlein's noted wit and satire, superbly told . . . The Hugo Award committee need look no further.” —San Francisco Chronicle on Glory Road

“Heinlein...wrote adventure stories grounded in credible scientific speculation. Even the wonderful stories collected here feature his trademark cool reasoning. . . .Superb stories - old friends, really - that are well worth the book's price.” —Booklist on The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein

The Barnes & Noble Review
To mark the centennial of the birth of one of science fiction's greatest writers, Robert A. Heinlein (1907-88), several of Heinlein's early works are being re-released to a new generation of fans.

Space Cadet (1948), one of the very first published novels by the man described in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction as quite possibly "the all-time most important writer of genre SF," has been the inspiration for countless novels featuring young spacefaring students since its publication more than half a century ago. With an idealistic young man -- Des Moines, Iowa, native Matthew Brooks Dodson -- as the novel's protagonist, Heinlein interweaves a compelling coming-of-age tale with a military science fiction-flavored adventure replete with long-lost spaceships, cunning villains, and bizarre aliens. While determinedly making his way through the grueling Patrol Academy, Dodson -- who has dreams of being a member of the elite Interplanetary Patrol -- learns a little bit about the world around him and a lot about himself as he is confronted with one crisis after another…

Science fiction fans who know Heinlein only from his award-winning standards (Starship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange Land, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, et al.) should definitely take the time to read lesser-known -- but just as enduring -- novels like Space Cadet. Amazingly, more than half a century after it was first published, this story shows very little signs of aging. Aside from a few dated colloquialisms ("oh shucks," "go soak your head," etc.), this science fiction classic is virtually timeless and very suitable for readers of any age. Paul Goat Allen
Children's Literature - Melyssa Malinowski
Solar patrol officers are the pride of the solar system. They epitomize the ideals of serving and protecting the inhabitants of our solar system. Their training is rigorous, in all aspects of the word. Matt and his friends, Tex, and Oscar, have been accepted as Space Cadets in the prestigious Space Academy. Throughout their training, at the academy and subsequently on space ships, these three young men truly learn what it means to take risks and protect everyone. Follow them as they navigate their way through knowledge, training, and the vastness of the solar system. The novel has a distinctly Starship Trooper feel to it, without the extensively adult content. Passages can be slightly technical, but that does not detract from the overall story. It maintains good themes, such as team work, perseverance, and recognition for hard work. The boys are enjoyable to read about and cheer for through their trials. A major strength of the novel is its appeal to boys.

Product Details

ISBN-13:
9780765314512
Publisher:
Tom Doherty Associates
Publication date:
10/31/2006
Edition description:
First Edition
Pages:
224
Sales rank:
412,143
Product dimensions:
5.53(w) x 8.39(h) x 0.60(d)

Meet the Author

Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) is widely acknowledged to have been the single most important and influential author of science fiction in the twentieth century. He won science fiction's Hugo Award for Best Novel four times, and in addition, three of his novels were given Retrospective Hugos fifty years after publication. He won Science Fiction Writers of America's first Grand Master Award for his lifetime achievement.

Born in Butler, Missouri, Heinlein graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as an officer in the navy for five years. He started writing to help pay off his mortgage, and his first story was published in Astounding Science-Fiction magazine in 1939. In 1947, he published a story in The Saturday Evening Post, making him the first science-fiction writer to break into the mainstream market. Long involved in politics, Heinlein was deeply affected by events such as the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Cold War, and his fiction tended to convey strong social and political messages. His many influential novels include Starship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange Land, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, and Time Enough for Love. At the time of his death in 1988, he was living in Carmel, California with his wife Virginia.

Brief Biography

Date of Birth:
July 7, 1907
Date of Death:
May 8, 1988
Place of Birth:
Butler, Missouri
Place of Death:
Carmel, California
Education:
Graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, 1929; attended University of California, Los Angeles, 1934, for graduate study in physic

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Space Cadet 4.3 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 43 reviews.
Guest More than 1 year ago
Follow young Matt Dodson as he enters the academy in hopes of becoming a Space Cadet. Matt makes friends with Tex, who always has amusing tales about his Uncle Bodie, and a few others, as lessons are learned ... usually the hard way. ................... Space Cadets are the elite guard of the solar system. They accept missions others fear, take risks no others dare, and uphold the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all. (Much like the Jedi Order!) This novel will take you from Earth, to Mars, to Venus, and beyond. Matt and his friends are tested in the most severe and extraordinary ways that will change them forever, but still not prepare them for the alien treacheries that await. ............. **** If you have never read a novel by Robert A. Heinlein, then please keep in mind that this was written in the year 1948. The author renewed the copyright in 1975. I stress this because even though the story begins in July 2075, there are a few references to events that supposably happened in OUR past, such as the notation of the person who created the Patrol's Tradition who lived 1969 - 1996. ............. The fact that Robert A. Heinlein's novels are still being published today clearly expresses how outstanding readers find his science fiction novels. Once you read this, or any other novel by Heinlein, you will have no doubt as to how the man came about being crowned 'The Master of Science Fiction'. ****
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Mikee69 More than 1 year ago
I wish that Mr. Heinlien knew how much he did infulen the future, or maybe he did, for anuone who has not been yet exposed to one of the greast minds ever to ply pen to paper, you are in for a mind blowing experience. these books were concieved 80 years ago...
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