Expanded Universe, Vol. 2

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

For the millions of Heinlein fans around the world comes a guided tour through the thoughts and insights of "one of the most influential writers in American literature" (New York Times Book Review).

Robert A. Heinlein has been hailed as one of the most forward-thinking science fiction writers of all time, and Expanded Universe (presented in two volumes) offers the perfect collection of his works to provide listeners with true insights into his uniquely creative mind.

Heinlein personally selected each story or essay for inclusion in this collection, which is ordered chronologically, with volume two picking up with "Nothing Ever Happens on the Moon". This remarkable collection highlights the development of Heinlein's writing style and his philosophy on life throughout his career.

More importantly, this collection is as close to an autobiography as anything Heinlein wrote during his life. Heinlein was an extremely private person who never wrote much about himself. In this exclusive collection, he offers forewords to most of his stories and essays (and an occasional afterword), giving listeners a rare glimpse into the inner mind of the master.

Expanded Universe, Vol. 2 is a must-have for any Heinlein enthusiast and any fan of science fiction.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audio

thank you, Mr pinchot

excellent reading, excellent content. Love RAH, all ways, always. my favorite author and a long time favorite actor doing the hard part.

I Nostradamus type warning for today

Heinlein discusses dangers that our nation faces, while written fifty years ago it could have been written last week. Trump supporters would do well to hear what he has to say, talks about motivating factors that are timely in today's politics.

much enjoyment

listening to this collection is great enjoyment. getting a combination of scifi with commentary from the author, his thoughts and how he came about telling such a story, or writing such an article is great.

some of the ideas are old fashioned, yet Heinlein was and is in many ways still prophetic in his long past musings making relevant cases for both his time of writing and today. this says a large amount about his curious talent which was shared with many other authors of the "golden age" of science fiction.

Engage Brain before Speaking

The topics are many, but the theme is to study and understand History, Languages and Mathematics before starting on your life's journey and continue to learn daily. You don't have to worship the geniuses, but life is easier if you learn from them. I recommend this book to all who think government will be their mommy for it won't.

Good vernacular, no story.

Sorry, no story here. Much good vernacular if you collect such things. No story.

Weaker than the First Volume

I did not enjoy this collection nearly as much as I did the first volume. The best story is the first about a boy scout on the moon and the collection dwindled from that point on. Most interesting were the essays by Heinlein in which he argued against communism (no surprise considering the strong libertarian views in his novels) and talks about what science fiction is. Unfortunately, after the first story, nothing in the collection really stood out to me.

Some mix-up in tracks

Overall, this half is better than volume 1, more interesting and way more depressing.
Politics, anti-utopian prediction, the whole shebang.
One extremely boring part smack in the middle of "Pandora's Box", where he talks endlessly about basic physics and math. Skippable on paper, not so much in audio. Oh well.

Pinchot's is fantastic as always.

Giving only 3 stars overall because there is some mix-up, parts of an earlier story is transferred to middle of another one.

Historic / sentimental value

This collection and personal notes of R H is of interest mostly as a window into the soul of the writer. R H is best when pulling us through the fantasy of some imaginative plot. When he wanders across fields of social and political criticism he grows arrogant and simplistic. Still this is a good outer garment for one's Heinlein collection.