Author
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Topic: The Mars Project (Wernher von Braun)
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collocation Member Posts: 387 From: McLean, VA Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 05-13-2007 06:49 PM
Any opinions or reviews of "The Mars Project: A Technical Tale" by Wernher von Braun would be greatly appreciated. This never-before-printed science fiction novel by the original "rocket man," Wernher von Braun, combines technical fact with a human story line in the way that only a true dreamer can realize. Encompassing the entire story of the journey, this novel moves from the original decision for a Mars mission, through the mission planning, the building of the mighty space ships, the journey, the amazing discoveries made on Mars, and the return home. The author's attention to the actions and feelings of the characters — both those who went and those who stayed behind—makes this an adventure of human proportions, rather than merely another fanciful tale. |
Dwayne Day Member Posts: 532 From: Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 05-14-2007 09:44 AM
I read a review that will be published shortly. It's an awkward book, originally written in the 1940s. Not very good on plot or characters or dialogue. Mainly interesting as a historical piece. |
Philip Member Posts: 6148 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 05-14-2007 11:51 AM
Reprints exist already, just a technical book but great stuff for the Mars enthusiasts. |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1373 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 05-14-2007 12:14 PM
I have the reprint from Apogee Books. I have read part of it. It is a methodical (slow), technical book with very fine print that requires a lot of focus to read.It is great for the space history enthusiast, since it gives an extremely good view of von Braun's plan for the conquest of Space and a voyage to Mars. If you are looking for a light summertime read, this is not it. If you are looking to gain some insight into von Braun's plans for Space exploration, then it would be well worth the necessary work to read it. |
dss65 Member Posts: 1294 From: Sandpoint, ID, USA Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 05-14-2007 09:20 PM
Larry, you've hit the nail right on the head. If you're looking for riveting, fast-reading science fiction, look elsewhere. (My personal preference in Arthur C. Clarke.) However, if you're interested in a unique (and somewhat surprising) look into the mind of a visionary that played a key role in the actual pioneering of space flight, this is a book to be relished. I'm not in a hurry to read it again, but I'm happy it's part of my collection. |
Gilbert Member Posts: 1444 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 05-15-2007 11:14 AM
To clarify, there are two versions of essentially the same book. One is strictly technical non-fiction, the other is in novel/fictional form but has much technical detail. |
collocation Member Posts: 387 From: McLean, VA Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 05-15-2007 01:18 PM
For those that have a copy of the book(s) are there any technical drawings or pictures within the pages? |
Gilbert Member Posts: 1444 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 05-15-2007 02:35 PM
The Mars Project (non-fiction) has drawings and diagrams and tables, etc. Project Mars (the novel) has Bonestell paintings and other drawings.Actually, on edit, Apogee advertises "Project Mars: A Technical Tale" as the first publication of the novel, in 2006. "The Mars Project" was first published in the 50's and reprinted in later editions. |
Philip Member Posts: 6148 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 07-08-2019 03:34 PM
The name "Elon" is mentioned in Wernher von Braun's 1948 book, "Das Marsprojekt" ("The Mars Project") as the leader of human colonists on Mars in the 21st century.Interesting fun fact to check. |
rjurek349 Member Posts: 1220 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 07-08-2019 08:28 PM
From the version I’ve read, “the Elon” is a title, rather than the name of a person, such as “the President.” |