Sixth Column

A great book. all of the things a sci fi book should be.

This is a must read for lovers of classic sifi

This novel is now in print with it's original title of "Sixth Column", but I don't think the text has changed. What I remember from my readings over the years is that RAH cleaned up the story, and reduced much of the racism present in the original concept developed by Campbell.Overall, an excellent novel with good characterizations, and a (then) plausible presentation of an implausible invention to save the nation's bacon.

Heinlein whisks up some very disturbing post-apocalyptic dessert in this book depicting the rapid unravelling of society immediately following The Nuclear War ("glory be to the bomb"). The Baby Boomers who spent their development beneath the protective umbrella of the Big Boomers know the dread of impending Doomsday. Heinlein finely exploits the overt and innate fears the bomb instills in all who have the understanding of its true god-like power. All this in the context of a fast-paced adventure. Excellent read.

I hate to pick up this book, because I have so much fun reading it that I can't stop until I am done. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE MADE INTO A MOVIE!! The book explores an area of science that no other science fiction movie, book, or series has used for its main focus. The book brings me into the story because it involves the United States being defeated in a single day by the Chinese Army using standard technology. But the Americans, using a new discovery that they found, battle back. Heilein uses the social structure of a defeated country to bring a plan into play that keeps my interest.