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CAEZIK SF & FANTASY
What are the types of books that Arc Manor normally pursues publishing?
Arc Manor is primarily a publisher of science fiction, although we do publish some fantasy. Historically, our focus has been on reprints of works by major authors, but recently we have been publishing new works from authors like Harry Turtledove, James Morrow and, of course, Robert A. Heinlein, based on his rediscovered manuscript.
What draws you to Robert A. Heinlein’s work?
I grew up in Pakistan reading what little science fiction I could access. Fortunately, given the global popularity of Heinlein, most of his books were available there. More importantly, I fell in love with his fiction, particularly his “juveniles.” Tunnel in the Sky was the first Heinlein story I ever read, and I was blown away.
There is a certain simplicity in the way Heinlein writes, especially in his earlier works, that really appeals to me. He has that uncommon ability to take far-out ideas and make them easily accessible to his readers. As a young reader I could really connect with the characters in books like Tunnel in the Sky or Have Spacesuit Will Travel.
As I grew older, I became fascinated by the breadth of his writing. For example, it is hard to believe that the same author wrote both Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers. With Heinlein, you never know what sort of awesome story you will get whenever you pick up a book of his.
What other Robert A. Heinlein works does your publishing company have planned to release?
We have been fortunate enough to re-publish a number of his books over the years. Unlike The Pursuit of the Pankera (which is published under the CAEZIK SF & Fantasy imprint), most of them have been published by our reprint imprint, Phoenix Pick.
However, as the author passed away in 1988, we do not expect to find any new material (although, as was the case with Pankera, who knows what one may find hidden away somewhere!).
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However, 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 transports them to a totally different parallel world.
From that point on the plot lines diverge completely. While The Number of the Beast morphs into something very different, more representative of later Heinlein works, The Pursuit of the Pankera remains on target with a much more traditional Heinleinesque storyline and ending, reminiscent of his earlier works.
The Pursuit of the Pankera 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.
And here it finally is: Robert A. Heinlein’s audacious experiment. A fitting farewell from one of the most inventive science fiction writers to have ever lived: a parallel novel about parallel universes as well as a great adventure pitting the forces of good versus evil only the way Heinlein could do.
The Pursuit of the Pankera
The Pursuit of the Pankera is a 2020 science fiction book by Robert A. Heinlein which is a parallel version of The Number of the Beast. The Number of the Beast and The Pursuit of the Pankera follow the same characters; Deety, Zeb, Hilda and Jake, who are ambushed by the alien called Black Hats, but escape in a vehicle that can travel through different planes of existence. When Robert Heinlein published The Number of the Beast in 1980 he created a parallel version of what would have happened if Zeb, Deety, Jake and Hilda were taken to another universe besides what had happened in the 1980 book and that story is called The Pursuit of the Pankera.
I have read many sci-fi books but nothing stands out as a unique continuation of a story quite like the The Pursuit of the Pankera. This book is an unparalleled science fiction thrill ride that is crafted to entertain the reader. Most authors write about parallel universes as an idea to begin a plot, but parallel universes are a part of the plot here and Robert Heinlein explores the idea vividly. He first wrote about a parallel universe and then went ahead and wrote a parallel version of the parallel universe story he had introduced to his readers. Which makes sense, I suppose, as this is exactly what the parallel worlds theory would suggest. Heinlein is able to imbue a feel of classic science fiction, propelled by action scenes, which the genre has righteously deemed ‘Heinlein-esque’. The feel of deep science fiction with thought-provoking theories and hard hitting action is on brilliant display here. Everything that made me a hardcore Heinlein fan so many years ago has resurfaced here.
The book was written in 1977 but published in 2020. The author wrote two parallel novels about parallel universe but released one in 1980. The two books share the same start but they diverge and the characters are transported to two different parallel universes. The Pursuit of the Pankera is a bold literary experiment and the results are astonishing.
Hardcore science fiction fans may rejoice, but all others must not fear, I found this book to be easily digestible considering the scientific ideas utilized throughout the book. A few bits of jargon, but I found them to be good mood setters. This is still a human story that builds up and tests some fascinating characters. A suspenseful and thought-provoking classic science fiction story that will delight anyone looking for a gripping space adventure.
Pages: 545 | ASIN: B082838YYY
LITERARY TITAN 