Paperback
Published Sept. 29, 1960 by Digit.
The scene: The United States after World War III, after the communist reign, after the revolution which tossed out the commissars. It is a new world, brighter, faster, richer than before, but obviously no better. Worse, in fact. A world where intrigue, mystery and violence appear to be the normal order of life.
Joel Abner, agent of the Federal Bureau of Security, disguised as a commercial traveler, arrives from the Moon, carrying an incredibly valuable spool of microfilm. He becomes Captain Gilead, explorer and lecturer - but the transformation fails to deceive those who wish to relieve him of the film - and they close in.
Thus begins one of the most gripping and exciting stories ever written by Robert A. Heinlein. And it is only one of four long stories which make up "Assignment in Eternity".
There is "Elsewhen", a rare Heinlein excursion into time travel. This fascinating theme …
The scene: The United States after World War III, after the communist reign, after the revolution which tossed out the commissars. It is a new world, brighter, faster, richer than before, but obviously no better. Worse, in fact. A world where intrigue, mystery and violence appear to be the normal order of life.
Joel Abner, agent of the Federal Bureau of Security, disguised as a commercial traveler, arrives from the Moon, carrying an incredibly valuable spool of microfilm. He becomes Captain Gilead, explorer and lecturer - but the transformation fails to deceive those who wish to relieve him of the film - and they close in.
Thus begins one of the most gripping and exciting stories ever written by Robert A. Heinlein. And it is only one of four long stories which make up "Assignment in Eternity".
There is "Elsewhen", a rare Heinlein excursion into time travel. This fascinating theme is handled with typical Heinlein novelty.
Then there is "Lost Legacy", a full length science novel dealing with the powers of the human mind. Telepathy, teleportation and other powers - these are the lost legacy of the human race. "The door of the mind is open, yet have a care where ye tread." Eternally sealed is a secret vault in the brain, the No Man's Land which three people dare to explore - to find themselves battling with a hostile world, almost - but not quite - alone. Heinlein has never written a more unusual or more absorbing story.
Finally, there is "Jerry Was a Man", the story of an anthropoid who was more than an ape.
A new Heinlein book is an Event for the many thousands of readers who enjoy really good Science Fiction - and we know you will agree that "Assignment in Eternity" ranks with this talented writer's best work.