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rsdsharp

(12,093 posts)

66. There are some Heinlein books and stories that he toned down for publication.

Fri Jul 18, 2025, 06:40 PM

Jul 2025

Stranger is no among them. His original draft was, if memory serves, about 220,000 words. He laboriously cut it to 160,000 words for publication. The editing didn’t change the story in any material way. Heinlein himself referred to what he cut as “lubrication.” I’ve read both versions multiple times. I prefer the longer, but the shorter version isn’t sanitized or censored in any way.

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The Origins of "Grok." [View all] MineralMan Jul 2025 OP

Ok, I got ForgedCrank Jul 2025 #1

I did not enjoy that story, had to slog through it. Swede Jul 2025 #2

A lot of his stuff was complicated and erratic. MineralMan Jul 2025 #6

In my opinion, he wrote two stories in his career. nilram Jul 2025 #23

I'd guess it was assigned reading. I was at the U in the mid 60s. A lot of profs thought Heinlein erronis Jul 2025 #28

That's Vonnegut Orrex Jul 2025 #37

Of course. Glad you noticed. erronis Jul 2025 #39

I figured you knew, but I couldn't resist geeking out Orrex Jul 2025 #51

Heinlein became libertarian, even if he still had some compassion. The Wikipedia article has a section muriel_volestrangler Jul 2025 #3

I didn't get into Heinlein's personality or politics at all. MineralMan Jul 2025 #4

Thanks for the link. The writer is pretty balanced but is harsh on Heinlein's flaws, as he should be. Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #9

I recommend this thread :) Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #5

everyone should read Stranger in a Strange Land at least once, IMHO eShirl Jul 2025 #7

Thumbnail avatars aside genxlib Jul 2025 #10

I was an avid reader of "hard" science fiction in the 50s and 60s. MineralMan Jul 2025 #12

What was so wonderful about Asimov is that he wrote a wide variety of topics both in fiction and nonfiction. HeartsCanHope Jul 2025 #20

Yes. He was one of the most prolific non-fiction writers ever. MineralMan Jul 2025 #21

My background is in library science. Asimov was able to reach his readers at their level. HeartsCanHope Jul 2025 #26

I think what you're describing is the difference between science fiction, and science fantasy. erronis Jul 2025 #31

I think I'd describe science fiction as Emrys Jul 2025 #54

I like your viewpoint. And as you said, it depends on where we are in our intellectual development. erronis Jul 2025 #61

Pure fantasy writing has never been a major interest of mine Emrys Jul 2025 #64

The "Golden Age of Science-Fiction"... GJGCA Jul 2025 #35

That's usually attributed to H.L. Gold. highplainsdem Jul 2025 #62

despite the book disappearing from my library slightlv Jul 2025 #58

I hated that book genxlib Jul 2025 #8

An acquired taste, I guess. MineralMan Jul 2025 #13

I rate it in the middle part of his works, above average. But he has lots better. Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #14

That sounds about right. I had scifi writers I liked a lot better than Heinlein. MineralMan Jul 2025 #22

I think Heinlein is the most American of all SF writers and the best story teller too. Others are more lyrical Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #30

Not a surprise that you would think so professor FBaggins Jul 2025 #40

Thank you. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #42

...and, Grok is powered by the largest AI supercomputer in the world, Colossus. LudwigPastorius Jul 2025 #11

Yes, indeed. MineralMan Jul 2025 #15

Have they said which Colossus they named it after? muriel_volestrangler Jul 2025 #34

There were buttons that said "I grok Spock" back in the day Maeve Jul 2025 #16

Yes, I remember that. The word sort of dropped out of use, though, MineralMan Jul 2025 #17

For a libertarian Musk has certainly sucked up a lot of taxpayer dollars. hunter Jul 2025 #47

I and my friend used to frequently use the term "grok". forgotmylogin Jul 2025 #18

Musk has a childish (in good and bad senses) fascination with the Red Planet Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #19

Your use of the word "gripping" made me think of MineralMan Jul 2025 #25

Pournelle has politics many here do not like. He wrote good hard science SF but has PhD in Political Science. . . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2025 #32

I'm not surprised. MineralMan Jul 2025 #38

Jerry didn't handle political arguments well. highplainsdem Jul 2025 #45

No. I never talked politics with him. MineralMan Jul 2025 #52

My previous post was a statement, not a question. highplainsdem Jul 2025 #53

A lot of people saw him as a laughing stock. MineralMan Jul 2025 #55

He was very intelligent and could be very nice and helpful. But he tended to be wrong on politics, highplainsdem Jul 2025 #57

Sounds like you knew him better MineralMan Jul 2025 #63

Neither eLoon nor tRump have the ability to Grok anything. flashman13 Jul 2025 #24

"Uncensored version"? Do tell -- I read the first paperback as a teenager mid-60s. What's the history? Hekate Jul 2025 #59

There are some Heinlein books and stories that he toned down for publication. rsdsharp Jul 2025 #66

Ahh. Thank you. Hekate Jul 2025 #69

You mean "MechaHitler?" Karasu Jul 2025 #27

I've used "grok" in its original sense for decades. Ocelot II Jul 2025 #29

I was an avid Sci-fi reader in my twenties Mossfern Jul 2025 #33

Huge Heinlein fan. Although his political leanings were obvious in his fiction early on The Moon is a Harsh Mistress etc Noodleboy13 Jul 2025 #36

The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress was 1966; pretty much the midpoint of his career. rsdsharp Jul 2025 #68

My exposure to Heinlein is all through XMas gifts from my uncle. Who was head of polisci at creighton in omaha. Noodleboy13 Jul 2025 #70

Heinlein's juvenile novels were always timed for the Christmas trade. rsdsharp Jul 2025 #71

But the movie was freaking awesome!!!!! Noodleboy13 Jul 2025 #72

I knew that Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Jul 2025 #41

Well then, thank you for teaching me today irisblue Jul 2025 #43

Heinlein's political views tended to track those of his wives. rsdsharp Jul 2025 #44

I have a relative who's changed political views based on her husbands' views. Always struck me as highplainsdem Jul 2025 #48

Musk has referenced other SF writers as well, and IMO never really understood them. highplainsdem Jul 2025 #46

It was Heinlein's second sexual adolescence Warpy Jul 2025 #49

Heinlein... Godot51 Jul 2025 #50

I'm currently reading Mossfern Jul 2025 #65

I knew it s Linux command Earl_from_PA Jul 2025 #56

Thank you! GAJMac Jul 2025 #60

I loved Stranger in a Strange Land LetMyPeopleVote Jul 2025 #67