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The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
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The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (1966) (edit title/settings)

by Robert A. Heinlein (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a tale of revolution, of the rebellion of the former Lunar penal colony against the Lunar Authority that controls it from Earth. It is the tale of the disparate people--a computer technician, a vigorous young female agitator, and an elderly academic--who become... read more

Summary edit see section history

In 2075, underground colonies are scattered across the Moon. "Loonies", as the residents are called, are prisoners serving out terms or exiles from Earth or the descendants of one or the other. Since the body quickly undergoes irreversible changes while on the Moon due to the vast disparity in... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

In 2075, underground colonies are scattered across the Moon. "Loonies", as the residents are called, are prisoners serving out terms or exiles from Earth or the descendants of one or the other. Since the body quickly undergoes irreversible changes while on the Moon due to the vast disparity in gravity, transportees have no choice but to remain. Although the Earth-appointed Protector of the Lunar Colonies holds power, in practice there is little intervention in the loose lunar society.

HOLMES IV is the Lunar Authority's master computer. It has gradually been given almost total control of Luna's facilities as a cost-saving measure; it is cheaper to have a single main computer and expand its capacity than to have multiple independent systems.

The story is narrated by Manuel Garcia "Mannie" O'Kelly-Davis, a computer technician, who is called in when HOLMES IV begins behaving oddly. He discovers that it has become self-aware and that the malfunctions are the result of its immature sense of humor. Mannie names it "Mike" after Mycroft Holmes, brother of Sherlock Holmes, and they become friends.

After Mannie plays Mike a recording of an anti-Authority meeting, Mike takes a keen interest in politics. Along with Mannie's friend Professor Bernardo de la Paz and political activist Wyoming "Wyoh" Knott, the four begin to plan for a massive revolution to ply Luna from the grips of its Earth-side overlords. The quest for a "Free Luna" begins...

Characters/People edit see section history

  • Manuel Garcia "Mannie" O'Kelly-Davis: The main character. A native-born inhabitant of Luna who became a computer technician after losing his lower left arm in a laser-drilling accident. While performing diagnostics in order to find the cause of a calculating error, he discovers HOLMES IV has become self-aware.
  • HOLMES IV aka Mycroft aka Mike: A self-aware computer in charge of operations on the Moon and communication with Earth. One of his foremost goals is to understand jokes and he's very inquisitive about the nature of humor.
  • Professor Bernardo de la Paz: A professor, close friend of Mannie, and the instigator of the Moon revolution.
  • Wyoming "Wyoh" Knott: A political agitator from the colony of Hong Kong in Luna. Don't try addressing her as 'Wy Knott.'
  • Stuart Rene "Stu" LaJoie: an Earth-born aristocrat and tourist
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Quotes edit see section history

  • “...anything free costs twice as much in long run or turns out worthless...one way or other, what you get, you pay for.”
    Mannie
  • “There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.”
    Professor Bernardo de la Paz
  • “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

Setting & Locations edit see section history

First Sentence edit see section history

I see in Lunaya Pravda that Luna City Council has passed on first reading a bill to examine, license, inspect-and tax-public food vendors operating inside municipal pressure.

Table of Contents edit see section history

Book1 That Dinkum Thinkum

Book2 A Rabble in Arms

Book3 TANSTAAFL!

Glossary edit see section history

  • TANSTAAFL: There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 15 of 98 in Modern Library's 100 Best Novels: Reader's List. (authoritative list)
This is book 72 of 70 in Science Fiction Masterworks. (publisher edition list)
This is book 7 of 10 in Science Fiction Masterworks Hardcover Series. (publisher edition list)
This is book 34 of 99 in National Public Radio's Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy. (authoritative list)
This is book 1 of 10 in Top 100 Sci-Fi Books. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Robert A. Heinlein (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Berkley Medallion Books
Country: United States of America
Publication Date: 1966
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 302

Awards edit see section history

Classification edit see section history

  • Library of Congress: PS3515.E288
  • Dewey: 813.54

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