Stranger in a Strange Land PDF is a novel by American author Robert A. Heinlein, originally published in 1961. The story chronicles the life of Valentine Michael Smith, a human who comes to Earth in early adulthood after being born and raised on the planet Mars. It addresses his interaction with and eventual transformation of terrestrial society.
Stranger in a Strange Land was published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons in 1961 and sold more than 6 million copies in its first 20 years. It has been translated into at least 23 languages. The novel is available in both hardcover and paperback editions from Orbit Books, an imprint of Little, Brown, and Company.
The book has received mixed reviews over the years. Some critics have praised its exploration of social and philosophical issues, while others have criticized it for being poorly written and overly didactic.
Table of Contents
Stranger in a Strange Land Summary
The novel opens with Mike Smith crash-landing on Earth after his ship, the Valentine Michael Smith, is damaged en route from Mars. He is the only survivor of the ship, which was sent to Mars by the First Earthmen’s Expeditionary Force in an attempt to establish human colonies on the planet.
Mike is raised by Martians, who teach him their language and culture. He eventually learns English as well and is able to communicate with the humans who come to Mars to study the planet and its inhabitants.
When he is an adult, Mike is taken to Earth by a group of humans who want to study him. He is initially confused by Earth’s customs and culture but slowly begins to understand them. He also starts to realize that the humans are not as advanced as the Martians and that they have a lot to learn from him.
Mike eventually becomes disillusioned with humans, and their treatment of him. He decides to start his own religion, based on Martian tenets, in an attempt to help humans become better people. The religion, which he calls the Church of All Worlds, quickly gains followers and begins to have a significant impact on the world.
Details of Stranger in a Strange Land Book
| Book | Stranger in a Strange Land |
| Author | Robert A. Heinlein |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | June 1, 1961 |
| Category | Science fiction |
| Publisher | G. P. Putnam's Sons |
| Total Pages | 408 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
| Current Ratings | 4.4 |
Multiple Languages Editions of Stranger in a Strange Land Book
Since its initial publication in 1961, Stranger in a Strange Land has been translated into numerous languages.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
| Japanese | Check Price |
About the Author
Robert A. Heinlein was an American author of science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for his novel Stranger in a Strange Land, which was published in 1961.
Heinlein was born in 1907 in Butler, Missouri. He attended the United States Naval Academy but left after two years due to illness. He then worked as a journalist and editor for several years before beginning to write novels. Heinlein’s first novel, Rocket Ship Galileo, was published in 1947.
He went on to write a number of other science fiction novels, including The Puppet Masters (1951) and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (1966). Heinlein won multiple Hugo Awards for his work and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 1974. He died in 1988.
In an interview, Heinlein once said, “I never wrote for any particular market. I just wrote what I wanted to write. If there was a market for it, fine. If not, someone would print it as a book and I’d make a few bucks.”
Stranger in a Strange Land PDF Free Download
The pdf of the book can be downloaded from the link below. Click here to download Stranger in a Strange Land pdf.
Similar Books to Stranger in a Strange Land Book
- The Martian by Andy Weir
- Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
- Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
- Dune by Frank Herbert
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- Slaughterhouse-5 by Kurt Vonnegut
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which version of Stranger in a Strange Land is better?
Some people prefer the original 1961 version of the novel, while others prefer the updated version that was published in 1991.
What is the message of Stranger in a Strange Land?
The book has been interpreted in multiple ways, but one common interpretation is that it is a commentary on the human condition and the need for people to be open-minded and tolerant of others.
Is Stranger in a Strange Land worth reading?
Many people consider Stranger in a Strange Land to be a classic science fiction novel and believe it is definitely worth reading.
Is there a Stranger in a Strange Land movie?
Yes, there is a movie adaptation of the novel that was released in 1991.
Who was the main character in Stranger in a Strange Land?
The main character of the novel is Mike, a Martian who is taken to Earth by humans.
Why is Stranger in a Strange Land a classic?
Stranger in a Strange Land is considered a classic science fiction novel because of its innovative and thought-provoking story.
