The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

First, the best. Heinlein writes more vividly and with better style here than he did in any novel before or after. Only some of his crackerjack short stories and novelettes compare to the pacing and clever plotting found here. Like other sf writers in the 60s, he started responding to the more "respectable" literature outside the field, and unless I miss my mark was influenced by the bastardized Russian of Burgess's A Clockwork Orange (1962). Indisputably the best character in this novel (as in the film 2001, a couple years later) is a computer who responds much more humanly than a lot of the "real" people in the book. The loss of Mike the talking computer at the end makes the book something of a tragedy, for any world that isn't large enough to contain this guy is much the worse for it. Now for the worst. Much of the book is a libertarian diatribe that embodies every masculinist and militaristic idea Heinlein ever had. It wouldn't be a surprise to find out that Tim McVeigh or the Unabomber memorized a novel like this, for its message is that when you don't like the way things are, a violent secretive response is the way to go. Scary stuff. The treatment of women is lowbrow by today's standards (and a lot have called him on it all along). Nevertheless, for the novel's ingenious story, its fascinating creation of alternative family life, and winning voice in the I-narrator Manny, it deserves a new lease on life--and a hardback edition that can go into libraries and readers' permanent collections

I grew up in a city that was building a stage of the Saturn V booster for the Apollo program. My mother was a children's librarian and my father sold electronic parts. Every week, my brothers and sisters and I would go to the Public Library, where we could check out all the books we wanted, as long as we read them all and returned them on time. It was there I discovered Mister Robert Anson Heinlein.

Living, as it were, in a city full of rocket scientists and engineers. I was delighted to find that most of my friend's dads had read RAH, and not just the kid books (Red Planet, Have Spacesuit Will Travel, Farmer In The Sky, etc.) Soon I was reading Puppet Masters, Double Star, and then one day, The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress.

This book is written with serious poetic overtones. Our Hero Manuel Garcia O'Kelly Davis, is a programmer on a very large computer system. The computer one day tells a joke, and betrays the spark of self awareness. "Is a cat aware?--almost certainly" muses Manuel. He names the computer Mycroft Holmes (after the Character of Sherlock Holmes brother) which is shortened to Mike. Mike, once so dubbed, always refers to Garcia as "Man, my only friend" and so we meet the first GREAT AI character the world has ever known. By the book's end we LOVE Mycroft Holmes, we WANT him to be real, to be our friend, too. Mike, you see is a good friend to have, if you are planning to overthrow the government and go to war with the entire planet Earth.

This is all set in the background of a Lunar prison colony where air is not even nearly free. Where TANSTAAFL is a way of life. Where the Warden and his goons are hated everywhere and where rations are cut to make more profit shipping food back to an overcrowded earth. We meet Manuel's teacher (like everything on the moon, self taught, and freelance for pay)Professor Bernardo De La Paz. The Professor, together with Mike, Manny and the lissome Wyoming Knott, start a classic revolutionary cabal, recruit others, and develop a method of warfare guaranteed to make you think and possibly to do some math.

There is real science in this book, and realpolotik as well--this book is a manifesto for crypto libertarianism, and shows well the talents, messages and magnificent vision that keep Heinlein as a standard few will ever touch. If there is a quintessential science fiction masterpiece--this is it!

This is the story of the independence of the Moon in 2076, at that time a colony of Earth. Mannie, a technician with just one arm, with the help of Mike (an artificial intelligent computer) embark in a journey to free the Moon from Earth control before its resources are depleted. It also has embedded some political philosophy with several libertarian references. I highly recommend it.

In The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, Heinlein achieves the perfect blend of SF and social commentary. The plot is tight, the characters are gripping, and the society is well-thought-out and intersting.
The moon has been used as a slave colony for generations - sufficient that our hero, Manuel, was born free. But even though many of the citizens are technically free, the society is not; everything is run by the Warden, on the moon, and the Lunar Authority back on Earth. Manuel gets caught up in the planning and enacting of a revolution to free the moon.
The characters are simply incredible. Heinlein's early work had entirely one-dimensional characters, but in Moon, he's created three excellent main characters, one decent main character, and a solid supporting cast. The real powerhouse character is Mike, the sentient computer who is the secret weapon in the lunar revolution - he's as believeable as an AI character can get.
Not only is the plot great, not only are the characters wonderful, but the background and setting of the novel are worth a look. Heinlein has done very good work creating a history and society on the moon, and it is both interesting, unlike some of his earlier societies, and believeable, unlike some of his later ones. He's even done a very nice job of creating vernacular and slang for lunar speech.
In short, this is a stellar book. There are few books this good in the SF cannon, and anyone with any interest in the genre must read it. (If you've missed it, I envy you - what a wonderful ride you have in store.)

"The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" by Robert Heinlein rates as one of the ten best adult SF novels of all time. To put it mildly, this book was revolutionary at the time it was written. If you are a science-fiction fan, this novel is mandatory reading. If you are not a science-fiction fan, this novel should be mandatory reading.

Fair warning: this novel really is adult reading and the easily offended and various prudes have never liked it (that includes the leadership of many totalitarian nations). While it has been described as 'libertarian', it isn't, especially the military aspects. You may (?) be shocked by some of the content. If you are smart and intelligent, I guarantee that some of the content will keep you thinking for days (or weeks) after reading the book.

By the way, the science is correct and, at the time it was written, some of the science was absolutely cutting edge. The psychology is reasonably accurate and quite interesting.

Read the book!

Luna is the Australia of the future. Populated largely by criminal transportees and their families, it supplies critically-needed food to a near-starving Earth. The "Loonies" are governed by a dictatorial warden and his small army of security guards. Luna seems like the most secure prison colony ever founded. There is truly no escape.

Mannie O'Kelly-Davis works for Luna's administration as a contract computer trouble-shooter. When the central computer achieves self-awareness and begins calling itself "Mike," Mannie is the first one to notice. Advising Mike to keep a low profile about his new-found sentience, Mannie becomes his "first and best friend." And they both get caught up in a revolutionary movement to free Luna.

I liked this when I read it as a kid. Rereading it as an adult was a thought-provoking experience. Luna's "revolution" is organized into COMINTERN-style cell system with elaborate security procedures and more than a little lying to and stealing from innocent people. A few even get killed. All of this highlights how young people can be drawn into such dubious enterprises in real life. As Mannie observes, "Kids will do anything which is mysterious and fun." All of this sneaking around has a Tom Sawyerish feel to it.

Disturbingly, everyone proceeds with the fanatical assumption that everything is secondary to the revolution. This allows lying, killing and stealing to proceed with few second thoughts. A less extreme stance might at least have had the revolutionaries struggling with these moral concerns a bit. Better would be having them proceed while balancing a number of concerns and values--like real, non-fanatical people do.

Still, it is a classic and worth reading. There are some recognizable early-Heinlein patterns. There is the "wise old man" who always knows the answer and advises the other characters. Nobody notices when he is inconsistent or just plain wrong. There is Heinlein's signature dualism in treatment of female characters. He praises them to the skies, then doesn't give them much more to do than bring coffee and ask the male heroes naïve questions. And there is all the talking. Characters are always describing things to each other. It's an okay technique, but in moderation--please!

Heinlein fans and scholars of mid-twentieth century science fiction: Buy it and read it! Other science fiction fans: Check it out of the library sometime. Knowing about it is a science fiction cultural literacy requirement.

Heinlein was arguably Sci-FI's best writer. I like to say that Phillip K Dick might have produced a few books that topped anything that Heinlein wrote. But over all, Heinlein had a consistent career of excelence where as Dick fell into insanity through the use of drugs and churned out scores of very strange and close to uninteligable manuscripts.

"Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is a book that you will find about in the middle of Heinlein's arc as an author. It was written in 1967 and pulls in a "Universal time-line" of whos characters and events pass from this to pretty much the rest of what Heinlein wrote. Ideas that the author comes back to again and again are cemented here, such as the idea of group marraiges, and a lifestyle that is rooted in andventure and high ideals in living standards.

This book follows the authors seminol 'Stranger in a Strange Land' and proceeds the classics 'Cat who walks through Walls' and 'Time enough for Love' which revolve around one of my favorite characters, Lazarus Long. It might be noted that this is a very good starting point in which to proceed to his later books as you will need some background information on events and characters.

The writing is a little choppy. But it is ment to be that way. Like William Vollman, Heinlein is setting this book into the mind of a specific character. In this book, he comes across as someone who had little education, a character you might find in a repressed 1950's communist state.

I think that if you get past the quirky and somewhat dated manner of writing, you will be in store for a very good (though not excellent) read. And to put the cherry on top, this book will lead to several others that are even more enjoyable still.

I read "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" on audiobook, so my perspective is slightly different than most others'. The narrator was excellent, and the major characters Mannie, Wyoming, Mike, and the Professor are credible. The accents on Stu and Mannie are perfect. Mannie's style of narrating the story is great, colored with ironic grunts and snickers, providing all the self-deprecating analysis necessary to convey Heinlein's typical sarcastic wit. References to Mannie's No. 6 arm had me erupting in laughter. As usual, Heinlein's characters are short with each other and have thick skin. The men are cads and the women are sluts.

The Professor is a pompous, annoying character, so sanctimonious in his "rational anarchy"; I identified more with Mannie's minimalist realism. A lengthy coversation about politics, after the Professor is introduced, comes across as VERY proselytizing.

The organization of an independent government on Luna mirrors America's almost exactly, but for good reason: Heinlein deliberately wants us to morally digest the tweaks he makes on contemporary American governance. I like how the people of Luna enforce their own laws, but the judicial system is whacky and, while unique, lacking in imagination. Heinlein lost me there.

The Federated Nations is--big surprise--the United Nations on steroids: a one-world government. It is composed of a bunch of cowards and sycophants. Mannie's and the Professor's meetings with the FN I found tedious, particularly because the Professor comes off just like one of them: a pompous wordsmith. Mannie's perspective of things is, by contrast, refreshing.

The plot execution is a little sloppy, but plot has never been Heinlein's strong point. Everyone knows, what with near-constant prompting of Mike for odds whether the rebellion will succeed, that the rebellion will indeed succeed. The bulk of the story, the organization of the rebellion and the grassroots campaign against the Lunar Authority, is glossed over and dealt with far too briefly. Likewise the action sequence at the end, in which dozens of massive moonrocks are hurled at Earth's cities, is a little harried, as if Heinlein couldn't wait to wrap it up so he could get his major characters back together for some back-and-forth. My favorite scene of the novel is an emergency cabinet meeting in which Mannie balks at criticism from an elected representative. A great illustration of internal politics taking over Luna.

Finally, the physics of the environment are dealt with, for some reason, in inscrutable detail. I can understand that Heinlein wants to boosts his creds with the hard sci-fi afficionados, but IMO he would have done just as well if he just showed what happened, instead of telling it.

I list my beefs with the book because overwhelmingly I came away with positive feelings about it. If there is anything Heinlein is not, he is definitely not boring.

Excellent. Almost perfect. To all of those that say that this is Heinlein's best work: I agree, and would go so far as to say "by far".

A few thoughts (in no particular order1):

(1) Chapter twenty-six is probably one of the best single chapters in science fiction literature. Maybe all literature.

(2) Heinlein prevents this from being a five-star work with (surprise!) how he portrays women. Hamstrung, they are, when they ought to be in power. He drops hints that the Lunar society has the most empowered women in history, and yet the families are not matriarchal; and though the Revolution seems to start with Wyoh, she quickly fades into the background (politically); and then every other little detail (one of the kickers for me being during the climactic War Cabinet meeting when our narrator refers to one of the women as "a good little fem that knows when to stay quiet"2). Sigh.

(3) Mike. Poor Mike. So tragic.

(4) "Throw rocks at them." So great.

(5) Why it gets held up as "a masterpiece of libertarian revolution" however escapes me. Are the "Loonies" libertarians? I suppose so, but if they are it is by accident, by happenstance, and not by design. Manuel's narrative (both of his own opinions and as he represents Prof) would have us believe that since there is no tradition in the penal colony-cum-nation state of a taxation-for-services model, that it is foreign to them and thus by definition poisonous. But this is a convenient party-line refutation of Lunar Authority claims to ownership/control of the satellite. "We don't owe you anything because you've never actually given us anything." It's a Boston Tea Party in extremis3, and perhaps even a bit self-undermining as it's revealed that (a) Prof later on flat-out admits that they're stealing4, and (b) the penultimate government that the Loonies settle on winds up sounding pretty traditional anyway5. What does this mean for the tonal qualities of the novel...? It means that it doesn't really wind up looking like much of a celebration of libertarianism.

Regardless: thoroughly enjoyed.

I'm not a Heinlein fan. Whenever I start with a book of his, I brace myself for yet another alterego surrounded by beautiful educated females who adore him for unknown reasons, and the also inevitable stronger helper/superhuman who accompanies and teaches the protagonist.
This time there was a "line marriage", again giving the protagonist any number of women he would want, and thus the opportunity to be lofty about it. But I admit readily: the line marriage is a real good idea. I hope it will be allowed on earth real soon. And yes the superbrain was there in the story too. This time in the form of a sentient supercomputer that was interesting to meet, and gave the opportunity to explore Heinleins concepts of AI.
The most important reason I liked this book is because it matched an intelligent plot to fast paced action and considerable insights in the making of revolutions and the behavior of governments if they are confronted with one. If you're planning a revolution, do read this book as a starter. But if you're not: it's still a good read that as an extra resets your thoughts about the way we have structured our society now.

I care deeply about the English language, especially proper grammar. If you asked my friends and family, I suspect they might even use the word "fanatic" to describe me. Therefore, believe me when I say the non-standard English in "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" is not hard to understand after a few pages, and that it is integral to the characterization of Mannie and Lunar society. There are times and places for linguistic purism. This is not one of them.
Computer technician Manuel Garcia O'Kelley Davis is a free citizen of a Lunar penal colony, run for Earth's benefit. He discovers the master computer (it manages telephones, newspapers, electricity, air supply, etc.) is sentient, names it Mike, and befriends it/him. In his efforts to humanize Mike, Mannie introduces the computer to Wyoming Knott, a fiery member of a flawed revolutionary organization, and to Professor Bernardo de la Paz, a lovable rational anarchist. With Mike's help, they determine that under current management policies, famine will strike the Moon. Being Loonies, they gamble on a revolution. A real one.
One pleasure of this book is learning about Lunar society, which Heinlein creates with great attention to detail. (Hence the language.) The other great pleasure is watching the revolution develop. The propaganda, misdirection, government machinations, and ingenious weapons (yes, throwing rice can be deadly - if you throw from the Moon!) are marvelous. I didn't notice much overt characterization, but by the end of the book, I cared about these people; I had traveled a long way with them.
"The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" contains libertarian, or anarchist, philosophy, but one purpose of science fiction is to present challenging ideas. Whether or not you agree with the Loonies' political philosophy, or are offended by some of their social structures (such as their forms of marriage) I defy anyone not to sympathize with their quest for freedom.
Note: While I find Heinlein's obsession with female bodies a bit annoying, and while he uses some sexual stereotypes, any society where a woman, as he says, "calls tune," and a man has to dance to it, can't be all bad!

Warning - Spoiler ahead: I read this on recommendation of the National Review, who were celebrating Robert Heinlein's 100th birthday and his importance as a libertarian and patriot. Perhaps people of all political stripes will find something to like here, and this novel dives into political issues every bit as much as it does scientific and personal aspects of the story. "The Moon" is about a revolt by 3 million Moon dwellers, most former prisoners, against their commanders on or from Earth. It begins in the year 2075 and is divided into three books: Book One introduces the story and themes and setting for the revolution, Book Two contains extensive meetings and negotiation between the Moon (Luna) and the Earth (Terra), and Book Three has the dramatic, climactic conflict...this is where most of the action is, and it includes some physical theory that helps to keep it real. For example, Heinlein understands how attacks from Terra are greatly inhibited by earth's huge gravity, making a missile-laden ship more cost-effective than firing large missiles directly from Terra. The Loonies, on the other hand, have the advantage of raining destruction on Terra simply by overcoming Luna's weak gravity, and letting the bomb fall to its target. After all, Heinlein wasn't a fantasy writer; he used realistic situations to illustrate universal principles, just on a different plane - or planet!

IMHO Book Two goes a little overboard with plotting and dialogue about Luna's path for achieving revolutionary independence, and things drag in places. Much of this is between the main character and narrator, Mannie, and the "Professor," the revolutionary mastermind. The Professor is less scrupulous, always planning how to manipulate not just the Terran authorities, but also the "Loonies." I kept picturing the professor as Lenin, in spite of Heinlein's goals for a free, libertarian society. Mannie is also a fighter but he's more sympathetic, sort of an `everyman', and his triumphant survival is sweet but not too sentimental. One other criticism would be the stylistic jargon that Heinlein invents for Loonie society, words like the salutation Gospodin meaning Mr., or Choom meaning chum, and his unintelligible description of polygamous marriages (necessary with the skewed ratio of men to women). At times it gets just a little too thick and by the end I was relieved by the action that tied it all together. This was written in the mid-60's and I think Heinlein wanted to sound cool to get his message across, but it's a little anachronistic now. Regardless, the ending is a great payoff and justifies rating this as his most important work, even if like me you're not a big sci-fi reader.

Much like Heinlein's "Starship Troopers," "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is not so much the sci-fi adventure yarn the cover copy promotes as a thoughtful, resonant novel of socio-political commentary. But whereas the former novel is underdeveloped and somewhat disappointing, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is a well-plotted and mostly interesting example of what sci-fi can do in the right hands.
Set in 2076, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" tells the story of a lunar colony's bid for independence from an exploitative Earth which regards the "Loonies" as celestial fodder. Slowly but surely the seeds of revolution are sown by a determined clique of conspirators: Wyoh, the spirited and beautiful heart of the cabal; Mike, the virtually omniscient supercomputer struggling with his own self-awareness; Prof, the conspiracy's mastermind to whom revolution is just another cerebral exercise; and Manuel, a computer repairman and the story's narrator, whose unique gifts and commitment to the cause ultimately make him the revolt's most important member.
Heinlein does stack the deck. The powers-that-be on Earth are not only barely developed caricatures but inept fighters to boot, while the Lunar revolutionaries benefit from some extraordinary strokes of good luck. Even so, the plot rarely flags and much remains in doubt to the last page.
While perhaps not the unqualified masterpiece cited by some of my fellow reviewers, this is a highly notable book of much insight, wit, and literary power. The case for libertarianism is well-made, and many of Heinlein's political points are dead-on--and even those that aren't help make for a very worthwile read. Recommended to anyone interested in sci-fi or political theory.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of the few works of science fiction that I have read. I don't typically read science fiction because I don't like it. I usually find the characters wooden and the story way too drawn out. My friend lent me The Moon is a Harsh Mistress insisting that it would solve my sci/fi woes. I was skeptical, but she was right!
I found The Moon is a Harsh Mistress to be a delightful tale of people and rebellion. The characters were well drawn and highly believable. The story was well structured with just the right amount of entertainment value balanced with letting the reader think about things. I found the setting and technology to be very realistic for the story. There was no feeling of being bogged down in technology explanations that were too detailed and complicated (something that seems to happen in scifi books sometimes).
The themes of how humans cope and change in new environments, the politics of a people living too far from their government, political rebellion, and social evolution may seem heavy. However, the author does such a wonderful job of laying down the story through the experience of people that you hardly notice the serious themes that you are exploring because you are so entertained!
If you have never read scifi, you must read this book. If you don't like scifi you must read this book. If you have never read this book for any reason what-so-ever, you must read this book.

While most folks seem to love "Stranger" (I do) or the bug book, I prefer this book.

When it was written, very little was known about the actual conditions on the moon. Heinlen worked from theories and extrapolated quite well. The descriptions of the computer character reflect what was current in computers of the time. And for the younger crowd, there were no blue screens of death.

That said, Heinlen worked in plausible science with strong character development and something that he eventually embodied in Lazarus Long: his ideals of liberty and individualism.

The main gist of this novel is the rights of the individual and his associated liberty. Once you grasp that, you grasp how the entire scenario comes together. Heinlen weaves elements not seen in the United States since we had a frontier: independence. The desire to be treated fairly and left alone drives the characters to perform incredible actions.

This is a great book that has Heinleins usual 3d characters, in addition to his arresting storyline. This is, in my opinion the best book Heinlein ever wrote. I prefer it to his others, partially because of his liberatarian philosophy intersperced throughout the novel, and partially because I think their is more of an emphasis on plot than in other books, while still keeping unique and well devolped characters.
As for those who object to this book on grounds that is sexist, it is no more so than any other book Heinlein wrote. Granted that may be too much for some, but I generally find that while I may inwardly role my eyes occasionally while reading Heinlein, it doesn't get in the way of my overall enjoyment.
As for all you intellectual snobs out there who object to this book on the basis of the use of pronouns, or lack thereof, I would like to ask you- politely- to go get a life, and when you have done that, come back and re-read this book. Not liking this book because it doesn't meet your ever-so-high grammatical standards, is just pathetic.
Unlike some of his later novels, Heinlein is able to unobtrusively place his politics throughout the storyline, so that it doesn't get "preachy." And even if you disagree with the political ideas of libretarian, you may even find yourself changing them! (I know of at least one occasion of this happening.) But even if you don't, the overall storyline of a lunar revolution is very compelling.
Another interesting part to this book is the idea of a sentient computer. It's almost like- as another reviewer noted- HAL 9000 turned good. the computer, Mike, is really funny, and it is cool to watch him "grow up" as the novel progresses.
I would, however have to agree that the ending was somewhat anticlimaxic, almost as if the author wasn't quite sure how to end it. However, even that wasn't too bad, and taken as a whole, this is one of the greatest classic science fiction novels ever written. A must read for all.

The description on the back of the book says it best: Libertarian revolution. If you're interested in this book at all, you should read it. It was brilliant, moving, thrilling.

What's it about? Well, there's a computer technician living on Luna, a prison colony where the lack of gravity causes irreversible osteoporosis that makes it impossible to move back to Earth after a few months. Earth is dealing with overpopulation and lack of food and shelter. Nations are still divided. And then the people of luna decide that they have had enough and want their freedom. They fight for it. This is their story, including the AI computer that helps them figure out a way to win against the mother world. But I won't tell you what that is or how it ends, because that's the best part.

As a standard caveat though, Heinlein uses a couple of obsolete concepts freely. Relish it, if you will, but be prepared. Sometimes that's what good sci-fi is all about.

My only real q!ualm with this book, and one that almost cost it a star is that it is narrated in the first person, and the narrator has a thick Loonie accent.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (1966), by Robert A. Heinlein

This is an engaging science fiction work, one of Heinlein's more popular books. Along with Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke, Heinlein was acclaimed one of the "Big Three" of science fiction. A "loonie," (one born on the moon) computer programmer-maintenance man, named Manual, tells the story. He is often referred to as "Man" by "Mike," the computer that controls everything. Mike talks, has apparent feelings and a conscience, and tells jokes--and the two of them are critically involved in an eventual "declaration of independence" of their polygamous penal colony from "Terra." This, of course, results in a rock-throwing war using moon-based catapults slamming into the earth. To make things more interesting, there is also an attractive and liberated woman Wyoming Knott, a "slot-machine sheila"--just don't say "Why Not." And there is a distinguished "rational anarchist" professor, Bernardo de la Paz, who organizes the revolution.

The year is 2075. Libertarian politics threads its way throughout the book, mostly through the professor's philosophical rhetoric. All very interesting when one considers the size of government now compared to when this book was published--1966:

"The authority must go. It is ridiculous...that we should be ruled by an irresponsible dictator in all our essential economy! It strikes at the most basic human right, the right to bargain in a free marketplace...."

"Revolutions succeeded when--only when--governments had gone rotten soft..."

"Control of anything essential to life should be decentralized...."

"Function controls design....So it is with revolution. Organization must be no larger than necessary--never recruit anyone merely because he wants to join. Nor seek to persuade for the pleasure of having another share your views...."

"A rational anarchist believes that concepts such as `state' and `society' and `government' have no existence save as physically exemplified in the acts of self-responsible individuals. He believes that it is impossible to shift blame, share blame, distribute blame...as blame, guilt, responsibility are matters taking place inside human beings singly and nowhere else. But being rational, he knows that not all individuals hold his evaluations, so he tries to live perfectly in an imperfect world...aware that his best effort will be less than perfect yet undismayed by self-knowledge of self-failure."

"My point is that one person is responsible. Always. If H-bombs exist--and they do-- some man controls them. In terms of morals there is no such thing as `state.' Just men. Individuals. Each responsible for his own acts."

An interesting exchange between Wyoming Knott and the professor:

W. "I just want to you to state what rules you think are necessary to insure equal freedom for all."

P. "Dear lady, I'll happily accept your rules."

W. "But you don't seem to want any rules."

P. "True. But I will accept any rules that you feel necessary to your freedom. I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do."

W. "You would not abide by a law that the majority felt was necessary?"

P. "Tell me what law, dear lady, and I will tell you whether I will obey it."

Manual speaking: "In this life you have to bet....almost everything is unfair. What can't be cured--must be endured."

"...while we are staking our lives, we are old enough to know it. For that, one should have an emotional grasp of death. Children are seldom able to realize that death will come to them personally. One might define adulthood as the age at which a person learns that he must die...and accepts his sentence undismayed."

Transtaafl--"There ain't no such thing as a free lunch."

Narrator: (Prof was a pacifist. Like his vegetarianism, he did not let it keep him from being "rational." Would have made a terrific theologian.) I smiled at that one.

"But our biggest headaches were self-appointed statesmen."

"...bored by yammer not their own."

Manual speaking: "I never liked North America...they care about skin color--by making point of how they don't care. First trip there I was always too light or too dark, and somehow blamed either way, or was always being expected to take stand on things I have no opinions on...."

In defense of polygamy on the moon: "Line marriage is the strongest possible device for conserving capital and insuring the welfare of children--the two basic societal functions for marriage everywhere--in an environment in which there is no security, neither for capital nor for children, other than that devised by individuals."

And on the moon, they bury their dead to become fertilizer for "roses and daffodils."

Speaking about Terra: "Since they can inflict their will on us, our only chance lies in weakening their will."

The Prof on the creation of a new government: " Comrade Members, like fire and fusion, government is a dangerous servant and a terrible master. You now have freedom--if you can keep it. But do remember that you can lose this freedom more quickly to yourselves than to any other tyrant...Distrust the obvious, suspect the traditional...for in the past mankind has not done well when saddling itself with governments...In past history popularly elected governments have been no better and sometimes far worse than overt tyrannies...I note one proposal to make this Congress a two-house body. Excellent--the more impediments to legislation the better. But, instead of following tradition, I suggest one house of legislators, another whose single duty is to repeal laws...Accentuate the negative. Let your document be studded with things the government is forever forbidden to do. No conscript armies...no interference however slight with freedom of press, or speech, or travel, or assembly, or of religion, or of instruction, or communication, or occupation...no involuntary taxation....What I fear most are affirmative actions of sober and well-intentioned men, granting to government powers to do something that appears to need doing."

On the subject of taxation, the Prof suggested that congress dip into their own pockets if they were so committed to doing something. Upon a challenge of how to pay for things, he said, "You have put your finger on the dilemma of all government--and the reason I am an anarchist. The power to tax, once conceded, has no limits; it contains until it destroys. I was not joking when I told them to dip into their own pouches. It may not be possible to do away with government--sometimes I think government is an inescapable disease of human beings. But it may be possible to keep it small and starved and inoffensive--and can you think of a better way than be requiring the governors themselves to pay the costs of their antisocial hobby?"

And the best two paragraphs of all, near the end:

"But Prof underrated yammerheads. They never adopted any of his ideas. Seems to be a deep instinct in human beings for making everything compulsory that isn't forbidden...Are food riots too high a price to pay to let people be? I don't know.

"Don't know any answers."

I highly recommend this book--sobering yet entertaining.

_The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress_ is a wonderful first novel for anyone who has heard of Heinlein but hasn't had the pleasure of reading his books. His other two major works, _Stranger in a Strange Land_ and _Starship Troopers_ are easier works to misunderstand than this one. The great joy of the story lies in its four main characters, who can be roughly characterized as "the young guy who's got a lot to learn," "the old guy who already knows everything," "the attractive yet amazingly capable female lead," and "the outsider."
The novel covers an amazing amount of philosophical terrain, from alternative family structures to politics, as well as the technology of lunar habitation. One "Big Theme" is the question of artificial intelligence. Can machines think? How would we know if machines could think? He tackles the Turning Test via the avenue, of all things, of humor.
One of the most delightful news stories in recent years (1996) was the discovery of ice on the moon, something that Heinlein uses as a central prerequisite for lunar habitation. Now that the Chinese have gone into space (2003), maybe we will some day see Hong Kong Luna.

Remarkably, Heinlein's 3 famous/controversial cult novels appeal to 3 different audiences: "Starship Troopers: -- career military men; "Stranger in a Strange Land" -- hippies; "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" -- libertarians.
Of these 3, "Moon" is the best plotted and best written (including Heinlein's most ambitious attempt at a new prose style, which was influenced by Burgess' "Clockwork Orange"). While, for some mysterious (probably hormonal) reason, I love "Starship Troopers" more, this book certainly is the ideal introduction to Heinlein's novels for adults.
It's literary merits are all the more surprising considering both it's abundant slam-bang action and it's status as a treatise on libertarianism. Moreover, for a work of ideological propaganda, it is clear-eyed about what you'd have to put up with to live in a libertarian society. Without the government to look after you, Heinlein points out that you'd have to make sure you are on very friendly terms with all your neighbors. Extreme neighborliness is a requirement for a libertarian society (Charles Murray reiterated this point in his recent "What It Means to Be a Libertarian"). Personally, as a surly introvert, the lack of privacy and the social conformity required to function in a stateless society would get on my nerves so bad, that I'd probably make myself a nuisance to all my neigbors, and no doubt they'd be justfied in eventually tossing me out an airlock. So, maybe I don't really want to live in a truly libertarian society. But, it's well worth visiting one in the company of a great mind like Heinlein's.

When the colonial Lunar Authority's main computer, MYCROFT (Mike) becomes self-aware, the first to realize it is native loonie and computer technician Manuel Davis. He soon hooks up with his old teacher (Prof)and rabblerouser Wyoming Knott, and the four begin plotting Lunar revolution. How they motivate a nonpolitical populace into a necessary revolution (for, otherwise, the population faces disaster), is the tale. And how a computer which runs most things can be a big help to revolution is integral to the story.
As usual in Heinlein's better works (pre-1970), he mixes science and political science into the story in generous measures. His depiction of a lunar society which evolved from a "Botany Bay" style prison camp, where people learned to be inoffensive within the society or else died, is very believable.
Richly drawn, without the paranoia and hate Heinlein would exhibit in most of his later books, it is well worth reading and possibly Heinlein's best.

Robert A. Heinlein has written many books; and I'm sorry to say I haven't read them all. But I have immensely enjoyed his "Future History" series ever since I picked up a copy of "Time Enough For Love" from a friend who was dumping a lot of her old paperbacks. I was hooked.
I went to my local Stars & Stripes bookstore (this was on Okinawa) and looked for other Heinlein titles. It was there I found what has become my all-time favorite novel: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
It is a re-written version of the American Revolution, placed 300 years after our own Declaration of Independence. And the "fascinating, finincky details" are extremely believable, even 32 years after its initial publication.
I make part of my living reviewing books for the San Antonio Express-News, so you might imagine I read a lot. But when I don't feel like tackling a new novel, I revisit my old favorites. And at least two to three times a year, I'll re-read "Mistress." And despite having read it over three dozen times, I still find something new and wonderous each time.

Really not fair because this book had a huge influence on my thoughts. I read it when it was first published and I was nine years old.

To me, many of the ideas in this book left me full of wonder and amazement at how little I really knew of the world and other people's thoughts.

I recently reread this (love books on my phone!) and it brought back those same feelings so on a nostagic POV it was great! It is still a classic to me and one of Heinlein's best!

Tried to get a couple of my younger kids who are avid readers interested in this book but they wouldn't read very far into it, not enough instant/constant action. Too bad, hopefully my kids' generation will grow out of the instant gratification thing.

A friend of mine recommended this piece of work to me and I am so glad to have read it. Heinlein truly is a genius when it comes to creating a believable fictional culture such as that on the Moon colony.

When you read the first few pages, you may begin to wonder why this book was published in the first place since it seems to have so many grammatical errors. But you find out later that the narrator is a Loonie (born and raised on the Moon, referred to as "Luna") and that the numerous fragment sentences are nothing more than Loonie dialect. If you are a big grammar person and are bothered by excessive grammar errors, you will find relief when Heinlein introduces the Earthlings who speak "proper" and modern English.

In The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, the Loonies are unhappy with the poor treatment they are receiving from Earth. They wish to become an actual "state" rather than a colony and so a small group forms their own revolutionary coalition. Heinlein does a terrific job explaining how a "proper" revolution is to be run. Although I couldn't always follow, the "rules" and tactics used in successfully creating an effective underground political/revolutionary group are expertly illustrated with superb intelligence.

The book is also funny. Like Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey, one of Heinlein's characters is an advanced computer nicknamed "Mike". From the beginning of the book, the narrator describes his attempts to teach Mike how to create and tell jokes. The reader is able to reflect upon what we as human beings consider humorous and why. As the story goes on, you notice Mike's growth and development into resembling an actual person. Heinlein's writing is so solid and fluid that it feels natural, not rushed.

Perhaps one of the strangest books I've read, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress is also one of most original and intelligent. Heinlein KNOWS about what he's writing. I look forward to reading more of his work in the very near future.

Heinlein is the godfather of science fiction and this book, which won him the last of his 4 Hugos is probably the greatest of all of his works.
Heinlein was a master at speculative science fiction, he is able to create a set of events, while purely fictional, is kept so close to realistic lines that they not only seem plausible but real. This novel could almost be a self help guide to carrying out a revolution. What greater cause than the freedom of not one country but an entire planet in chains?
To me, what makes this novel his greatest is the relative clarity of the narrative and the smooth transitions between the various stages of the plot. While Stranger in a Strange land could be said to be more imaginative, its narrative structure is such that it could almost be 2 storylines told at once.
Call me a romantic, but nothing I have read in science fiction has stirred my blood more. That is why Heinlein can be forgiven in giving the book an ending that many feel is romantic rather than realistic. How many revolutions do result in better government anyway? This is one of the most underrated novels in science fiction and is a bennchmark for which future generations of writers can set their standards. It is a classic that will never age and who knows, it could still come true! Viva La Revolution!

This was only the second Heinlein novel I'd ever read, and to me, it was the most moving. I have read Starship Troopers, The Cat that Walks Through Walls, and Stranger in a Strange Land thus far.
This novel is part science-fiction adventure, part social commentary, and part political philosophizing. However, that seems to be the formula for most of Heinlein's novels (or at least the ones I've read)
The story is of a computer repairman, who is the first person to realize that the large central computer which the Lunar Authority uses to control most everything has become a sentient being. Through this realization, as well as meeting with a couple of agitators who are dissatisfied with the way things are run on the Moon, Manny (the repairman) becomes one of the founding fathers of the revolution that allows Luna to gain its independence.
Throughout the book, Heinlein explores different notions of politics, marriage customs, culture, and human nature, all of which is thought-provoking at least. The end of the book, and its inevitable climax, left me emotionally drained. Never has any book been able to do that to me the way this book has. While Starship Troopers remains my favorite Heinlein novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a very, very close second.
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in science-fiction, political science, or just plain looking for a great read.

What a great piece of fiction. If you have any libertarian inklings or if survival/social cohesion is what you like in space-themed art, then this book will be hard to put down for you.

The main character is supposed to have a Russian or slavic accent, so the author often skips the use of certain articles in sentence composition in order to reflect that. Though it sometimes detracted my reading, it did not hinder the message, flow, and cold charisma of this book.

I know a lot of people fault this book for it's choppy English, but by omitting the articles and occasional prepositions, Heinlein points up the fact that those living on Luna have become a different culture, complete with its own language and idioms. And, to be fair, one of the novel's most important characters, Pfr. de la Paz, speaks flawless English. But nitpicking over the occasionally missing "a," "an," and "the" makes no sense when discussing this novel. Consider: Heinlein portrays a lunar colony so well thought out, one wonders why it hasn't been built already. And the plot's construtcion is airtight: follow the course of the revolution detailed in this book and by the end, you'll share in the characters' patriotism for their fledgling state. Nowhere else do you get such a concise picture of Heinlein's "You get what you pay for" philosophy. Definitely my favorite work of Heinlein's and one that stands up to repeated rereading. TANSTAAFL!

Forced to pick a favourite book by Heinlein, one of my favourite writers, I would have to choose this one. Even leaving aside the (not inconsiderable) benefit of the excellent explication of solid political philosophy in the book, it's a great read.
First of all, the entire book is written in Lunaspeak. This pigdin English certainly takes some getting used to at first but one is able to read it after a chapter or so without even noticing. How simple it seems until you stop to consider the effort involved in accomplishing such a feat. And there's no doubt that Lunaspeak is vital to the success of the book.
Then there's the story: fun and important both. Hugely entertaining, so you don't notice that you're also learning something. As usual, Heinlein has populated the book with richly drawn and highly entertaining charcters who matter to the reader as individuals. The highest compliment I can pay a book is that I'm sorry when it ends b/c I want to spend more time with the people in the book. Having read it numerous times, I'm still a bit sad every time I get to the last page b/c my time with these people is done. How much more difficult it is to accomplish this task - very few writers, even good ones, ever even approach it. Heinlein did it consistently and this is no exception. To do so while also acheiving so much else makes this the best of his impressive collection of work.

I was very skeptical of this book after reading some of the reviews here. Overall, I feel I got my money's worth reading this book. Was it the best book I ever read? No, but it was amusing, worth the money I spent, and worth the time it took to read it.
I found myself stopping and thinking about some of the points Heinlein made throughout the story. I found myself relating to Mannie time and again. As an idealistic libertarian who has grown cynical with age, this story seemed to take my ideas and beliefs, jump ahead 75 years and say "what if".
The story is somewhat dated. We have already advanced technologically beyond parts of the story. Story includes Soviet Union. Nothing too distracting.
Most of the controversy I have heard about this book is the "bizarre" marriages and sexual relationships in the story. Look, the author was trying to make a point about human nature and adaptation under extreme conditions. When men outnumber women 10 to 1, multiple husbands makes mathematical sense.
As a Christian, yes, I find this view of marriage offensive, but hey, it is fiction. It was an interesting exploration of one possible future.

With over 35 years of SF culture between us and this novel, it is difficult to see it for the ground breaking work that it is. Through books and film we've since been exploring new worlds, galaxies and even dimensions for almost 4 decades. Thus a very human story of revolution on our little neighbor may not be that thrilling to the seasoned reader.
Although the story takes place in 2076 the idealism and cynicism of the 1960s is ever present in the background. And even though we're now a third of the way closer to that date than when the novel was written I am amazed at how well the science in this fiction has held up.
The story presents a logical and somewhat predictable pathway for "the liberation of the moon" yet I was in suspense as to the success or failure of the venture until the final pages. Heinlein held my attention throughout and weeks later I have to admit I still miss Mike.

An amazing book, I read it through in one sitting about 40 years ago and have re-read it several times since. This was my gateway book to the works of Robert Anson Heinlein and I have been happily addicted ever since. I wish the store would publish this in Kindle format, I really would like to download and read it as I have donated all of my paper books to the DAV and no longer pack 30 boxes of books with me when I have moved around in the past.

Sci-fi has always had the intention, either primary or secondary, of chanllenging, undermining or destroying the reader's world view. In "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" it appears to be secondary, despite the author's obvious Marxist sentiments. Because life on the moon is not life on earth, Heinlein is freed by the science of space to create a fictional social order where, at the outset, air is not free. The juxtaposition of science and plot continues until the reader should see that he or she is in fact learning something of physics and astrophysics. Of particualr interest is the book's description of weapons systems crafted by, sare I say it, crafty moon residents. A mass driver that takes advantage of the disparate sizes of the moon's gravity well as opposed to that of the earth is a wonderful "Popular Science" gizmo. Also of note is the clever cell system administered by computer for the lunar revolutionaries.

It started with a joke... a computer that developed a sense of humor. It ends in revolution. Excellent drama and characters you can't help but love combine to make a timeless classic. This is a true masterpiece; one of my all time favorites.

There's one quirk, though it doesn't hurt the novel (if anything it's another level of immersion in this first-person narrative); the story isn't written in "English", exactly. It's written in the slightly odd "Loonie" dialect of the narrator, which might be confused for abysmal editing at first, but is intentional and really just part of the charm.

"The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is an excellent novel, action-packed, exciting, and deftly-plotted, with fascinating, complex characters and some interesting science-fictional ideas. I also enjoyed reading about Luna's culture; I thought the marriage customs were particularly interesting.

One thing I noticed right off was the way the Loonies use language differently than people from earth do. In fact, it threw me at first -- I couldn't figure out what was going on or why the language was so rough and unpolished and choppy. Eventually, though, I found the rhythm of it and settled in just fine -- I didn't even notice it after a while. It makes sense; Luna started off as a penal colony and has since developed completely seperate from Earth and relatively unmolested. Of course they would have their own dialect and speech patterns! To my mind, their language seems to be as efficent as possible. They trimmed away any unnecessary deadwood -- they don't use articles, for example, and very few personal pronouns, and they seem to prefer to use fragments to complete sentences. Only the essentials remain, much the same as the original colonists/prisoners had to start their lives over with only the bare essentials and sometimes not even that.

This book was written about forty years ago, and it has stood the test of time quite well, but there are some aspects of it that do seem rather dated. For example, the idea behind the character of Mike -- the computer that is connected to everything and has "woken up" or become alive -- is one that is very familiar to modern readers, one that we accept easily. Apparently, we accept it much more easily than Heinlen expected his readers in 1965 to accept it, because he spends more time explaining it than he really needs to. When Mannie, the narrator, tells Wyoh about Mike and introduces them via a telephone conversation, she is shocked that Mike already knows what she looks like. He looked up her medical records and found a picture of her immediately after being introduced to her. To modern readers familiar with the internet, this is an obvious step and hardly shocking; we expect it, and Wyoh's shock and apparent need to have every detail and implication of Mike's "life" spelled out for her makes her seem a little bit stupid to us. If we don't remember that Heinlen is using Wyoh to explain things to his 1965 audience that his 2005 audience intuitively understands, then we'll get a little frustrated with Wyoh's denseness.

All in all, though, this is a novel about politics -- a very complex, deep, intellectual and sophisticated look at politics, government, revolution and war. "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" has a very definite world-view and political philosophy, some of which I agreed with, and some of which I really, really didn't. My agreement (or lack thereof) with the politics espoused in this book didn't seem to have much bearing on my enjoyment of it. This is a book that requires the reader to think. And that, I think, is why I loved it so much.

One of Robert A. Heinlein's greatest works, "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" marks the end point of a major transition in his career: where his style and thinking had evolved from novels that were aimed primarily at younger audiences, to the much more complex, darker (and longer) works of his later career.

All of Heinlein's works reveal a sophisticated knowledge and attention to detail on the "science" end, as well as strong, engaging characters almost always cast as self-sufficient and highly intelligent individuals facing morally and often physically challenging situations.

The plot of "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" centers on a computer technician named Manuel ("Mannie"), who was descended (as most "Loonies" were) from inmates of the Lunar prison colony; and his relationship with a computer named Mike, who had become self-aware.

At the time of the story, all humans on the moon lived in a situation very similar to that of sharecroppers: trapped in a life they could not escape for a variety of reasons, and so were virtually enslaved to the "Lunar Authority": a political entity originally set up by an equivalent of the United Nations to oversee the Lunar penal colony, and which had subsequently evolved into a mechanism for the oppression and exploitation the Moon's inhabitants solely for the benefit of Earth.

In the book, both Mannie and Mike evolve and grow: with Mike's help, Mannie becomes more and more aware of the consequences of the Lunar Authority's policies, and a reluctant leader of his people. With Mannie's help, Mike seeks to become a "real person" and to learn what it means to be alive. Together, they come to realize that the Authority's policies mean inescapable disaster for Luna, and so seek to motivate their largely indifferent fellow colonists to overthrow the Lunar Authority and establish a "Free Luna" before it is too late.

The story is sophisticated, complex, and discusses many controversial themes, including: racism, the meaning of life, immortality, sex, sexism, marriage, multiple identities, slavery, the evolution of language, the merits and flaws of various political systems, how to structure "underground" revolutionary organizations, the nature and consequences of war, environmental destruction, and how technology can be a negative or positive factor in all of these areas.

This book was designed to make its readers think, and succeeds in doing so. Although not much longer than many of his earlier novels, the depth, originality, attention to detail, and attention to scientific fact in this story are astounding: written before the first man walked on the moon, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" stands up well in light of modern technological advances; the growth of modern societal, economic, and political structures; and anticipates many of the issues the world faces today.

A major focus of the plot is Heinlein's structuring of the cell-based revolutionary organization that Mannie and his compatriots build with Mike's help. The structure is very close to how modern terrorist groups have organized themselves, and the usage of Mike to facilitate communication between "cells" is similar to how modern terrorist groups take advantage of the internet. The parallels are disturbing, and makes one seriously consider how the difference between being terrorist and revolutionary often depends on your point of view (and which side eventually wins) - a point Heinlein himself makes in this and other novels.

Above all else, this is a great story that moves along at a good pace, and works on many levels. You will become deeply involved in the lives of Mannie and his family, Mike, Wyoming Knott, the Professor Bernardo De La Paz, and others. You will feel the intensity-of and identify-with the challenges they face, and will see it all through their eyes. It is a hard book to put down, as my own nearly falling apart copy can attest. Each time you read it, you will find new layers of meaning and new concepts and ideas to relish and think-about.

As another reviewer of this book has said: if you are new to Heinlein (or science fiction in general), this isn't the first novel I'd read: it would be better to follow Heinlein's own evolution of thought and style by starting with some of his earlier works, such as "Space Cadet" (1948); "The Rolling Stones" (1952, which shares some common themes and one character with this book); "Tunnel in the Sky" (1955), and "Have Space Suit, Will Travel" (1958).

Other books of his that are equally good, and as (or more) controversial include "Starship Troopers" (1959, of which the movie of the same name is a very poor and lightweight ripoff), and especially what is probably his greatest work: "Stranger in a Strange land" (1961). The later "Lazarus Long" novels, such as "Time Enough For Love" (1973) are also a great read.

From a historical point of view, those of you who are RAH fans will find his first novel, "For Us the Living", to be a fascinating work. Though written in the late 1930's, it was only published posthumously (in 2004): in it you will find all of the themes found in his other novels. What appears to have sunk it in the eyes of potential publishers of the time was that it was obviously written mainly as a platform for the exposition of Heinlein's (for then) rather radical theories and convictions: it had too many ideas, too thin of story, and too little character-development to be a good novel. I agree with Spider Robinson (the writer of the Forward), that from this Heinlein learned if he was to successfully put his ideas across, as well as make a living as a writer, he first and foremost had to tell a good story: "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is a shining example of how well Heinlein learned that lesson.

I read this book when I was young and it has influenced my political philosophy greatly, just as The Number of the Beast influenced my ideas on space-time and Stranger in a Strange Land influenced my ideas on metaphysics. This book is highly entertaining and moving, perhaps the most moving book I have ever read. How many authors can make you weep for the death of a computer? I have heard many criticisms of R.A.H.'s attitude toward women, and I have one thing to say: No author had more respect for women than he. I was never offended and often flattered by his ideas about women. If anyone doubts my claims, read To Sail Beyond the Sunset or Time Enough for Love. Heinlein was very inflential in my young mind, but as I have grown older I no longer hold *all* his truths to be self-evident. I believe he would approve, individualist thinking was one of his passions. However, for intellectually stimulating fiction, Moon is a classic and will stay with you for a while.

I don't know that I have anything new to say in praise of this novel. So instead, I will say, I would never have imagined myself so heartsick over the loss of a computer until now. Goodbye, dear Mike. I shall miss you, too.

Heinlein is able to explore a world of politics, revolution, love, family, and dedication in an intricate and enjoyable way. Life is complex, and so is his story, weaving multiple aspects of what it means to be a sentient creature into the tale. From humor to love, the good parts of life must be explored fully. From rebellion to war, fighting for you and yours, the sticky parts must be waded through.

His ideas about never allowing yourself to get trampled by the standard way of life was refreshing, and I wish that more politicians could embrace this philosophy.

This incredibly well written and very insightful novel by Heinlein deserves to be called one of the all-time pinnacles of science fiction. At the surface the story has the elements of a fairly standard space opera, but Heinlein revolutionized the field with hard politics and completely believable examinations of human nature and society. This story is of a revolution by colonists on the Moon, wishing to free themselves from the economic subjugation imposed upon them by Earthbound governments (of course, the parallel is with the American Revolution). Of special note is Heinlein's libertarian and nearly anarchist outlook on the idea of revolution, especially because the vast majority of sci-fi heavyweights, when they envisioned revolutions and liberation, were progressives. This adds remarkable realism to Heinlein's fractious characters, squabbling governments, and for-profit corporations. He also ably examines the (self-)righteousness and idealism of revolutionaries, along with the difficulties they face having to run things themselves after throwing off their oppressors. These great insights into the human political condition are much stronger than what you'll find in most fiction of any stripe, and more believable than the simplistic utopia or dystopia of a lot of other sci-fi.

Another great innovation in this novel is Heinlein's remarkable foresight into what computers would be able to do a few decades after this book was written. As a cost saving measure, the Earthbound overlords have the entire moon colony running on one giant supercomputer. To be up to the task, this computer, nicknamed Mike, has to be so intricate and intelligent that it achieves self-awareness. Mike longs to have human friends and companionship, and the first friends he makes happen to be the lunar revolutionaries. Mike's intricate programming and calculations become the lynchpins of the revolution, as only a supercomputer could handle the organization of thousands of provocateurs while sabotaging power, communications, and financial systems, not to mention making recommendations for politicking and diplomacy. Heinlein's construction of an incredibly intricate revolution, helped by an artificial intelligence with a sense of humor and childlike wonder, is probably the greatest strength of this novel, in the writing and plotting department. Out of a career of many classics, and a few duds, this is Heinlein's apotheosis, for both his own writing powers and his vast influence on the field. [~doomsdayer520~]

This was the first Heinlein book that I read, and I see no reason why, as many other reviewers have stated, that this should not be the first Heinlein book one reads. The language is certainly a little difficult to understand at first, but one gets the idea very quickly. It certainly is a great deal easier than Burgess's _A Clockwork Orange_ which takes several chapters before one gets the context of all the idioms.

The tale is a very simple one, which makes it easier for Heinlein to translate his libertarian ideology. The work is dated, however, by some of his contemporary references to libertarian thinkers of the 60's.

The one problem I would have with this book is the resolution. The ending seems contrived and is so much shorter than the buildup to it. I wish Heinlein would have spent more time continuing some of the story lines so that the book would be more rounded. Its too top heavy as it stands.

All in all, I would have to say that this is a very good book, stopping just short of excellent. Definitely makes me want to read the rest of his work.

It is a shame that sci-fi is so easily written off by many people as geek fodder. This book has much in common with 1984 in that it has such an insightful view into how politics, and society itself for that matter, works. 1984 is considered by many to be a classic, but if you use the standard definition of sci-fi then it could be thrown in there, and if nobody had taken the time to see past the fact that the book takes place in the future, it easily could have been tossed aside like a cheap pulp novel and we wouldn't have learned so much from it. 1984 teaches us the mechanics of totalitarianism. Heinlein in this book shows us the mechanics of revolution against totalitarianism, and the view is slightly frightening. The tactics that must be resorted to in order to create a stable society based on individual freedom are not as idealistic as the end result. The main characters use schemes almost as treacherous as those used by people that create and maintain authoritarian governments. It is only because we can see inside their secret meetings, and for that matter their heads, that we know their motives are pure and we want them to succeed. However it makes it clear how both sides use propaganda and the wills of the people to accomplish their ends, and how revolutions can go wrong or only lead to equally as bad or worse governments if the people involved aren't honest.
Overall I would say that the information in this book is indispensable. Especially if you want to understand how politics really works, at the back room level, and how the rest is propaganda and bureaucracy. Anyone that liked 1984 will probably like this book, but with all due respect to George Orwell I would have to say that this one has a better plot and is more fun to read even if you're not as interested in the politics.

When I read this book, I can't help imagine the great pains Heinlein must have taken to properly research the material. To relate the scope of "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," Heinlein had to be political scientist, physicist, computer scientist, marketeer and soldier, just to name a few.
The characters are engaging and interesting with Mannie, the weathered tech, Prof, I suspect the voice of Heinlein himself and Mike, the computer with curious motivations. Rarely have I felt so attached to a group of characters and I can hardly believe Heinlein had me rooting for the Loonies to whip our Terran butts!
If you've read Heinlein before, you're in for a treat. This is his best work. If you haven't, get ready for a fascinating and highly possible near-future story. 'Mistress' will make you rethink the world and the society in which we live.

For those of you willing to hatch a revolution against conservative governments working you too hard and paying you too little, this is your book. Learn to plot you own liberal revolution and improve your chances of success! Hurl large moon rocks at Earth if they won't accept your demands!
I found this book to be more accomplished than "Stranger in a Strange Land" in almost every way imaginable. While there are some dated concepts, especially with regard to gender relations, the plotting of this book and its in-depth study of other concepts more than makes up its shortcomings. This is a wonderful novel of political ideals and intrigue. It explores environmental concepts of living at peace (and maintaining equilibrium) with your surroundings, the potentially destabilizing impact of globalization, and the eventualities of pure capitalism.
Read this book. You will not be sorry.

This is, as far as I am concerned, RAH's best novel. He'd gotten his skills up, and he wasn't quite to the point where, apparently, editors were afraid to edit him. (No, I don't know if that was what was going on with his last works, but it sure felt like it!)

You have believable futuristic societies, and inevitable conflicts. Heinlein has points to make, but they are not done stridently, at least to my perspective. It's a good rousing tale of Moon colonists going independent from Earth, and it works well. I first read this years ago in the early 70s and the tale still hold water. His best novel by far, from my experience.

This is a remarkable novel with some major things going for it. First, it is the most tightly plotted of Heinlein's novels. The plot is very powerful and exceedingly difficult to poke holes in; a supremely well-thought-out story. Second, it contains Heinlein's most fully developed, three dimensional characters. These are individuals who are so fully realized that you finish the book certain that you know them personally (and, in several cases, love them). And these are interesting and distinctive people; at least one character in this book is entirely unique in literature. Third, the book contains some truly arresting philosophy, always in digestible sized pieces. It has been called a "libertarian manifesto," which is both too strong and overly simplistic. Nonetheless, the book does force the reader to reflect on what's truly important and what isn't, regardless of whether one agrees with the expressed point of view. Amazingly, the philosophy never gets in the way of the story or the characters. Never. Not for one instant. This is the sort of effect Ayn Rand may have been striving for, but she was nowhere near the writer that Heinlein was. I have read every book Heinlein wrote, most of them numerous times. This is not only the best science fiction novel I have ever read, it is one of the best novels I have ever read, period. If you only read one science fiction book, this should be the one.

This novel is one of the greatest science fiction works of all time. A loose parallel of several historical revolutions, it chronicals the revolt of a lunar penal colony. With hard work, dedicated planning, and a super-intelligent, self-aware computer, three lunar inhabitants form a rebellion. A brilliant combination of action, excellent story-telling, and good science make this a fantastic novel. The picture he draws of the lunar culture is both familiar and different, making it a believable result of the future history described in the book. I find myself re-reading this book several times a year. I would have to rate this one of my two favorite novels of all time. If you haven't read this, and enjoy being entertained give The moon is a harsh mistress a chance.

My only problem with this book is that its a little too nuts-and-bolts to be a novel and a little too pie-in-the-sky to be a how-to. But the ideas expressed herein alone deserve the highest rating that can be bestowed. Some have complained about Heinlein's use of the language (He often leaves out articles). Those people would probably have the same complaint about Shakespeare and his creaky King James English, and works like A Clockwork Orange and 1984, both of which have significant diviations from modern english. Others accuse Heinlein of being sexist. I would point out that on Luna women more or less hold the leashes of their men, and the men don't mind! Others say this book isn't truly libertarian because it advocates violence against oppressors and libertarianism is essentially non-violent except in cases of self defence. But I would point out that Heinlein's point is that revolution is the ultimate form of self defence from government force and coercion. I urge anyone reading this to read The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress and carefully digest the ideas it sets forth. TANSTAAFL!

It is refreshing to find so much accolade for one of Heinlein's novels. I find this novel to be one of my favorites of all time, including possibly my favorite Heinlein novel of all time. It was a delight to read, and had many good commentaries about today's political ideas throughout.
I also found the idea of a computer that "wakes up" to be utterly fascinating, and the detailed description of how Mike grows and what he can and cannot do to be quite interesting - as compared to some where computers work magic. Anyone remember the magical speaking computer in WarGames? Without wires yet!
I am also fascinated by Mannie's perceptions of privacy and personal responsibility. This is a very fascinating read.

I still imagine that one day, I'll be able to punch MYCROFTXXX and hear "Mannie, my best friend,..."

If you liked this book, read The Cat Who Walks Through Walls. Characters aren't as much fun, but the Cat Who Walks Through Walls is still a novel not to be missed.

Robert A. Heinlein's book is a rarity amongst science-fiction of its era in portraying political decisions and political decision making with a depth and subtlety quite unlike the embarrassingly bad seen in highly praised books such as Isaac Asimov's The Gods Themselves (where asking one question once of one Senator and not getting the answer you like is enough to give up on government, democracy and all). Heinlein's tale of a revolt on a lunar colony which then seeks independence from Earth has strong parallels with the American War of Independence and gives a long hearing to libertarian ideals, but it is not an uncritical homage to life without government (especially given the reliance on insider dealing and printing of money to fund the libertarian efforts). Whilst some characters are enthusiastic libertarians, there is enough material for readers to draw very different conclusions.

The narrator has a very distinctive syntax along with a special Lunar vocabulary, reflecting how the English language will most likely continue to change in the future. This can make for tough reading at times if you do not like the style but also makes the audio version of the book particularly good, especially given the fine performance and accents by the person who reads the main audio version available.

The attempts to generate a version of English for the future is part of a general attempt to paint an internally consistent and plausible future, where the impact of the Moon's low gravity is thought through in its many different impacts on the colony. Where the future now looks very off is the failure to appreciate how computers and communications technology would get smaller (no need for the massive mainframe of the story now nor the reliance on popping into phone boxes) and how having more and more advanced computers now no longer seems to be a sure route to enabling them to be able to answer almost any question and predict almost everything about the future.

Heinlien's plot has other holes - especially the Lunar authorities's inability even to investigate the cause of malfunctioning sewage and air supplies. This is more than compensated for by the good mix of action and thought, intelligent variation of pace through the plot and absence of (too many) predictable twists and turns in the storyline. A good read all in all.

n his futuristic political thriller 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress', Robert Heinlein reveals many insightful political and social truths. Used as a future 'Botony Bay', the moon is a one-way trip for political and criminal elements unwanted by Earth's society. Forever stranded in the moon colonies, the lunar population is forced into economic slavery to produce food for the people of Earth.

When a rogue political prisoner and acedemic proves that the moon's resources are drying up and the population will soon starve, he launches a revolution to set the moon Colonies free as an independent nation. Heinlein's brilliant vision reveals the criminal nature and behavior of politicians worldwide and unveils the process of the inner workings of the communist revolution for use of future generations. It is actually a dangerous work, providing the tools of revolt to future generations of the politically dissatisfied.

TANSTAAFL--words to remember in this election year or any year. In science, science fiction or politics, the ultimate truism--There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch--provides the theme for this wonderful book, Heinlein's best that I have read.
For those interested in real science fiction and the politics of individual responsibility/worth, this book is required reading.
This is the story of men and women who, through their duty to themselves, had greatness thrust upon them. In addition to being a first-rate adventure, this book leads the reader to great insights on AI and technology's general relationship with individual freedom. Having said that, the reader never has the feeling of being bogged down in syrupy fantasy. This is a real book about real people (and real Dinkum Thinkums!)
Recommended for readers of all ages, especially those who haven't enjoyed SF before.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heinlein's Best, Aug 5 2008

To say that The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was prophetic would be quite the understatement, but it's not just Heinlein's brilliant depiction of a near-future Earth and Moon that shines so brightly but his sensitively-structured portrayal of the characters, from rebels to machine intelligences. The political structure is both a revealing and entertaining parallel to the colonial system during the American revolution and makes for a fascinating glimpse into the future. Race relations, sexual relations and economic systems are all interwoven into a rich human narrative that speaks to every one of our emotions and ideals, and the story never flags, alternating between tranquil moments of negotiations and scheming to brutal military engagements and desperate fights, leaving you breathless (and with perhaps a tear in your eye) until the last moments. A beacon of a novel for sci-fi writers, and deservedly so.

I read this book when it first came out in 1966. It is one of Heinlein's best later works. I've just got it from Audible and look forward to experiencing it again.

It is a highly subversive book which praises rebellion against an overbearing state. This is not a message the Chinese govt tolerates, so I am assuming it is banned there. Can anyone confirm this?

Arguably Heinlein's best book, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a primer for revolution. (Should one ever need one.) I can't count how many times I've read this book.

Heinlein is the only science fiction writer I've encountered (with the possible exception of Frederick Pohl) who could create a future without self-consciousness or awkward contrivances. When I read a Heinlein book, I *am* in the future because he wove imagined changes in language, culture and technology so naturally into this and other works.

In The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Heinlein takes a pragmatic view of human nature, society and politics (which never seems to change) and, rather than waste time judging, tells a great story of how to work with and get around the reality of same.

It may be time for me to read it yet again.

It's 2076 and the inhabitants of the moon (loonies) are planning rebellion from their Terran masters. Similar to Australia the Moon started as a penal colony, but because the gravitational difference makes returning to the earth very difficult physiologically, any sentence is a life sentence. And not just the prisoners; workers and children born there also cannot live on the earth. For them the Moon is home and the Earth just a blue sphere in the sky. As a result the loonies have developed their own unique culture, and with the help of a sentient computer, hope to gain their independence from Earth.
Another good effort from Heinlein, with the usual recipe of sociological and political musings mixed with a solid helping of engineering. Heinlein's creation of a lunar culture is excellent, and his ideas on revolution very fascinating.

The story of the Lunar Colony's fight for independence and recognition as a Free State is fraught with philosophy, politics, ballistics, and computer science as well as action. It's as nearly perfect a science fiction novel as one can get, with deep and dynamic characters, a captivating story line, and enough future history to keep one up several nights running scenarios. It is unfortunate that Terra is no closer to building a Lunar Colony today than in 1966 when this was written.

I went to the World Science Fiction Convention in 1978 and heard that Heinlein would autograph a novel if you gave a pint of blood to the Red Cross. That seemed like a fair trade. Generous in fact. After browsing the used book sellers I found a copy of tMiaHM. While Heinlein was too sick to attend,his wife Ginny was kind enough to use her power of attorney and signed his name.
This novel ismuch more than a libertarian manifesto. It reassures us that there are values worth the risk our lives, fortune and sacred honor.

Itreminds we that read it, that the moon's colonization must first be attained if humanity is to free itself for the great adventures that will come. TANSAAFL!

I'm proud to be the 97th reviewer of this, my favorite book of all time.
This is Heinlein's, the master story teller, greatest work.
The moon is a penal colony. A computer becomes self-aware. A society without formal rules has developed informal ones. Russian, American, and Chinese Cultures merge language. It will confuse you at first because Heinlein takes the liberty of adding Russian words to his lexicon.
All this only makes the story more believable--for language changes, and what is more logical than that in the future humans will speak differently, with new slang.
This is a story related by an old man looking back over his younger days in a time of revolution and strife.
This is a story of the future that could happen.
Buy it--Read it, Love it, Treasure it!

Rarely, regardless of genre, has an author done a better job of creating a Universe, filling it with compelling, realistic characters, and then giving them a wiz-bang plot. I'd been a Heinlein fan for years before I bumped into The Moon is a Harsh Mistress... and I was simply shocked at how good it was.

The setting: the year is 2076 (or thereabouts -- the plot takes a fair amount of time to go from beginning to end); Luna -- the moon -- is now a prisoners' colony, most akin to Australia. The overseers consist of "The Warden" (a/k/a "Mort the Wart"), and his posse of stormtroopers. Overall, they're an uncaring and arbitrary authority. Conditions under the Warden really aren't that bad, but there's no mistaking the truth: they aren't good, and the people aren't free.

After years of chafing at the bit, events transpire causing our protagonists (who consist of Manny, our computer repairman narrator, Mike, the sentient computer he's "found" who runs Luna, Professor Bernardo de la Plaz, an older gentleman who was deported from Chile for revolutionary activities, and the lovely and intelligent Wyo, short for Wyoming) to band together and consider how, and whether, a revolution should happen.

It goes on from there, but let it be said that, even with the years between then and now, the technology has aged well, and the characters and situations may even ring more true than when it was written. Science fiction, drama, politics, and contemporary technology, all rolled into one killer novel.

Get it.

At the suggestion of a colleague I placed this book on my summer reading list. Perusing the internet I found that it would be of greater interest to first pickup Heinlein's other masterpiece, Stranger in a Strange Land. Between the two I am now beginning to consider myself a Heinlein fan. The man's work is simply stellar compared to others in the genre.

This novel, although using character dialog which de-emphasizes Heinlein's grammatical excellence, entails the idea of revolutionary tactics from the perspective of a penal colony on the Moon. A great read for those who also have an affinity for historical references, as it plans out the requirements to strategically plan a revolution based off of many known occurrences as well as some completely fictional.

Meet Mike. He's funny. He's caring. He's inquisitive. He's a computer. Yup, a computer. A computer who makes a mistake that turns out to be a joke. Then bring in Manny. Manny is a computer repairer who becomes Mike's best friend. From there it gets rocky.

It goes from being the story of can a machine develop feelings for those it works with to a tale of the struggle for freedom by an oppressed people. Heard this one before? Sure, you have. Think back to elementary school.

It's the American Revolution! Heinlein has once again remade history into his likeness. God bless his soul (and I pray he made it to Heaven, as his writings are a blessing to me).

Buy this one. read it several times and cherish it as a true classic.

I came into my reading of Robert Heinlein's novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, with rather high expectations. Heinlein's esteemed reputation in the science fiction field is by itself justification to garner such exceedingly high expectations. Aside from this though, I've heard from many sources that this is Heinlein's masterpiece, better even than his world-famous (although I think somewhat overrated) Stranger in a Strange Land. In fact it was even voted to be the greatest of all sf books to ever win the hugo award, beating out Frank Herbert's Dune, the aforementioned Stranger, Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness, and Walter Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz, respectively. Hmm. Seems to me that Heinlein has beat out some pretty stiff competition
After reading the novel, however, I think it fails to live up to such an honor, and is, I believe, the inferior of the works of the other author's mentioned. Not that it is a bad book, really. Heinlein has done a masterful job of showing such us how a revolution as he describes might actually take place, and on this level I think the book is thoroughly believable and works very well. His technical descriptions of life on the moon and the AI known as Mike show that Heinlein knows his stuff as far as science and, to a certain extent, sociology are concerned. All this leads to a book that is both enjoyable and thought provoking. Why, then, my disappointment? Well, if you look at those other books which Heinlein's book beat out in the ballot (disregarding Stranger), they are books that are filled with humanity. They have something to say about people, both as individuals and societies. They are, indeed, what we might call literature, or at least attempts at literature: what we might call serious fiction. You can probably understand now why I came away from the book a little disappointed. I went in expecting a true piece of art (for how else could it be said to be better than, say, Le Guin's novel?) and came out with the realization that this is nothing more than a good book (what a shame!). It does have a few fresh insights, but nothing as far as insightful symbolism or depth of characterization that we see in the other works. It is what we might call popular fiction. All in all, it was an enjoyable book, but not what I would call the greatest sf novel ever.

In one word, yes. I've held off for many years from voicing my opinion because I see so many other glowing reviewers saying it so much better than I can. I've had my paperback copy for thirty years or more, and have read it over fifty times. No exageration, you should see the dog eared, many times taped up treasure I keep, heh heh. This one novel possesses all the elements that create avid readers out of everyday people, and most will certainly put their selves into the characters shoes, For there are many stars, or heroes in this book. Possibly the brightest star has to be "Mike" himself, a massive self aware computer who not only develops human traits, but endears himself to both the main characters, but the reader as well. "Mike" becomes the one essential part of the "revolution" that allows the whole wild process to succeed. As "Mannie" states in the book, "Can a machine have a soul...?" Robert Heinlein convinces you that it is absolutely certain. "Mike's" character develops throughout the pages, until you cannot help but see him as a member of your own family. So the question remains, can you cry over a computer? There is no doubt, as the final pages will show you...

I have mixed feelings about Heinlein. I have been disturbed by some things I have heard about his politics, and he wrote what I considered to be one of the most overrated books that I have read: STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND. But on the other hand, I have read some other books that while I didn't consider them to be masterpieces, were definitely a lot of fun, such as CITIZEN OF THE GALAXY, THE GLORY ROAD, and STARSHIP TROOPERS.
But this is a great book. Superb plot, fine characters, a unique situation, lots of action, and one of the best computers in sci-fi. I may be iffy on Heinlein as a whole, but not on this one.

I first read this book 30 years ago as a teenager and thought it was pure entertainment. I don't think the libertarian ideas even registered.

RAH was the first guy to know his job was to make people feel they got their money's worth. He succeeded beyond all belief here while asking you to question the load of social engineering crap you think the world needs and leaves you very little room to wiggle in justifying why you think you should be able to tell everybody else how they how ought to live their lives and how much of their energy you are entitled to.

I so envy anyone who has yet to read it for the first time. It's been copied so many times since that someone not knowing its history will think RAH was the thief. He probably was, RAH was always the first to admit there hasn't been a truly new idea since Homer or before. However, please, when you finally see the movie sometime in 2010 without having read the book, please don't think he stole it from any of your mindless pop-culture twits that were born since RAH sat down at his typewriter to gift us with this the pinnacle of fun science fiction stories.

The longest I go without re-reading this story about liberty is two years.

As I began to re-read the book almost 3 decades ago I thought the professor had a great number of crazy ideas. Now in my mid 40s I realize the professor may well not have been wrong in a single sentence RAH has him utter about the way we ought to run our societies.

I have heard that unlike Troopers that was intentionally done to go against the ideas of RAH's story that a guy who appreciates libertarian ideas currently has the authority to work on the screenplay for Moon.

In the end it matters little whether some very small man tries to warp the movie version, as RAH's story will shine on long after any small little twerps that don't understand how important personal liberty and freedom are, have been tossed aside.

This was my first Heinlein book and I really enjoyed it. I found it fun and interesting and at times funny. The thing I hated, and it's mentioned in other reviews, is the way it's written. It's written in the way that the narrator of the book talks, and it was not something I was able to overcome and fully understand in some cases. I found the story exciting to the point that it made me want to create my own Baker Street Irregulars and lead my own Independent Moon movement. Some say that this is Heinlein's best work, but I personally liked "Starship Troopers" better, but, hey, that's just me. I'd still recommend the book.

This is an excellent political thriller. The story moves nicely, the characterization is excellent, and the description is superb. It's just a great story. Beyond that, it is a surprisingly sophisticated analysis of constitutional first principles (so much so that it has spawned at least one well-regarded law review article on Heinlein's constitutional thinking). Like "Starship Troopers," it addresses what remains a core problem: how do you maintain a free society when (1) doing so requires self-discipline and hard work; and (2) most people don't want to engage in either? A tour-de-force.

"The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is a fantastic book. Heinlein plays with language in this book. The "Loonies" speak with an abbreviated English and Heinlein maintains it as the narrating voice throughout the book. The characters are all believable, deep, and grow over the course of the novel.

A very intertaining read and thought provoking too. This book, like most of Heinlein's works, interweaves social commentary with adventure and intrigue. The characters often take on a little life of there own and some find themselves revisited in later works by Heinlein. What is wonderful about this and other similar works is that even though they are sci fi, they really aren't. Don't for a minute assume that reading this book is similar to reading a space adventure that dwells on technical and scientific details for plot and story development. Heinlein goes into man's mind and motives and here lies the story. The space stations and rockets are mere props.

This was a hard read for me, and it's taken me a long time to finish it. Science fiction is one of my favorites to watch (Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Gallactica), but not one of my favorites to read. Add to that... politics. This one was extremely political. It is about people on the moon gaining their independence from Earth (terra) after all. It was a hard pill to swallow, and I had to slog my way through it. Was it a good read though? Yes. Yes it was. And I will say that in the end (without spoiling it), I agree with Mannie about Mike.

Like the title says. Heinlein wrote at least 40 books in his career, not to mention a slew of short stories. I have read more than half of his works, so I know a thing or two about Robert A. Heinlein. This book, along with Stranger in a Strange Land, Red Planet, and the short story "We Also Walk Dogs" are, in my opinion, his best works. Moon is a great tale with good, likeable, characters, an engaging story full of twists. Unlike many books, the plot twists feel good. By this I mean that after you have been thrown for a loop, you come back and say "Yes, that makes sense now that I look at it" and that is always a good thing. Even if you do not like all of Heinlein's work, you have to respect his vision, his feel for the future and for what may happen. He was one of the fathers of modern sci-fi, and that is no accident. Check this book out.

Although some of the technical details do seem dated, this book stood the

test of time very well. It is essentially a retelling of a number of revolutions

in recent and not so recent history. As with a lot of good SF, it really seems to

say more about the present and the past than it does about the future. Telling

the story of a lunar colony, rather then setting it somewhere on Earth in the

present or past allowed Heinlein a lot more freedom - his comments on

marriage and other societal norms, for instance, don't seem as wild in this context.

They certainly do make great reading, however.

The best. Almost all of the complaints about this book were concerned with the wording. The main character is of Russian descent and if you've ever heard a Russian speak English without a strong grasp of the language, well he did it perfectly. If your grasp on the English language is so poor that this could confuse you I recommend books with smaller words. A brilliant novel of political revolution. Scientifically the book was fine. I've seen some interesting complaints about the science but ignore them. The focus of the book is political philosophy and it did a wonderful job.

If you are a science fiction fan, then this book is among the best there is. period. The quality of the book, its characters, classic setup and clean science all make this a pure joy to read.

The plot is the age old story of colony-fighting-for-independence-from-its-mother-country except that the colony literally stones the enemy to independent!

The author uses a specific style of writing (mix of English slang with Russian mix) that unsettles you a bit early on, but actually becomes very much a part of the theme.

Mike (our co-protagonist) even surpasses HAL (2001 Space odyssey) in terms of character depth. The part where "s/he"

tries to think up jokes is really hilarious :)

Just pure joy.

In the classic Hugo Award-winning book, a one-armed computer technician, a radical blonde bombshell, an aging academic, and a sentient all-knowing computer lead the lunar population in a revolution against Earth's colonial rule. This book details Cell group organisation, and the basic mechanics of winning a revolution, set in a Science Fiction background.
Tom Clancy has said of Robert A. Heinlein, "We proceed down the path marked by his ideas. He shows us where the future is." Nowhere is this more true than in Heinlein's gripping tale of revolution on the moon in 2076, where "Loonies" are kept poor and oppressed by an Earth-based Authority that turns huge profits at their expense. A small band of dissidents, including a one-armed computer jock, a radical young woman, a past-his-prime academic and a nearly omnipotent computer named Mike, ignite the fires of revolution despite the near certainty of failure and death.

Okay, yeah the technology might be dated, but the political ideas are not. What I want to know is why everyone seems to think this book is sexist.

Women are in charge in this set-up. The main-character seems to think women should be in charge. Everyone agrees, women's whims are sacred, and men had best smile and dance the tune they set. It's a basic law of supply and demand, and if you think it's been proven wrong, I challenge you to go to the Engineering building on any college campus. Now, guess who runs the show there? Women. There aren't many of us, so we are given our own way, and we enjoy the ability to do what ever we durn well please, and they clap.

Wyoh's character was necessary to the plot. In the first speech she was the "Patrick Henry", who was willing to die rather than live in chains. She represented the masses that weren't content. She was as strong as most of the men, and she possessed an even greater inner strength than Manny (see what she said when Shorty was killed). She might not have been technically-minded, but she possessed a better organizational mind than any other than Proff. And he had more experience than her.

I say the fact that you think that if a woman is beautiful and is comfortable with her sexuality, she must be a "dumb blonde" speaks volumes for the dated opinions of the people on this board.

I enjoyed the dialects of the characters-the blending of Russian and English. I enjoyed the politics. I'm a libertarian, though, so I guess I have to. I mostly enjoyed the social commentary on gender roles. I still cry every time I read about what happened to Mike. It's my favorite book.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of the best books that I have ever read. Robert Heinlein is an exceptional author with a well earned reputation as one of the sci-fi masters. I have read several of his works, but this is his best book by far. He spins a yarn about the "Loonies" - the moon people, their rebellion, and their struggles. He puts in a lot of dry humor throughout the book concerning a one armed man, a woman, a professor made politician, and a giant, joking computer. I highly recommend this book

In the classic Hugo Award-winning book, a one-armed computer technician, a radical blonde bombshell, an aging academic, and a sentient all-knowing computer lead the lunar population in a revolution against Earth's colonial rule. This book details Cell group organisation, and the basic mechanics of winning a revolution, set in a Science Fiction background.
Tom Clancy has said of Robert A. Heinlein, "We proceed down the path marked by his ideas. He shows us where the future is." Nowhere is this more true than in Heinlein's gripping tale of revolution on the moon in 2076, where "Loonies" are kept poor and oppressed by an Earth-based Authority that turns huge profits at their expense. A small band of dissidents, including a one-armed computer jock, a radical young woman, a past-his-prime academic and a nearly omnipotent computer named Mike, ignite the fires of revolution despite the near certainty of failure and death.

This is a very inspiring story about human freedom and also the quest of a computer for personhood. I have never been moved for a computer before, but in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress you will be. Heinlein interesting narrative structure allows for a very interesting first person narrative in the form of Manuel to share not only the plot action but also commentary on the action. Some people struggle with the way he talks but I didn't and actually found it fleshed out his character better. Heinlein is a master of both technology as well as theory about revolution. That alone makes the book interesting, but what is moving is the way he bonds his characters together and makes their cause worth fighting for.

Around 1980 I had lunch with Robert Heinlein and his wife, sitting on a mountainside in Tahiti with the Pacific far below, and around the 3rd or 4th bottle of rosé wine he allowed that he thought "Mistress" was his best book. Authors are notorious for their lack of judgment about their own works, but I think that in this case he was absolutely correct. If you like science fiction at all, or want to read something by a writer who has helped shape the world we live in (who do you think all those rocket scientists and computer nerds were reading when *they* were kids?) read this one. And then again and again....

I'm a big RAH fan and I've read many of his works. While I may not have enjoyed this _story_ as much as I enjoyed some of the others, the concepts and philosphical viewpoints that RAH builds into the story make for a compelling read. Have a friend who dismiss all Sci-Fi as mindless pap? Buy them the paperback and challenge them to read it and not find it as thoughful and thought provoking as any nonfiction work on the market. Better yet, give them your old torn and faded copy and go buy the hardback; this is one you will want on your self for some time to come.

Some people claim this book is sugar coated. The enemies are one dimensional and easily conquered. I'll concede that's true, to an extent. What makes the book shine, however, are the characters. Heinlein's technical and scientific descriptions show the heavy research that went into crafting this book. Radiation storms, catapults, etc. Sure, a giant immobile computer is a bit dated, but who cares? It's all about suspension of disbelief. If you're going to accept a colony on the moon and a man with 7 detachable arms, accept Mike, the computer.
Speaking of Mike..absolutely the most endearing artificial intelligence character I have ever come across. I was nearly in tears at the novel's conclusion (Man . . . Man my best friend . . . ). Mannie turns from a simple mechanic out to cheat Authority to a full blown leader. Prof is endearing and vicious at the same time. Stuart LaJoie, although somewhat underdeveloped, serves to amuse and delight.
A fascinating tale of rebellion, potentially realistic space travel, and a wonderful talking computer. One of Heinlein's best.

The problem with Heinlein's novels, especially those written in his glory years, is that they appear quiantly old-fashioned and even (sometimes) simplistic to the modern reader. This is, of course, a result of the fact that science took direction and speed that no science fiction author could foresee. But because Heinlein is such a technical writer, it's more pervasive in his work. Having said that, you have to admire the sheer audacity of a novel like "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," which discusses, among other things, the advantages of dictators over duly elected presidents, interplanetary war, and the economics of hunger.

The story: The Moon is a penal colony where convicts are transported. Because of the difference in gravity between the Moon and Earth, this is a practical life sentence. By the same token, the convicts' children are also trapped on the Moon. One such child has grown up to be a standard Heinlein jack-of-all trades named Manuel. He happens to be the best computer trouble-shooter on the Moon, so when the main climate and control computer becomes sentient, Manuel is the first to discover it. Man and computer then find themselves immersed in the politics of the Free Luna groups, where the rapidly maturing sentient machine (now calling himself Mike) takes a leadership role in planning the overthrow of the hated Lunar Authority. The Authority is a monopoly-holding, Earth-controlled entity that controls all aspects of Lunar life (air and water, all trade, all security, enactment and enforcement of laws, etc.) When two of the Authority's policemen rape and murder a native Moon resident, the revolution is joined.

Heinlein makes so many bold predictions in his novels that it's no wonder some of them come true. For example, he correctly identifies India and China as becoming the most powerful countries in the world. He also gives us vigorous political debate on the nature of democracy, government, the free market, and tyranny. He also sets up an ingenious weapon system that takes advantage of the huge gravity-well difference between the Moon and Earth.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of misses as well. I don't mind them so much if there are natural reasons for them (i.e. depending on scientific facts that weren't known at the time). Unfortunately, there are a number of annoying and unecessary scientific gaffes that detract from my enjoyment of the novel. The most annoying is his use of statistics. Mike keeps a running tally of the odds on winning the revolution, but for some reason the odds keep getting worse as the revolution progresses. This doesn't make any sense because, by definition, the longer something is successful, the higher the probability that the ultimate outcome will be reached (because they have been continuously eliminating potential pitfalls as time has progessed). Almost as annoying is the constant overestimation of the difficulties of computerised calculations. Here's a computer with enough capacity to become sentient, yet he has difficulty plotting the tragectory of what are essentially artificial meteorites. My trusty scientific calculator has more than enough computing power for that simple job! It's not that Heinlein couldn't foresee the advent of the integrated circuit, it's that he apparently believes a 3-mass (one of which is negligibly small) motion problem is a heavy-duty computer calculation.

There are other events that caused me to shake my head in dismay. The very idea that a few of 1/6th gravity-raised kids could beat up a recently-arrived Earthman is ludicrous. The Earthman would be able to snap those kids' bones like twigs. Another example - an essentially unarmed mob of Moon people (a total of 3 guns between them) somehow destroy an entire platoon of assault-rifle armed Earth soldiers. Say what? If modern history has taught anything, it's that professional Western soldiers employing modern weapons will obliterate untrained mobs. A modern example is the American intervention in Somalia (the "Black Hawk Down" story, where the U.S. Marines inflicted 500:1 casualty ratios). Heinlein obviously wouldn't know about that, but he would have known about Cortes and British colonial wars where regular soldiers easily demolished and obliterated any irregular opponents who tried to stand toe-to-toe and fight.

But maybe I'm being too harsh. Heinlein's strength has always been his political and philosophical musing, pushing readers to think and challenge their own assumptions. In this book he espouses communism and the idea that government is too important to be left to chance (i.e. - if elections are necessary, they should be rigged). It would have been very interesting to know how Heinlein would have incorporated the recent revolutions in Ukraine and Georgia - would they have altered his view on what is required for a successful revolution? Therefore, although I only gave the book 3 stars, I still recommend it. It is not the best Heinlein I have read, but the controversial and thought-provoking narrative are likely to enlighten and enrage simultaneously. And that's what we read Heinlein for, isn't it?

Out of 270 reviews (and change), 230(ish) are four or five stars. How can I add to that? The numbers speak for themselves. This is truly one of greatest Heinlein's greatest masterpieces. My Heinlein reading is sorely lacking and I hope to make up for that, but if anything I HAVE read can be said to have made me an addicted fan, this is it. Also, I don't usually like audio books, my attention span is too short. This one, however, was an attention-keeper!

This book for me illustreated, for the first time, how a real revolution comes about. Heinlein writes in such a way that reader feels he is one of the characters desperatly grasping for stings that will lead him to a freedom that not everyone wants. Beautiful book for an uncertain world. If you can't figure out what to read next check out Wool by hugh howey, another revoution book that is well writen about a fictional society.

I'm not embarrassed to admit that I actually got teary eyed at the end of this book. It was one of the most engrossing, well written books RAH penned. It proved that his "black belt" in writing was well deserved. Any SF fan would enjoy this book, period. I know a LOT of people that love SF and some that tolerate it. All really - really- liked this book.
Come on, RAH even did some time hopping in another novel to revisit the events of this one - and "save" a key character. As the old cereal commercial states "try it - you'll like it!"

I first read this when I was about 12 in the 60s and I fell in love with Mike. I cried buckets the first time I read it, and it still brings a tear to my eye 50 years later. I've had several copies over the years, and recently bought a digital version. Even re-reading it multiple times, I still find things I've either forgotten about, or things to notice and think about.

Heinlein has always been an author able to take today's society, change a few things and present the extrapolation.as a totally surprise. Then you start to think about it and see the logical necessity. This is one of his finest.

With TANSTAAFL for a screen name, how could I not review this book. ;-)
TANSTAAFL (There Aint No Such Thing As A Free Lunch) is the theme of this book and here Heinlein, unlike some of his other works, manages to intertwine his plot and theme without being too preachy.
Heinlein who, preachy or not, is always a great storyteller is at the top of his game with this one. The people of the moon, populated primarily by prisoners and their decendants a la Australia, rise up for a hopelessly outmanned and outgunned battle with Earth. The story is told through the eyes of an everyman hero, Manuel Garcia O'Kelly, jack of all trades and even master of a few of them. An everyman protaganist is, of course, helpful for the reader to identify with but Heinlein makes the book great, rather than good, with the inclusion of three of the most memorable characters in SF literature. Professor Bernado de la Paz, a veteran revolucianario full of contradictions, Wyoming Knott, who I do not want to describe here because you should discover her for yourself in the book, and Mycroft Holmes, not Sherlock's smarter brother, but rather the smartest computer who we know has reached sentience because he wants what we all want - to be loved.
If you have never read Heinlein, read this book.
If you have read Heinlein and haven't yet read this, read this book.
If you have already read this book, read it again, I have been re-reading it every few years for more than 30 years now, and I still love to read it.

Rarely -perhaps a for times in a generation - does a book come to be which explores the bedrock philosophy of economics & the nature of an economy, the arbitrary yet inevitable evolution of societal norms, the paths that humanity faces in our collective future, and so on... all in the format of a gripping and vastly creative novel.

Heinlein's now-famous concept "TANSTAAFL" -"there 'aint no such thing as a free lunch," (a word that has entered the english language and penetrated the American psyche) is particularly evident on the moon, where even air most be paid for. The truths of objectivism that were pioneered by Ayn Rand become very clear on Heinlein's moon - where death by suffocation is always only a few inches of steel away and every resource must be painstakingly worked for and no amount of self-pity or crying will help you stay alive. Hard work, action, creativity and thus creation are the most valuable ocommodities.

Please do yourself a favor and read this book. It will entertain you immensely and provide food for thought for a long time after you finish reading it.

I've lost track of how many times I've read this novel, but as of October 2009 it is at least five times. In my last reading I found myself dragged forcibly through the end, not remembering the specifics of what happens but the overall gist, yet still lost track of time and was late for an appointment! On the fifth reading.

It has been said in other reviews that "Harsh Mistress" is unique in science fiction for being political. That's not accurate. "Animal Farm," "Fahrenheit 451," "1984," "Brave New World" and "Atlas Shrugged" also come to mind as being political ... or more accurately, social. Heinlein himself said he preferred to call his work "speculative" rather than "science" fiction.

A similarly-themed work from his "juveniles" (and his writing for youngsters was every bit as well-plotted and peopled as his other work) is "Red Planet."

For my money, "Harsh Mistress" is easily three times the novel that "Stranger in a Strange Land" is, although it seems to me that "Stranger" is more widely known and more popular.

This book is excellent for people who ponder human issues as much as, or more than, special effects-driven action.

A work of this magnitude clearly does not require another glowing review so this will be kept short.

I spent a long time avoiding Heinlein due to criticisms levied against his character development and a childish depth to his story lines. I finally broke down and read this book since I'm a libertarian, and it would be nice to discover an intelligently written work of fiction using those themes as an undercurrent. Now I have my bookshelf stocked with the rest of Heinlein's art.

Yes, the plot develops rather predictably. Yes, the characters sometimes come off as one dimensional. However, a book does not become great because a few narrow compliments may be given to it. A book does not decline in overall quality because of the same issue. Then entire experience of this novel gives birth to its greatness. The combination of the dialect, science, social norms, and political strategy make it a compelling read.

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress is the definitive statement of Heinlein's libertarian philosophy. A crisply-told tale featuring four of Heinlein's most memorable characters (not normally a particular Heinlein strength), the book tells the story of how down-and-out lunar colonists successfully revolt against the control of an Earth-based oligarchy.

Heinlein had experience both as a practical politician and as a military officer, and this book displays his expertise to the best advantage. The individual plot devices are novel, but always believeable.

Although less well-known than Stranger In A Strange Land, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress is the one Heinlein that must be read to fully understand the author.

One of my favorite books of all-time. I have read this book probably 15 times through the years, and when I saw it on a list of "recommended books," I couldn't help but comment. So creative, especially considering that it was written in the 60s.

Read the one of prior reviews for a synopsis of the story. There several Heinlein books that have been picked as his best and as science fiction's best novels. This is my favorite Heinlein book. I began reading science fiction with a Heinlein book 50 years ago. This book would be my top recommendation to any reading Heinlein for the first time. If you are already a Heinlein reader you will definitely enjoy it, then decide for yourself which Heinlein book you like best.

I have read and reread this book at least 4 times. As I have books I have seldom done this with other books, shows how interesting I have always found this book. I find the dialect structure no problem. In fact it seems more realistic, as you have many nationalities being sent to the moon for lifetime imprisonment. Language is an ever changing thing which includes grammatical structure, rhymthm, and slang.

I find this story interesting and intriguing. Also, it is less wordy and rambling in story direction than some his other works. I find this book story tighter and closely written than some his later books.

There are some very close parallels to real historical events that are used in this book. How start a revolution, organize cell resistant unit, and control an assembly to get voting to go your way.

Did I really read this more than 30 years ago? The story is still fresh and fun, although the technology is quaintly outdated. The characters are extremely enjoyable, including Mycroft and Wyoh (why not?) This story is still perfect for pre-teens and teenagers -- and you might enjoying reading it again yourself, Moms and Dads!

What would you do if you had access to the greatest supercomputer ever built? A computer so complex and intricate that it finally gains full consciousness - and only you knew about it? Would you use it for your own nefarious purposes and hack your way to riches? Would you try to teach it how to be human? Would you tell it jokes? Or would you use it to start a revolution that frees your people in the Lunar Colonies from the yoke of Terran oppression?

Manuel Garcia O'Kelly Davis never really meant for that last one to happen. One of Luna's best computer technicians, Mannie's philosophy was "Keep mouth shut" when it came to matters political, and never considered the political fate of the Moon to be something he needed to worry about. When he attends a meeting of Lunar dissidents, people protesting against the rule of the Earth-based Lunar Authority, he goes more out of curiosity than cause. An attack by Authority troops drives him together with lifelong revolutionary Wyoming Knott and anarchist professor Bernardo de la Paz, and together they hatch a plan to take down the Lunar Authority and make Luna into a sovereign nation above Earth.

To do so, they'll need the help of Mike, the world's first - and only - sentient computer. He knows the odds, he can run the scenarios - with Mike on their side, the people of Luna can gain their independence and create a new nation in the grand tradition of old.

A friend of mine said that this was the best political science textbook that she'd ever read, and in many respects she's right. This book packs a lot of social philosophy into three hundred pages, and Heinlein requires you to be pretty quick on the uptake. From Manny's clipped way of narrating the story to all the new lingo and concepts that are necessary for Lunar life, the reader needs to pay close attention in order to get the full impact of what's going on in the book.

In a way, this book is Heinlein asking the question, "How do new nations begin?" Historically, there are two ways: top-down and bottom-up. In the first case, a person or people of strength brings a group of citizens to become a political entity. In the second, the people themselves rise up to overthrow their former masters. Most revolutions are a mix of the two, really, and Luna's is no exception. The very charismatic Adam Selene (Mike in disguise) and the brilliant Professor manage to bring the people of Luna together in order to rid themselves of the Lunar Authority.

What makes it very interesting is that the book is pretty much a how-to book on insurgency and revolution. They work out an improvement on the traditional cell system of a conspiracy, and how to make it as stable and secret as possible, while still maintaining reliable communications. They figure out how to involve people in the revolution indirectly, harnessing the energies of everyone from children to old people. Working against a better-armed and more powerful enemy, Luna's revolution is a textbook model of how to overthrow your oppressors and gain your freedom.

Of course, once you have your freedom, then what do you do with it? How do you run your new country, and how do you make sure that your freedom can be maintained? How do you build a government and write a constitution and establish trade and do all the other little things that have to happen if you want a country all your own?

What's more, Heinlein puts forth a new society that is radically different from the ones we know now, and by necessity. With drastically different demographics and gravity, life on Luna cannot follow the same rules as life on Earth. This new life includes a near reverence for women, marriages that span not only multiple partners but multiple generations, and a spirit of individualism that would make the most grizzled pioneer proud. Life on the moon, as the title implies, is not easy. Many of those who come to Luna do not survive. Those who do, however, become the backbone of a new nation that will one day be the crossroads of the solar system.

It's a dense read, but fun, once you get used to the narrator's mode of speech. Manny often leaves off pronouns and articles, making him sound very choppy and direct. And a lot of it is done in speeches and Socratic dialogs between the Prof and whomever is unlucky enough to get in his way. I'd say that the greater part of this book is discussion of how to have a revolution from the point of view of the moon, and a look at how Heinlein thinks a society should be ordered.

Other than being very narrative-heavy, which modern readers might find somewhat tiring, there is one point about the book that didn't sit right with me. It didn't ruin the book, necessarily, but it put a big asterisk next to everything that Heinlein was trying to say. That asterisk is Mike.

Mike is a truly marvelous AI. He is not only self-aware and blessed with a rather rudimentary sense of humor, but he is tied into all of Luna's main systems. His processing speed and memory are exceptional, and while he doesn't really care one way or the other about rebelling against his owners, he does think that organizing a rebellion might be an entertaining diversion. He's a good character, really, but he is entirely too powerful.

All of the problems that traditionally plague conspiracies, undergrounds and rebellions are solved by Mike. He knows the probabilities of success and can run thousands of scenarios in a moment. He is able to set up a moon-wide communications system that is completely secure. He can tap into the Lunar Authority's database while at the same time keeping the Rebellion's data secret. What's more, he can be trusted to know everything about everyone in the group - he cannot be bribed or drugged or forced to name names under interrogation. He can organize the bombardment of Earth with pinpoint accuracy, bring down attacking ships and organize attacks all over the moon.

With Mike at their side, the rebels couldn't help but win, and I found that a kind of hollow victory, in a narrative sense. I kept waiting for Mike to be compromised - his power disconnected or his actual intelligence uncovered - or for him to change his mind about helping the rebels. One way or another, I wanted the rebels to win Luna without the help of their omniscient computer conspirator. As it is, Mike pretty much delivers the Moon to its people, and then vanishes without a trace. That's not to say that the human element isn't necessary - even Mike couldn't have won independence without them - I would rather have seen a wholly human revolution.

Other than that, though, it was a very good read, and it's a book that ties into a lot of Heinlein's other works. Many concepts that are key to Heinlein's vision of the world are in this book - the freedom of the individual to direct his or her own life, the benefits of polygamy over monogamy, and of course the notion of TANSTAAFL - "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" - which is arguably one of the governing principles of the universe. In this book, Heinlein asks the reader to do more than just enjoy a good story - he demands that the reader think about the message as well. And that's what makes Heinlein one of the greats.

If you're looking for some essential science fiction and you like your politics rough-and-tumble, check this book out.

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"At one time kings were anointed by Deity, so the problem was to see to it that Deity chose the right candidate. In this age the myth is 'the will of the people' ... but the problem changes only superficially."
- Professor Bernardo de la Paz, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
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Well-written; mostly pure, hard science-fiction, except for the sentient computer.

The events that take place are similar in many ways to the American Revolution. As in other Heinlein novels, it has many social and political themes.

This classic is perhaps even more relevant now than it was when it was written. We need more authors like Robert A. Heinlein, people who can intelligently portray a viable culture different than standard American. All too often, those authors who think of themselves as "alternative" or "progresive" are simply negative, but Heinlein's logical and world-wise musings on politics and culture are worth reading, even if they weren't clothed in a rich and entertaining story.

I read this book in under two days. I would be interested to see an outline of Heinlein's educational background, and an emphasis on Economics wouldn't surprise me. Anyone I have talked to who has read a Heinlein, who hasn't liked it, has failed to approach it from the standpoint of freethinking and economics. His theories may be a little out there at first glance, but no one can say he didn't lead up to the ending of "Time Enough for Love." "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" breaks barriers. Like Samuel Delany says on the jacket, "...Heinlein...taught me to argue with the accepted version." RAH talks about the taboo issues, in a way more taboo than the issue itself, and even more so allows you to see how he got there. "The Moon..." is an awesome read, more so than just a recreational novel. Read it to broaden your thinking, to challenge normalcy, and to be ever critical of the world you live in. What would you say if told it was written over 30 years ago?

Another classic that lives up to the blling.

This is the story of a computer tech, a mis-guided hot female revolutionary, an aging professor and a computer that take over the moon.

At time the politics behind the scenes drug on a bit for my taste, but the strong story and characters the rest of the time were great.

While this isn't my favorite Heinlein, (by a long shot) this is a classic of 20th Century literature, not just "Golden Age" science fiction. Rebellions, politics, supply and demand, space warfare, artificial intelligence, are just some of the issues explored in this great novel.

While this book should not be your first RAH book, it should be on your "books to read" list.

4*

For Robert Heinlein, second, third, or fourth-best is still extremely good. So what if Stranger in a Strange Land is even better?

This book is not only thought-provoking, but it is great fun to read. It belongs in every library.

The self-aware computer may still be well beyond present technology, but the character of Adam Selene is not so very far beyond what can already be done. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[email protected]

Would recommend this book to anyone. Heinlein invents entire world that is plausible. I found myself inhabiting the story rather than just reading it. Read through Moon in three days. Seemed like less time. Couldn't stop myself.

There were a few passages that were a little overfilled with philosophy of plural marriage and government, especially near the end. Perhaps I was just eager to find out what happened next. Great suspense.

I will not write much about the ending other than to say that I did not see it coming. Even after reading it, the ending was not the sort of 'well, of course he had to do it that way' ending. Was honest and sneaky all at once.

Heinlein warped my mind at 13 and it's stayed that way ever since! The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of the best works of Sci-Fi ever. Heinlein's mixed-race hero is a perfect vision of the future man. As we expand out into space and eventually further inhabit our solar system, age-old notions of race will become less of a problem as people will be forced to rely on each other, without regard to color in order to survive and advance the species. Heinlein's libertarian streak shines bright in this handbook to freedom. If you haven't read it, quit wasting time and get it now! Excellent reading!
Sincerely,
James Landrith

This is definitely a must-buy book, for many reasons. But face it, Heinlein totally failed to forsee the rise of the personal computer, the Net, and Bill Gates, and so his vision of 2076 is fatally flawed. His science is pretty poor too, such as the idea that the Earth needs the Moon at all. And the idea that the Moon can be self-sufficient is highly suspect. The effect the low gravity has on people being irreversible is also suspect. END

Or how about learning how terrorist cells work? This book is a hand book for a revolution...only without all the chaos. This is a tale about a group of people trying to break free of the chains of their oppressors. If you could script a revolution before hand this is how you would do it. The language of the main character is a bit hard to get into at first but by the middle of the book you will be longing to talk like someone from Russian. You read book. You will like.

This book is one of the best sci-fi reads period. Many of the reviews dive deep into the political analysis. I will only add that the book also has Heinlein's touch for humor and a wonderful characterization in a computer that has become self-aware. Stranger in a Strange Land may perhaps be more well-known to mainstream readers, but this novel is right up there as Heinlein's finest work (I have read more than 15 of his novels). The story will stay with you.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of the best works of Sci-Fi ever. Heinlein's multiracial hero is a perfect vision of the future. As we expand out into space and eventually further inhabit our solar system, race will become less of a problem as people will be forced to rely on each other to advance the species.
On a political note, this book could almost be considered a step by step guide to revolution planning. Excellent reading!

This is a great book for anyone who likes good science fiction, libertarian or conservative literature and stories, or classic literature in general. After reading this book, I can definitely say I'm going to be looking for more great books by Robert Heinlein. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story as well as the authors presentation of political philosophy in this book.

While the theme of "Stranger in a Strange Land" seemed to be more towards world peace, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" is a futuristic tale of the Moon's population revolting against the earth to gain its own independance. While Heinlin is well known for his keen political sense, he also displays his in depth knowledge of human nature throughout the novel. It's no wonder this one is already a classic.

I read this book when I was 14 years old, in 1966. It forever hooked me on Heinlien, Science Fiction, and Libertarianism... although I didn't know it was called Libertarianism for another 20 years. Just one of the best SF novels of what I like to call the "classical" period in science fiction... mid 50's to mid 70'

s, when the science was factual, the situations fanciful, and the social commentary was urgently trenchant.

If you were ever looking for an instruction manual for a successful revolution, it also helps to have a nigh-omniscient super computer on your side as well. If you're a fan of science fiction, libertarian politics, space travel, or just interested in a damned solid, intriguing and challenging piece of literature, then pick this book up, get through a chapter, and fall in love with one fantastic book!

If you can read, I would recommend this book, and this author... This book will only enrich your life.

The story of exiled people being able to wield power over those who sent them away is a common dream among the downtrodden in the real world. Heinlein takes this idea, adds a supercomputer named Mike and tells an entertaining tale. I found Mike to be a little too much "deus ex machina" for my tastes but that is likely because the "supercomputer" thing has been done to death in Sci-Fi that has come after this book.

The story of political revolt is predictable and not the most entertaining aspect of the book. I found the society and customs of the lunar residents to be an interesting twist that made an otherwise bland plot worth reading. The language in the book is written in the semi-broken english of a lunar resident which takes a bit to adapt to but overall is not terribly distracting.

I gave it a 3 out of 5 because it feels more dated than some of Heinlein's other work and the plot is nothing special. It is worth reading , without question, because it is a classic work of Sci-Fi but do not approach it with an unrealistic expectation of greatness that I found lacking.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress gave me some things to think about. Throughout the novel I felt continually irked by Heinlein's attitude towards women. Underneath his veneer of open-mindedness lurks a good ole boy who wants his lil women to take care of him and then go make him lunch. Sure, maybe he did publish the novel in 1966, but I don't see that preventing other male authors of the period from writing three dimensional female characters. And that's my problem exactly; none of Heinlein's women has any depth. They're all just sweet little things who have cute opinions, becoming personalities, and a desire to be "patted" and kissed by pretty much any man. It's annoying. Other than that I mostly enjoyed the book. His treatment of life on the moon is interesting and well-thought. His point of view comes across without being too preachy (other than with his ideas about plural marriage, but that kind of goes along with his lack of insight into the female mind). One frustrating quirk was the main character's speech. Evidently native Loonies drop most articles and pronouns. I think Heinlein was trying to come up with a really outstanding vocabulary like in Clockwork Orange. However I just found it kind of silly. Other characters in the book spoke regular English so it didn't have an uninterrupted flow. Manuel's speech just tended to jar me from the story.

Don't get in a fight with the government of the moon; they might drop rocks on you. Big rocks, going really fast. Even if the government is a group of rebels determined to bring decent government to a former penal colony, and their main weapon is the self-aware computer calling itself 'Mycroft Holmes.' Heinlein's prophetic book may be the first to suggest a computer could control a tv screen. We robots think 'Mike' is the coolest character in all SF....

Unavoidable classic tale of libertarianism & revolt on the Moon. Basically a more palatable (and far more readable) version of "Atlas Shrugged", and it's on the relatively low end of the "Heinlein sexism" scale, so worth reading if you're interested in the development of near-space, near-future SF. It's impact shows up all over the place.

Volumes Sci-Fi discussion notes: [...]

This book has all the right and wrongs of human society...
First put a penalty colony on the moon, let the population grow and expect their children born there to be prisoners too... an underground movement and a rebellion against earth authority in inevitable. Using the brilliant AI that runs the moon facilities and suddenly wants to help too, the conspirators teach us how a good revolt is done. The politics, and the weird characters Heinlein produces are unforgettable. The events and technology involved makes you feel like it can really happen, as you are part of the events that lead the reader to the just and rightful end of this novel.
It's a must read for every sci-fi.
Even though I have read it almost 3 years ago, I remember it clearly and it's still one of my three favorites...

Trying to review this novel is like trying to violate Godel's theorem. How can you encompass a complete world in a short review? The characters are compelling, enduring, and valiant. The action, while perhaps unlikely, is believable by anyone who has witnessed the political and moral blunders of the twentieth Century.
When read with another Heinlein masterwork, Revolt in 2100, this novel presents an uncanny manual for revolution in the media age. Younger readers may have difficulty with the 20th century context, but this is a novel which will be remembered in Science Fiction circles with War of the Worlds and From the Earth to the Moon.

I picked this up based on a recommendation from a friend. I read it, and it's now probably one of my favorite sci-fi novels.

While the story itself is quite good and can be read for that alone, it has more depth to it if you're looking for it. It makes both political and philosophical statements that provoke you to further thought, and could easily become excellent conversation substance.

Highly recommended.

This is a very nice, concise expression of libertarian values. Unfortunately, Heinlein's characters failed to achieve 'revolution' through their philosophy - it required a war, complete with rock-flinging catapults which I thought was bit gratuitous, a 'de rigeur' type of prop for SF novels of the time. Otherwise, the portrayal of Mike the self-aware, 'living' computer was beautiful, and brought up the question: What is life anyway? The Lunaspeak, the cultural and marital customs, and colloquial humor were entertaining. An enjoyable book but not great.

A great mixture of world history and social extrapolation set in a simple physics potential that will define the space race of the 21st century. The computer concept is more real now as the internet expands in complexity. Heinlein's push on social norms may be more relevant now than when it ws released. This is my favorite book. A <winner/> !!!!

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress plays on a main theme Robert Heinlein masterfully weaved in all of his novels; that There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch, elequently put together under the word TANSTAAFL. For Robert Heinlein, no thing has value unless you are willing to commit your lives, your fortunes, and your sacred honor. The central character is Manny, a computer systems analyst reluctantly thrust into being the focal point of a revolution between the moon and earth. Dragged into participation, he moves from severe doubts to its success to being a forceful commited revolutionary who launches his entire being to liberating his beloved Luna. In the bittersweet ending we understand that success or failure is secondary to the value of commitment, and that to care passionately about a noble goal and to give all of yourself is the core of our being and our humanity

This book is the greatest of Heinlein's entire repertoire. The grammar is fascinating. He takes you into the future where many words from foreign languages especially Russian have entered the English language. Initially one stumbles because of the lack of articles in sentences. However, very quickly the reader begins to read even faster as she masters the futuristic English tongue that Heinlein presents as the evolution of English. It's not bad grammar. It's the English of the future! This is a great adventure story showing Heinlein's mastery of the study of society when presented with difficult situations. It's so very believable and intriquing and fascinating all at once. I believe everyone in late grade school early highschool should read this book to open their minds to the strength of character of people and the study of politics and revolution. I've read it over and over and over and it's the greatest!

I wish someone would make an intelligent and faithful-to-the-book movie of this. First time I read this, in 1968, I was moved to tears when... well, I shouldn't give it all away. I've probably read it 30 times. Never get tired of it.

In light of the Election 2000 disaster, maybe this is the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) Heinlein's "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress." The year is 2076 and the time is ripe for a revolution of the residents of the moon against the controlling Authority of Earth. Such a revolution for independence seems impossible. Yet, the hero of the book, Manuel (with the assistance of a computer named Mike) slowly begins to see that revolution just may be possible.
Years ago I read several Heinlein books, but this is the first one I've read in a long time. The book works on many levels. As a science-fiction novel, I would say the books succeeds quite well. While definitely not a space-opera, Heinlein packs the novel with plenty of action and adventure. The book also works well as a mystery, satire, character study, and even as a diagram for political revolution. As always, Heinlein has some very interesting (if not a little wacky) ideas about how a society should be run. Sometimes it's fun trying to figure out whether Heinlein is stating part of his world-view or simply making fun of us as a society.
This is a great book to read right now. Ever since the Presidential Election fiasco has been in the forefront of the news, many people have said that our way of voting may be changing. Maybe even more than our voting practices will change. Heinlein's book is basically all about change. Sometimes things need to change. Sometimes we think that things must change and we try to force change. Reading this book made me think a lot about the changes that might take place in the country in the coming months and years. After you read the book, do some thinking. Every change brings with it consequences and the chance that the change may not be exactly what we thought it would be. Happy reading.

This book is almost a how-to-guide on colonial revolution. In it the colonists devise an integrate network of control and intelligence. At its head is Mike, an AI computer, to make optimal decisions for the rebels. The protagonist is Mannie, who is closest to Mike, and has a thick "Loonie" accent which is difficult to read at first. I am always impressed by Heinlein's enlightening views on goverment, and in forming this new lunar state he gives us plenty of new ideas to ponder.

I do NOT want to be like everyone else who wrote a review of this book. I will not write the word "tanstaafl". If I write "tanstaafl" in this review and someone quotes me as having said "tanstaafl", I'm going to lose all of my socio-economic value and I will be forced to discorporate. Anyway, what a great book that was! This was my second Heinlein(I read my first after I saw "starship troopers", the movie and once I read the book, I was hooked on his books.) and what a book it was. Now, I'm thirteen, and I really don't like politics, but this was great; the secret phone lines, rock throwing, the "Bakersfield volunteers", all sorts of sneaky surprises for us earthworms. Now I'm almost done with the most famous of 'em all: Stranger In A Strange Land. It's turning out great.

I have six copies of this in various states of use and abuse. I read and re-read it when I : want inspiration; need a laugh; need a sense of perspective; have insomnia; want insomnia; breathe, etc. The ideas that have inspired change through the centuries breathe a sense of purpose into the lovable characters that drive this hard-hitting classic. Not just inspired idealism, but an incredible sense of bizarre perspective grip ya' from cover to cover. RAH romanticizes awkward circumstances; the believability of the incidentals in this book stands the world as we know it on its ear. Buy several copies: if you like a good read, you'll need 'em.

If you're interested in Hard Politics with a little sci fi sprinkled in, then this book is for you. A warning though, it's very very slow .. with zero action. I'm halfway through the book and it feels like punishment trying to finish it. I also don't like the writing. The author skips words quite a bit. It seems like Russian is his first language and English is his third.

This was one of the first Heinlein books I read as an adult (read some of his "young adult" books like Podkayne of Mars when I was younger). This book has spawned countless imitators telling the story of a revolt of a space colony.

Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a story of revolution that could have really been set anywhere, but it just happens to be set on the moon. That is the best part of Heinlein's earlier works- while they are science fiction they are still grounded in reality and character driven tales. A little slow at the beginning, this book was a great read.

One of Heinlein's best books that holds up well after 40 years. The character development is amazing and the description of life inside a lunar colony is intriguing. The book is a powerful defense of individual rights and provides a warning not to trade your liberty for a handout from the welfare state.

Heinlein's The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress is an interesting and uneven book that is plagued by a frustrating writing style but is not without some merit. The story revolves around a futuristic lunar society rebelling against an oppressive and exploitive Terran government.

The book does two things extremely well, which pretty much carry it through its medium length. First off, it pays attention to the details and Heinlein was extremely imaginative when it came to the particulars of his future lunar society. Everything from social norms, to physics to human physiological details were well thought out and executed. Out of all the science fiction I've read, this book delves into the details of lunar life in a more satisfying and complete way then anything else I've come across. This book also tackles the subject of a sentient computer and "Mike" turns out to be the most fleshed out and interesting of all the major characters. The computer evolves and is the one of the catalysts behind the lunar revolution. Heinlein brings up thought provoking issues about computers place in society, and this was long before the home computer revolution.

My biggest problem with the book was the first person writing style incorporated by Heinlein. Often confusing, the Russian stream of conscience (complete with accent) was a major misfire. Important and insignificant events come and go with little impunity and it took a good third of the novel to get used to it. For me it really kept the novel from achieving that "wow" factor despite its originality.

This book was nominated for a Hugo award in 1966 AND 1967 (winning the latter) and a Nebula in 1967. In 66' it lost to Dune and "And Call Me Conrad" deservedly so. Otherwise though this book is considered one Heinlein's "masterpieces" and a must read in most SF circles although I would have to disagree.

Bottom Line: Better than mediocre but doesn't live up to its pedigree. I think regular sci-fi readers should give it a whirl to see what they think.

I have read all of Heinlein's books and this is one of the ones I finish with a lump in my throat. The story of the colonists who come to see, with the help of a sentient computer with a sense of humour, that revolution is the only alternative to death a few years down the road is complex and exciting.
The parallels with the American Revolution are obvious and intentional. They add another dimension to the story which is full of such underlying themes, enriching the basic plot.
When you are done, turn back and read the first few paragraphs again...it might surprise you.

I think that this book is the best of all of his published writings. The characters and the scope of his imagination in this book have kept me reading and re-reading this masterpiece. A truly great book and should be recognized as one of the jewels of American Literature.

When I began reading _Moon_, I was a bit unused to the made-up slang of the future, and found it annoying and too far-out. But as I moved on, it grew on me--became an endearing part of the novel, an integral part of the futuristic tale. It serves to make it so much more *real,* a thing that is hard to find. In addition, this is one of the few stories that actually kept me reading and wanting more, a non put-down book. Also very hard to find! Mike is the most loveable character--if you thought it was impossible to love a computer, read this and be amazed!

I just wanted to focus specific commentary on the manner in which this book is written. The reader will immediately note that the grammatical structure of the text is strange in that it lacks articles and follows a rather simple construction. Some have criticized this as being unnecessary or irreconcilable in their attempts to read the book.

My only response is to say that this structure is similar to the Benji section of Faulkner's "Sound and the Fury" in that it is specifically written this way to emphasize the character's perspective. People either love it or hate it. Faulkner faces the same criticism of his work. Nonetheless, he and Heinlein are two of the finest authors in English literature and they have that distinction for a reason.

Another masterpiece. The science was there and the characters were entertaining especially Mike. Most importantly is that Heinlein gave us another story that was both exciting and thought provoking. The price of freedom and independence as well as the importance of having it. Very similar to the american revolution with the british being Earth(but more directed at North America).

Wow- what a great book! I never would have picked it up if my beloved "Award Winners" Book Club hadn't selected it. We tend to pick the Bookers and the Pulitzers- thank goodness someone had heard of the Hugos! A genius mind lurks behind this beautiful story. Truly a not-to-be-forgotten tale. Don't pass it up!

Of his four hugo winning novels, Heinlein's "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" was his best work. While "Stranger in a Strange Land" is often cited as his best, the story in "Mistress" is much more clearly and evenly developed than that of "Stranger", which almost becomes two stories. While "Double Star" and "Starship Troopers" are certainly excellent and intense pieces of work, they are shorter, and one is left wondering if their length was indeed due to their intensity. "Mistress" maintains the intensity of "Double" and "Troopers" while delivering the length of "Stranger". It was quite simply Heinlein at his best.

It's hard to evaluate this novel because it is very uneven, going through a drastic change about a third of the way through.

The first third is the best, not only in Heinlein but of much science fiction. We follow the narrator, apolitical engineer Manny O'Brien, during a hectic day: tending a computer which has secretly developed a personality, then attending a revolutionary meeting that gets raided by police, then hiding with two fervent revolutionaries who convert him to the cause. In the background Heinlein introduces two great science-fiction ideas (the sentient computer, and the ecological fragility of a space colony) plus the portrayal of a wierd but oddly convincing society.

The rest of the novel degenerates into bald narration ("We did this. Next day did that") with none of the life of the first third. When Heilein does introduce a new character, he's a blatant deus ex machina: a tourist who, for no discernable reason, agrees to pull strings on Earth to aid the revolutionaries on the moon, and also gives Manny an excuse for a lunar-sociology lecture (including the famous TANSTAAFL line).

Mention of the deus ex machina brings up another problem. Ostensibly the novel is about libertarianism. But the revolutionaries don't win by practicing libertarianism; they win because Manny knows how to control the colony's central computer. The revolutionary philsophy is shot through with contradictions. Manny boasts about how the Loonies don't need Social Security because they care for their old people; yet the Professor escapes at one point by disguising himself as an "old derelict in an alley". Manny is shocked when Wyoming suggests blowing up a crucial bit of infrastructure, yet has no proposals about such infrastructure could be protected against a lunatic Loonie once the occupation government is gone. As usual, Heinlein rigs his story to support his philosophy and paper over its cracks.

Though fortunately Heinlein realized that political philosophy discussions could be funny. "I'm a rational anarchist." "What's that, a Randite?" "Well, I could get along with a Randite".

In my very biast opinion, this is one of the best books ever written. It was the first of my many Heinlein books and I think that I have read it around seven times. For all you people who are just beginning on Heinlein, don't worry about Mike, he'll be okay. TANSTAAFL!!

This book was the first book of the authors that I read and is one of the best science fiction books ever. The thing that makes this book for me is the depth the author brings to his characters, plot, and the philosophies that all mankind face and question. This book is worth the time of any serious reader weather you like sci fi or not.

This book will keep you up into the wee hours of the morning to see the end. Great book.

The moon is about as far as you're going to have to go to find a truly libertarian society, unfortunately. This book can accurately be described as a manifesto (as another review describes it) but it also happens to be a great read. This is my favorite Heinlein book.

A story that once again shows the depth on Heinlein as a thinker. How to stage a revolution combined with a look at the practical aspects of marriage arrangements, political systems and the nature of power and its corruption. Should be required reading in the schools.

Good fiction carries ideas deeper than the mere story line. This is good fiction asking the question of who has the right to decide when a people is able to rule themselves. One can hardly wait for the liberterian experiment to begin on the Moon.

The most difficult part of this book is the sometimes cumbersome Russian accent of the narator. With some time, you can get used to it and not notice but it does take a bit of reading before you catch on, don't give up. The gems this one has to offer are well worth the effort.

It will never fail to amaze the clarity with which Heinlein has seen the future. His future our NOW.

As with his other works you cannot read more than a couple of pages before you slip out of that NOW and move into his NOW. His written words flow as if an all encompassing 3D movie has been formed about you. What he writes about is known to us...we see it in the news, magazines and reviews everyday. It is real and believable - as real as the Heinlein Crater - and filled with all the turmoil of politics and passion found in any country on this planet Earth.

A very entertaining and smart science fiction novel which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Though written in 1966, the technology, language, and ideas hold up very well and it could have just as easily been written in 2016.

This was a great book. The story was interesting and the war waged with Earth is very neat. The characters are a little dull except maybe the Prof. The language is a bit of an annoyance for the first chapter or so, but it doesn't hurt the story.

Is this a joke? Book look to been writen by person that can't write. Did that sentence I just wrote hurt your brain? If so then The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is not for you because the horrible writing is the harsh mistress not the Moon. I fell in total love with Stranger in a Strange Land, one of my all time favorites. I was totally into Starship Troopers. However, 10 pages into this pile and I had to take an asprin. The dialog is that bad!

If you like science fiction and were born before Armstrong walked on the moon, then you've already read this book. For those who fit outside this restraint... READ THIS BOOK! If you don't have the 15 bucks to buy your own, I'll send you mine. ;-) We've all seen movies that we can watch over and over again - now read a book you can read over and over again. It's a brisk read... all of the characters are well developed... the theories are sound... the plot and motives have passion. Heinlein will leave you begging for more... after all, we are all a little loonie. Free Luna!

You are either a Heinlein fan, or you aren't, there is no middle ground for one of the Grand Masters of SciFi, and as every fan knows, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of Robert Heinleins greatest books. I've read this book more times than I can remember, and I always find something I didn't catch before. If this book isn't in your library, you are not a true SciFi fan, it just isn't possible. If you have not read this book, go now and buy it,, begin the adventure created by a man sorely missed by his fans, find out what could have been, what should have been, meet Wyoming, Manny, and a computer with a sense of humor.

This was the first scifi novel I read for my PSU sci fi class. I took it as a retelling of the American Revolution, and was increadibly entertaining and at parts, moving. I proudly display this in my library, and because of reading it, became a sci fi junkie!

Good buy. Great read!

After reading The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, I wanted to live on the moon. This book changed the way I look at the world. I know it's only fiction, but after you read it you also will want to buy the first available ticket to the moon.

This is in my personal list of the top 10 sci-fi books ever...Heinlein's excellent blend of politics, intrigue, and action, along with his social viewpoint which he manages to insert in every one of his novels, to some degree or another, combine to make his best work ever. Even if you don't care for Heinlein, this is still an excellent novel. And if you do like him, what the hell are you doing reading this review?!? Go read the bloody book!

This is an entertaining, thought-provoking story that explores several timeless themes of science fiction: the relationship between humanity and machines, the sentient nature of artificial intelligence and the relentless perservance of the human race against all odds. As always, Heinlein is original, imaginative and gripping. However, the book also contains some lewd sexual elements and displays poor taste on a number of occasions. The fatal flaw of this book, however, is its readability. The story is told from the first-person perspective of the main character, who has less than a mastery of the English language (for example, he frequently leaves out key words such as it, the, a/an, pronouns, helping verbs, etc). While this is part of the novel's ambiance, it makes for clumsy reading. This novel is worth your time but isn't strong enough to recommend highly.

This book is a masterpiece. One of Heinlein's best, it is written in a futuristic form of english that some readers might find difficult to read. I, on the other hand, found my self even thinking in it during the time I was finishing the book.

A compelling and touching story that draws heavilly on the histroy of India's independance with an Australian bent. Thought provoking and as timely a book as when it was first issued. TANSTAAFL!

Amnon

An all-time favorite of mine, I wore my paperback edition to tatters and bought the hardcover. Some of the people I've shared this with have remarked on what they believe to be sexist themes, and I have to say that although it isn't the perfect arrangement (far from it) Heinlein's "Loonies" seem to have nothing but the deepest respect for women.

When I started this book it seemed a bit tedious, but I found myself getting very involved in the characters and even caring about them, which is amazing for me. I highly reccommend this book to anyone. TANSTAAFL!

A great plot, but too many personal messages and sexist views coming through that take away from the flow of the story. My biggest complaint (and surely many other readers') is the character of Wyoh. When first introduced in the book, I thought: aha - a strong female character! Several chapters later, and my hopes were dashed into the wall yet again. Avoid this book. No, really, I'm serious.

For me, this book is an exploration of libertarianism and the origins of social stability. Why, and how, does Luna work, when the legal system is almost non-existent? Do harsh circumstances make stable social relations harder or easier to sustain?
There are other interesting questions regarding libertariansism that Heinlein asks. The biggest is, why shouldn't other types of marriage contracts -- not just one woman and one man -- be permissible (and even socially acceptable)?
Oh yeah, the story is pretty interesting, too; especially if you are like artificial intelligence themes.

I love this book, I think with a very few exceptions, it's the best book I've ever read (the exceptiona are Ender's Game and Stranger in a Strange Land). Heinlein, through the meduim of an intellegent computer and some rather odd people and situtaions gives us new insight into humanity. The computer learning aabout humour, (something Heinlein focuses on both in this and in Stranger) teaches us about the way we see something as funny. As always Heinlein pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go.

Heinlein clearly did not know how to finish this work; while the novel itself is original and characterization is great, (don't read on if you don't know the end)the realist in heinlein had to find the romantic, resulting in an unrealistic happy ending.

As an unshakably confirmed Hienlien fan, this is my favorite book.The discriptions,storyline and charactorizations on Luna make you feel your part of the rebellion, ready to run and do your bit.And I was very upset with the ending because I felt I had lost a friend.My children had this book read to them when they were young.There are a lot of lessons to be learned here, although it wasn't meant to be educational.And a good story is a good story..And this is a great story.

Heinlein is notorious for his lack of character development, so I wasn't expecting Dostoyevskyan psychologies explored in great detail. The pronounless Russian tinged English was incredible to read (though that's because I've lived in Brooklyn my whole life), though I see how it could be annoying for some. It's a boat for ideas and a great story. I devoured this book, and it has taken its place near the very top of my heart's list.

I first read this book in junior high. I loved it but didn't really understand the political implications. I've become more and more interested in libertarianism of late. I read a list of libertarian fiction and this book was on it so I decided to read it again. I love this book even more now. Robert Heinlein has always been my favorite Sci Fi author. He writes stories the way I like. He lets the action of the story propel you through and doesn't spend too much time describing scenes. He gives you enough description to set the scene but he then turns it over to the reader to fill in the rest with their own imagination.

I enjoy "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" because it is a celebration of a society that puts personal freedom at the forefront. They understand that we don't have the right to tell other people how to live their lives as long as they aren't infringing on somebody else's rights. That's what the US constitution did for the early USA. Would that we could heed the US forefathers and "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" in today's society and have everyone mind their own business and keep out of other people's affairs.

I am a Loonie at heart.

Don't pick up this book expecting a poetic tour-de-force, or a dorkily technical sci-fi creation that struggles to maintain plausibility. Instead, expect to find a fun, inventive (albeit imperfect) futuristic plot acting as a vehicle for nuggets of pure truth. Nerds won't like it, and neither will grammar nazis, but revolutionaries will love it and libertarians will re-read pages 300-305 over and over for the amazingly simple reason therein.

Story is decent, principles are sweeping and inspiring. If Harrison Bergeron woke you up, this will be just your cup of coffee.

Although originally written in the 60's, this book was still interesting to read even in 2004. Obviously, some of the technology seems a little out dated - but the book is mostly about politics, and politics never really change.

After reading all the incredibly positive reviews here, I thought this book would be fabulous. Well, it may be a classic of science fiction but unfortunately it's very dated and more of a political statement than a sci-fi book.
It's essentially a book of endless pages about how a revolution is set up (but only if you have an omniscent computer running your entire society). Even if I had been looking for a book on how to stage a revolution, I don't think I'd find much of use here. There is an engaging story in here, but it's bloated with endless detail on the underground revolution.
Technologically, it's really outdated. I guess that's not surprising in old sci-fi, but I couldn't accept a humongous, unmoveable computer as part of a near future.
But, if my 2 complaints aren't likely to bother you, you'll probably like it.

I believe that the book, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," is one of the best books ever written. It not only is enterntaining to the reader the the use of ingenious caracters that the reader can really connect with, it is a fun book to read. I really like books like this one that make you think while your reading, and there is also suspense with every turn of the page that you make. I believe this is an awesome book that everyone should have the pleasure to read.

Clarke, Asimov and Heinlein are known as the Big Three of science fiction. After sampling Clarke, I've started on Heinlein with his The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress. I was actually looking for his Starship Troopers but found this instead. The story is set in 2075 when the Moon has become a penal colony where convicts are dumped and they grow food underground to swap it with Earth for their other needs. The story is narrated by an one armed computer technician named Mannie. It is about the first Lunar revolution against Earth.

The descriptions of a Lunar country where humans have adjusted to the gravity and environment is good. The formation of a secret rebel organization is well detailed. Heinlein excels in showing the futility of the Loonies (the Lunar residents) who many times end up with something that they'd actually started out opposing. His subtle takes on liberty, democracy and our way of life (and the actual futility of it all) is kewl. The book introduces the popular acronym TANSTAAFL (There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch). But to be frank, I found the book quite dry and stretching in many sections. But, it has stoked enough interest to continue reading his other works.

This is the best Heinlein book ever. I've read it about 50 times, and I could pick it up again right now and read it again with as much fascination as ever. This is truly essential Heinlein. It's written in a little different style than his other books, with its own slang language. All the characters are interesting, and there are interesting twists here and there. It ties in with 'The Cat Who Walks Through Walls', 'To Sail Beyond The Sunset' and covers the early years of Hazel Stone from 'The Rolling Stones'.

This is first book i read that pulled me into scifi and it is truly my favourite.There is a certain warmth and personal feel to the talkative narrative.It reads as if narrator-character Mannie is guiding you along side by side to the fascinating society of the Moon while sharing with you an ingenius plan of conspiracy to win freedom for all fellow loonies.
No, this great conspiracy not only consists of a computer,a one-armed techguy,a woman and a professor, but also the reader!

It doesn't get much better than this. The guys before me sing its praises in detail. This book hooked me on hard Sci Fi at about age 17. I read this and Berserker Wars by Saberhagen back to back and have been reading the stuff ever since.

Heinlein's book is considered a classic of sci-fi. It shouldn't be. His interesting libertarian and sociological ideas notwithstanding, the book has flat characters and a predictable plot. Everything goes wonderfully for the freedom fighters from start to finish, and the villains are bumbling idiots who never understand who they are up against. The good guys are too good, unwavering, and simple. The bad guys are too stupid and incompetent.
I kept wishing the plot or the characters would turn into something interesting. They didn't. Sadly, this book suffers from the malady that separates science fiction from literature or even good fiction: substituting a fascinating view of the future for good writing.

I love sci fi, and I loved loved Starship troopers (read it three times), but man I just couldn't get into it. I kept putting it down and picking up something else. After trying a few times, a year later it still sits here unfinished.

As a fan of science fiction and fantasy that begins reading at length in the late 80s, you become vaguely aware of Robert A. Heinlein. If nothing else, you cannot help but notice the volume of shelf space his books occupy at bookstores and libraries. As you read more and hear about big name authors of the genre, Heinlein invariably emerges as a "major voice" in the genre. Sure, he does not have the stature of a Tolkien, a Herbert, or a Aasimov, but he's up there, and it's easy to make a case that he deserves to be regarded as one of the greats. And so, after years of not really meaning to put it off, I have picked up several of his books to give them a go.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress exists in most circles as one of his more well known and well regarded books. The novel starts with the scene of Mannie, a computer technician, discovering that the computer in charge of the lunar colony has obtained sentience and has begun to play "jokes" on the colony that come across as glitches. Mannie is hired to fix the glitch, but instead makes friends with the computer (Dinkum Thinkum, or Mike). Rather than report this fact, he decides to keep it as his own secret, as a premise to use the glitches to be hired again and again, making a tidy profit in the process. As a reader, I expected this book to trundle down the sentient-machines-are-dangerous theme, but that expectation is thrown for a loop when a revolution begins with Mannie at the center.

So the novel becomes about social and political commentary. And that is okay as long as the novel keeps a pace and keeps your attention. I'm afraid that this book did not quite do that. There was a serious lack of action following the riot early in the book indicating the begin of a revolution. Mannie finds himself visiting a meeting of revolutionaries, not meaning to be involved, but then intervening to aid the beautiful and inflammatory Wyoming (Wyoh). After the riot, he enlists the professor opposed to her at the meeting, Bernardo de la Paz, as well as his Dinkum Thinkum computer Mike. After that, not much happens other than backstory that gives glimpse to the society that the novel calls home. There is too much explanation and not enough action to keep us interested in the unique world Heinlein has created.

The commentary, in itself, was fairly interesting. The speech pattern of the dialogue, one of halted phrases and simple sentences, gave the impression of a foreigner telling the story. That with the use of obvious Russian references gave the story a very Russian feel. And since we are reading book that is about revolution and politics, the obvious path the brain follows (at least any brain with a sense of world history) is the path of Bolshevism. However, La Paz is so obviously a mouthpiece of Libertarianism that it becomes a very jarring experience to read this book. As you read this book, it becomes very clear that the book is meant to be a treatise for Libertarianism, but coupled with that earlier sense of Russian Bolshevism, it just gives the book a very disparate feeling. Perhaps La Paz and Wyoh were used to offset that "Russian feel," but I just could not shake it and it detracted from the message in the end.

The rest of the book was okay. The characters were written well, but then failed to gain any depth as the book progressed. I did not feel anything for Mannie, La Paz, Wyoh, or even Mike. I wanted to like Mike at least, because it felt like Heinlein really wanted the reader to like him. But, mostly this book seemed very preachy. It was average in plot, average in character, and just average overall. It is probably worth a read, but it is largely not memorable.

Yeah, it's a great book, at least for the first five chapters. But I could only get that far because the stilted, pronoun- and article-less English was too hard to follow. Sorry, Heinlein. This one's not as great as the others.

This book is considered a masterpiece. I enjoy Robert Heinlein's creativity and his political philosophy. Although the story was quite unique and clever, I couldn't get past the writing technique in which the whole novel is written in first person from a "luny" who talks in abbreviated form skipping pronouns and other key words. I had a tough time following and it was not enjoyable to read.

This is one of my all-time favorite books, and I would like to see it in e-book format. Audio books do not work for me as I am hard-of-hearing. Besides, I like to read.

the store, please get this book (and other Heinlein books) in e-book format! I am starting an e-book collection because I'm a big Heinlein fan.

Thanks.

I decided to purchase and read the new soft cover edition recently. After not reading Heinlein for over twenty years. I stopped after halfway through, simply because the story seemed "old hat." Heinlein is good the first time around, especially if you were new to SF like I was, all those years ago. Trying to read it again, after so long, was a chore...

The book arrived in excellent condition. My husband and his family love this author, and this is my husband's favorite book by him. This is a great book to own on hardcover. Everything was just as described.

From the time I started reading this book I was intrigued. The story is excellent. The libertarian revolt of the moon was a novel idea that is yet to be bested. The only problem I had was the broken english that the main character kept speaking in. It did add a bit of flair to the book, but it did become cumbersome. Other than that I would recommend this read to any science fiction fan.

When I started this book, I figured it would just be about politics. Even though its main theme is about politics, RAH makes it very interesting and makes this definate book to be read. This books goes through the whole process of what it takes to start, carry through and end a revolution. I kept thinking "Ill just read one more chapter..." at the end of each chapter until I finished it.

I have just recently discovered this book, having been a fan of Mr. Heinlein's other masterpieces (Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers) and this is definately one of his best. It was nearly impossible to put down. The characters are are well-developed, as is the background of Lunar society. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a fast-paced, highly enjoyable read.

This is a science fiction masterpiece! Challenges commonly held beliefs about family structure, artificial intelligence, and government's place (if any) in society. Robert Heinlein is my personal favorite, and this is him at his best.

Too smug for my liking. Heinlein always seems to have one character who is way smarter than everyone else and loves to remind you of that. Over and over. In this case it was the Professor. The book spends way too much time telling you something then how they arrived at that something then why that something is better that your something. In spite of all that it was a compelling tale but I would have cut out about a hundred pages.

First of all, this is not even close to being a "Stranger in a Strange Land" ou a "Starship Troopers". It's basically just a story about the Moon (now a place where they send prisioners) and its fight for freedom from Earth. To me, the book seemed like a plane that would run around the airport tracks but would refuse to actually take off. The characters and the family structures that Mr. Heinlein thought up were really interesting and the chatacters really come alive. But the story, unfortunately, is somewhat lacking.

A fantastic look at a society that our founding fathers would want "America" to ge. TANSTAAFL is not an opinion, but a universal fact! Not only is Heinlein's philosophy right on, but his unique prose style added to the flavor of the book. Those who had trouble with it are way too anal, or don't have any imagination!! One of his very best!

Heinlein's *fiction* about politics and sexuality is nothing more than entertainment and food for thought; So be it. Women are rarely going to stand around smiling appreciatively at wolf-whistles and giving themselves up at every opportunity, that's male fantasy. But I'm reading to be entertained.

Highly recommended, but don't take it too seriously please.

Typical of Heinlein and of the sci-fi of the era. Heckof a storyteller just wish his vision of women wasn't a fantasy out of an adolescent heterosexual male mind. He also gets a bit didactic with his Libertarian philosophy. Again, part of the whole Heinlein package.

This book is a boring (and harsh) mistress. Reading this book caused me to appreciate some aspect of it. I will list what is unique about the book below.
1. It is written fully in the "First Person" from the point of view of the main character Manuel. Not too many Sci-Fi books are written that way. This is true First Person Narrative, Heinlein does not imbue this character with special knowledge and understanding to convey important info to the reader. Manuel is bit "dim" in terms of politics and people and he assumes he is talking to a person from his own world. Heinlien is true to the narrative and does not given Manual genious insight.
2. Manuel uses a different language dialect than standard english. It is a mixture English, Russian, Chinese, mixture. That's clever.
3. It is strictly a political novel. Again unique in Sci-Fi.
4. Deals with computer sentience concepts. Good concept, well played.
5. Describes unique family lifestyles.

Now for the bad:
1. The first person narrative is great when told by some genious character who can convey important insight and detail to the audience or in a short story. But the book contains very little description of the landscape. It's as if Manuel does not need to describe his setting because the audience is of his world. I like descriptions of the locals and surroundings. I like to know what's going on behind the scenes. What does this moon colony really look like?
2. The book is strictly dialogue driven and the dialogue is not captivatingly realistic.
3. Manuel is not that interesting of a character after a while. Yes he lives in an interesting, controversial marriage arrangement, and he is a smart engineer, but other than that he is pretty dim-witted- no real spark of imagination or philosophy that I find compelling. Manuel just yammers on and on, endlessly. His co-conspirators are pretty lame as well. Wyoming is a dim-witted, stereotypical woman character of the 1950's. The Professor is always, always, always, always right. Where did they get him from Giligan's Island?
4. The plot drags on and on with no action. The plot is for this new subversive group to convert the population of Luna into a constituency primed for revolt. Oh and along the way the use the sentient computer Mike to help destabilize Luna in annoying ways.
After this unique set up, the plot does not move. It is full of tiny, tiny victories in the development of a revolt. And this is how they do it: Manuel meets two friends, and his co-conspirators meet two friends and so on, and so on, and so on, and so on, and so on , and so on, and so on, and so on, and so on,........
That's good, but I again, as a reader I want to know what's going on behind the scenes, on earth, with the Warden, etc. The scene never changes, the descriptions are non-existent, etc. I had to skip to the end of the book to find out what happens on earth and to finally get to the action. Even the "war" is not described adequatly.

I want to give this 2 stars for readability, but I will give it 3 stars because it is considered a classic and because it does have unique features particulary for the time that it was written.

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My reading log is below:
Another dialogue driving book from the 1960's.
I'm 1/3 of the way through the book, and it's defenitely something I read to put myself to sleep.

This book is very much dialogue driven. There is very little description of the environments, locales, or settings. I guess you have to use your imagination. I just wish Heinlein gave me more to work with, it is his world, please describe it.

Also, the dialogue does not seem realistic. Hours after Shorty Mkrum, the main characters good friend, is cut down in a police action to put down a subversive meeting, the main characters aren't even talking about it These folks are not used to violence yet they act like it never happened after getting away. Again, not very realistic. I think real people would talk about a shared near death experience. It would actually consume their thoughts and discussion.

I will press on. It is a classic. I chose it because it was written by the great Robert Heinlein. More to come....
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Almost half way through the book, it is really slow. Not thinking that I can finish it. A little action please....
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More than half way through the book. This book is a "Harsh" read. It is making sense. I am starting to appreciate it more, but I still won't rate it high because the story pacing is glacial.
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I am now picking out future books to read, but I must finish this first. Skipping and scanning ahead to see if the plot moves. Skipped to the end. That's it? Anti-climatic ending. The joy must have been in the journey.

This book was an incredible journey into the depths of mankinds collective soul. Their were many powerful messages and the confusion of the books stream of concious narrative only adds to the effect. This book is what got me started on heinlein.

this is perhaps the only book ive read in which i found myself a little teary eyed at the end. this book is just plain brilliant and no review could possibly capture what heinlein put into this book, so just go read it and thank me later.

Have been reading SF for 20 years, seen this one many times, some cobber recommened, no dice. Hear is dinkum, but not sure.

As new chum must say that book is fair, though may risk elimination to ctitique.

Typical Heinlein, what with phraseology. No big huhu.

Year 2075 on the Lunar Colonies consists of convicted criminals and their descents. It's earth's "prison" run by Earth-appointed Protector. Transportees, having served their sentences, join Lunar society and can never return to Earth due to permanent changes in their body caused by the moon's lower 1/6th gravity. The independence movement is erected by three people. Mannie, a handicapped computer technician adopted into the line marriage at age 14. Wyoh, the seductive blond political agitator from the colony of Hong Kong in Luna. Professor, the rational anarchist believing that governments and institutions are not necessary. The professor is the brains and stateman who believes that the use of terrorist cell of 3 people is the best way to organize resistance. Meet also "Adam Selene", the self-aware central computer -- Mannie's friend -- who orchestrates the whole revolution with his billion bits and light speed intelligence. The book tells a story how a small group of citizens on a moon prison colony spreads and grows to take over the entire society to start war with the Earth, and win.

The narrator is Mannie but the resistance leader Adam, the computer, is equally critical person in the story. The computer evolves from child to head of state to keep TV speeches. Heinlein's ability to use ideas about politics, rebellion and adapt them to new environments is both ponderous and stiff. The liberal views of multi and over marriage, not to mention child marriage and free love are typical to Heinlein. The revolution is a copy of American independence war and Bolshevik red October combined with strong Russian twist: names, places and idioms.

Two (2) stars. Written in 1966 the book won Hugo Award for Best Novel 1967. The revolution is presented as easy, fun, quivering boy scout movement, with minimum blood shed. From page 10 the reader knows what what will happen and what the outcome will be; there are no surprises, no suspense, no personal attachment to the characters because they all are intangible to the story of radical individualism. Imagine the wild west projected to the moon: Whee-Haa and horse back riding to the freedom, which is to be found on this last frontier. For the average reader, this book is unlikely to fulfill high expectations.

Robert A. Heinlein is the one of the the finest, nay, THEE finest author of science fiction, at least in my opinion, and in many of my fellow reviewers opinions. In a simple three words, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!

Okay, Heinlein may be a misogynist weirdo who was working out psycho-sexual issues brought on by his sickly adolescence... but this book, along with Starship Troopers, is a MUST READ if you want to have any SF cred.

I always hate reading and then reviewing a book that so many people love, especially when I can't understand why it gets the love it gets. I did enjoy the fact that it was a non-sci-fi story set against a sci-fi backdrop, and while I recognize that its themes of equality are universal and timeless, the themes were not my issue. My problems with the book:

Pacing: It vacillates between long scenes between characters followed by long bouts of exposition. The exposition killed me. So much tell and not a lot of show. The bones of the revolution itself are glossed over in a recap chapter. For me, it came off as a fits and starts kinda thing.

Character Development: This was a huge failure in my humble. I never sensed that Manny was a real person. He was very one-note and when the character was taken to levels, it just did not ring true. Wyoming was wasted. She comes on strong and then dissappears for the rest of the book- not literally, just as a functioning character of any value.

Alright, so I had a problem with one aspect of the Themes: The Loonies are treated as if their outlook is the true way, truth and life. Manny describes them as almost utopian while in fact they are violent, rash and rather intolerant themselves. I get that this is his POV and that he is the narrator, but it feels as if this is the author's take as well. Though, to be fair, the point is probabbly not that the Loonies are right or wrong, it is that they are changed in the process of the revolution.

Syntax: I know that the Loonie dialect is supposed to be different but it is very jarring to read.

Mike: The development of the Mycroft character suffered from the same pacing issues. From his basic grasp of humanity to becoming the leader of a revolution, it just flowed strangley to me. While I was expecting a different end for Mike, I find that the end of the book is more satisfying the more I think about it.

The book was a slogfest that, after Part I, I just wanted to be over. I recognize that the novel was very special and timely for the period in which it was written, but regardless, its pacing and character development left me wanting. Still, I am intrigued by some of Heinlein's concepts and will probably give him another shot at the title.