{"product_id":"the-pursuit-of-the-pankera-9781649731807","title":"The Pursuit of the Pankera","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"An absolutely essential and 'must read' novel for the legions of Robert Heinlein fans, The Pursuit of the Pankera: A Parallel Novel About Parallel Universes is an extraordinary work of science fiction\"-\u003cem\u003eMidwest Book Review\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Heinlein still offers a rollicking ride even after all these years.\"-\u003cem\u003eThe Oklahoman \u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Pursuit of the Pankera\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most audacious experiments ever done in science fiction by the \u003cstrong\u003elegendary author of the classic bestseller \u003cem\u003eStarship Troopers\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/strong\u003eRobert A. Heinlein wrote \u003cem\u003eThe Number of the Beast\u003c\/em\u003e, which was published in 1980. In the book Zeb, Deety, Hilda and Jake are ambushed by the alien \"Black Hats\" and barely escape with their lives on a specially configured vehicle (the Gay Deceiver) which can travel along various planes of existence, allowing them to visit parallel universes. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, unknown to most fans, Heinlein had already written a \"parallel\" novel about the four characters and parallel universes in 1977. He effectively wrote two parallel novels about parallel universes. The novels share the same start, but as soon as the Gay Deceiver is used to transport them to a parallel universe, each book\u003cstrong\u003e transports them to a totally different parallel world. \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom that point on the plot lines diverge completely. While \u003cem\u003eThe Number of the Beast\u003c\/em\u003e morphs into something very different, more representative of later Heinlein works, \u003cem\u003eThe Pursuit of the Pankera\u003c\/em\u003e remains on target with a much more traditional Heinleinesque storyline and ending, reminiscent of his earlier works. \u003cem\u003eThe Pursuit of the Pankera\u003c\/em\u003e was never published and there have been many competing theories as to why (including significant copyright issues in 1977). Over time the manuscript was largely forgotten but survived in fragments. A recent re-examination of these fragments, however, made it clear that put together in the right order they constituted the complete novel. \u003cstrong\u003eAnd here it finally is: Robert A. Heinlein's audacious experiment.\u003c\/strong\u003e A fitting farewell from one of the most inventive science fiction writers to have ever lived: \u003cstrong\u003ea parallel novel about parallel universes \u003c\/strong\u003eas well as a great adventure pitting the forces of good versus evil only the way Heinlein could do. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Phoenix Pick","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51324597960978,"sku":"9781649731807","price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_955bd9d4-ebb1-4c60-8127-a1b03adf270c.jpg?v=1748686780","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-pursuit-of-the-pankera-9781649731807","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}