Waldo & Magic, Inc.

Heinlein was in many ways ahead of his time. This book, actually two novels have finally come into their own in the first part of the 21st century. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised at some of the reader's comments as to the tepid nature of the Waldo story, and the "Fantasy" aspect of the latter Magic, Inc. To begin it must be pointed out that one thing nobody mentioned is the term "Waldo", used to refer to those mechanical arms so prevalent in 50/60's science fiction. Today we see endless mechanical devices used in games, in television & movies, especially the Japanese Manga. On a serious note congress recently authorized millions in appropriations to fund development of remote manipulator robots for the modern battlefield... and lets not forget those little robots busily wandering the surface of mars, if they do find Life, you can bet that the entire effort at exploration will remain out of possible harms way, with the 21st century version of a Waldo. Now as to magic? Two words, Nano & Femto technology. These areas are currently cutting edge, and both will provide just such a "magical" backdrop for the commerce conducted in the 21st century. Doors that talk, devices that morph into other things, spoken commands, and the NECESSITY of a well trained group of "wizards" to control them, (when was the last time you really knew how that talking watch worked, did you really care? NO! It just worked) and to repair them when they stop working. Heinlein was correct when he penned stories with people (or Person with Disability, in Waldo's case) confronting, and overcoming difficulties. Real life is now catching up to him... and the situations, and personalities of the people involved are very much true to life. (The founder of the Independent Living Movement, Ed Roberts, was very much like Waldo) Good books... worth a read in these modern times.

When I picked up Robert Heinlein, I expected something completely different. He really shows how fantasy and science fiction can be mixed to form an intriguing story line. Both are futuristic in nature but point to the relevancy that magick and the occult has on the society and what it has to offer the people. It is revolutionary in WALDO and a standard in MAGIC, INC. that only a few people are able to possess. Characters in Heinlein's books do not wait in line for special powers, they are instead given allowances out of the norm in a very special way. These must be read to appreciated.

Plenty has been written about RAH's invention of the waldo (and the waterbed, and a lot of other things he imagined that became reality). But I haven't seen much about the lesson in practical politics in "Magic, Inc." Within the framework of fantasy, RAH lays out a very real scenario of what it takes to get things done in the typical state house. Hey, you libertarians, Read This Book!

Meet the man, the myth, the legend behind science fiction's ubiquitous "waldoes", then wade in to an intricate spiritual and legal battle against a magical monopoly.

Most of Robert Anson Heinlein's stories are hard science fiction, with a wealth of technical details, but concentrating mainly on the social implications of such technical innovations. This book departs from the hard sciences and delves into the fantasy realm for a unique view of magical events. As usual, the story zeroes in on the social aspects of the situation, giving a fascinating glimpse into how magical events would affect the mundane world we live in. I believe that these two stories had a strong influence on Piers Anthony's XANTH series. A great read, and one I would recommend to anyone who has a yen for a good science fiction yarn