We pray for one last landing
On the globe that gave us birth;
Let us rest our eyes on the fleecy skies
And the cool, green hills of Earth.
The Green Hills of Earthis a collection of short stories from one of the masters of science fiction who has held readers spellbound for over thirty years. This collection includes "Delilah and the Space-Rigger," "Space-Jockey," "The Long Watch," "Gentlemen Be Seated," "The Black Pits of Luna," "It's Great to Be Back," "'—We Also Walk Dogs,'" "Ordeal in Space," "The Green Hills of Earth," and "Logic of Empire."
The arching sky is calling
Spacemen back to their trade.
All hands! Stand by! Free falling!
And the lights below us fade.
Out ride the sons of Terra,
Far drives the thundering jet,
Up leaps a race of Earthmen,
Out, far, and onward yet —
We've tried each spinning space mote
And reckoned its true worth:
Take us back again to the homes of men
On the cool, green hills of Earth.
Download and start listening now!
"It was Robert Heinlein's short stories that initially drew me into his writing and fandom, and it's his short stories where I will always prefer to stay. That said, this book is full of somewhat exciting though in many cases brief glimpses of different "futuristic" lifestyles, achievements, and careers. The title story is enjoyable, but not particularly inspirational. My favourite story in the collection is "the Long Watch," which surprised myself. It's not typically the sort of story that would capture my heart, but I left it feeling profoundly proud of the main character, and with a strange sense of patriotism towards a society and civilization that doesn't actually exist."
— Hayley (4 out of 5 stars)
“One of the grand masters of science fiction.”
— Wall Street Journal“The collection has its high points, and on one level it is a classic.”
— Audiofile" Read long ago. Short stories that tie into Heinlein's over all history. "
— Mike, 2/20/2014" A collection of short stories about a futuristic time in which there is a colony on the moon. "
— Bookworm, 2/12/2014" This is a fun anthology of short stories by Heinlein. All of the stories revolve around colonization of planets in our solar system. The themes are not about the technology, but about contemporary problems and dilemmas that we still have today; indentured service as slavery, prejudice against women in the workplace, young brats given too much freedom and too little discipline, phobias, and more. These contemporary themes help to explain the "staying power" of Heinlein's stories. "
— David, 1/30/2014" A truly timeless thoroughly enjoyable collection of short stories. These are some of the best SF tales ever penned. They have the unique virtue of being every bit as enjoyable by the 10th read as they were back at the first. "
— Matt, 1/28/2014" Explores probe the deepest reaches of space while wondering if they will ever see Earth again. "
— Fredrick, 1/20/2014" I really enjoyed reading these short stories. Sometimes I get bored reading story after story in an anthology, but each one was slightly different with recurring places and companies that sort of linked the world of the stories together. Most were well paced and had good messages, with most ending up on a positive note, unlike many sci fi short stories where things just go to hell and the lesson learned is pretty much shoved in your face. I really appreciate Heinlein's view of how people find their places in the world. "
— Sara, 1/18/2014" I enjoyed these short stories about the Earth and the Moon. Two of my favorites were "'It's Great to Be Back'" about a couple who learns where their home is, and "--We Also Walk Dogs" about a new kind of concierge company. "
— krin, 1/6/2014" I read this book maybe 10 years ago, but I didn't realize I'd read it until halfway through the first chapter, so I guess it can't have made much of an impact on me, so I thought I'd give it another go. "
— Heather, 11/30/2013" While some of the stories are somewhat dated, it is still a strong collection of tales from one of the great science fiction authors. "
— Ross, 11/4/2013" I like Heinlein; a good, colorful story. "
— John, 7/7/2013" An assemblage of science fiction ten short stories by Robert A. Heinlein. I particularly enjoyed the "Delilah and the Space-Rigger", and "Gentlemen, Be Seated". While reading these brief stories it feels like taking flight to the Universe, and beyond. "
— Jenna, 4/14/2013" Another Heinlein book I've read "
— Greg, 3/16/2013" Worth reading just for the title story, especially if you are prone to being sentimental about your planet. "
— Nell, 3/7/2013" Over-rated like most things Heinlein - blind, space traveling, singer-song writers may enjoy. "
— Steven, 10/30/2012" Heinlein always has some interesting ideas, but I'm not a huge fan of short stories. "
— Leto2, 1/13/2012" The Green Hills of Earth by Robert A. Heinlein (1980) "
— Roman, 11/21/2011" Nice few short stories, with interesting point each "
— Golan, 11/19/2011" Some of RAH's best "
— Robert, 7/20/2011" A series of short space stories that tell the future through the perspectives of engineering, politics, and commerce. I love the out of date language. It gives the stories some real flavor. "
— Tom, 6/19/2011" Contains my favorite poem, even if it hasn't been written yet. "
— Kathy, 4/2/2011" Stories from the 40's by a very good storyteller. Heinlein is a well deserving Grand Master of Science Fiction. "
— Frank, 2/26/2011" One of the best collections of short stories I have ever read. A real look into the nature of man. "
— Jevansampqes.com, 2/5/2011" A good sociological drama taking place in outer Space. Heinlein excels in underscoring the science in which the characters are immersed. "
— Ken, 11/11/2010" Classic SF stories from a time when the genre seemed more influenced by Westerns and pioneer thinking than technology and climate change. Some interesting stories if you can overlook the scientific inaccuracies and latent sexism. "
— Glenn, 7/17/2010" A series of short space stories that tell the future through the perspectives of engineering, politics, and commerce. I love the out of date language. It gives the stories some real flavor. "
— Tom, 5/19/2010" Heinlein always has some interesting ideas, but I'm not a huge fan of short stories. "
— Leto2, 4/14/2010" Read long ago. Short stories that tie into Heinlein's over all history. "
— Mike, 11/11/2009" Stories from the 40's by a very good storyteller. Heinlein is a well deserving Grand Master of Science Fiction. <br/> <br/> "
— Frank, 9/27/2009" Corporate hiring, getting one's hearts desire, and more. "
— Sara, 8/30/2009" The Green Hills of Earth by Robert A. Heinlein (1980) "
— Roman, 3/31/2009" Good collection of stories. Workman-like sci-fi. Good read. "
— Mike, 1/10/2009" Another Heinlein book I've read "
— Mr., 11/19/2008" good juvenile book cf: Stranger in a strange land "
— Amos, 11/12/2008Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988) is widely recognized as one of the greatest science fiction authors of all time, a status confirmed in 1974 when the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America gave him their first Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. A four-time Hugo Award winner, he is best known for such works as Starship Troopers, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, and the sensational bestseller Stranger in a Strange Land. Several of his books were New York Times bestsellers, and his worldwide bestsellers have been translated into twenty-two languages.
Tom Weiner, a dialogue director and voice artist best known for his roles in video games and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Transformers, is the winner of eight Earphones Awards and is an Audie Award finalist. He is a former member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.