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| ===Differences between The Number of the Beast and The Pursuit of the Pankera=== | ===Differences between The Number of the Beast and The Pursuit of the Pankera=== | ||
| In the novel, the ] turns out to be not ] but <math>(6^6)^6</math> = 10,314,424,798,490,535,546,171,949,056,<ref>Note: not <math>6^{6^6}</math>, which is a far bigger number, roughly 2.66 × 10^36305.</ref> the initial number of ] accessible through the continua device. It is later theorized by the character Jacob that the number may be merely the instantly accessible universes from a given location and that there is a larger structure that implies an infinite number of universes. | |||
| ===Literary significance and reception=== | ===Literary significance and reception=== | ||
Revision as of 18:46, 5 January 2025
2020 novel by Robert A. Heinlein First edition | |
| Author | Robert A. Heinlein |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Scott Grimando |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Caezik SF & Fantasy, Shahid Mahmud (US) |
| Publication date | March 24, 2020 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print, eBook |
| ISBN | 9781647100018 |
The Pursuit of the Pankera is a science fiction novel by American writer Robert A. Heinlein, published in 2020 based on a rediscovered manuscript. As such is it the last published work by this iconic author.
History
The Number of the Beast was published in 1980. However, an earlier version or variant of the book, fully written, was never published. No one is exactly sure why the other text was never published, but many theories have been put forth. One is that Virginia Heinlein was not happy with the manuscript. However there were significant copyright issues which may have been a major hurdle at that time.
Both The Number of the Beast and this other variant took liberties with characters and settings created by other authors, in particular with E. E. Smith's Lensman series and Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series. Heinlein was a major fan of these writers and used these elements as a tribute to his favorite authors.
Whatever the reason, this variant of the book never got published and over the years, the original manuscript only survived in fragments, primarily in academic institutions.
Shahid Mahmudthe owner of Arc Manorsecured the US rights to publish this variant, originally titled by Arc Manor as '666' as a reference to the sister novel 'The Number of the Beast.' This title was eventually changed to 'The Pursuit of the Panerka,' a direct reference to the book's plot, which concerns itself with the pursuit of the alien race known as the Pankera. The novel was published in March 2020 by Arc Manor's flagship imprint, Caezik SF & Fantasy, with permission from the estates of both Edgar Rice Burroughs and E.E. Doc Smith.
Plot
The Novel revolves around four main characters: Zebadiah Carter, Dejah Thoris "Deety" Burroughs, her father Jacob Burroughs, and Hilda Corners. They use a specially equipped vehicle, the "Gay Deceiver," capable of traveling through different dimensions.
The story begins with the group escaping an assassination attempt by jumping to an alternate universe. The attack appears connected to Jacob's invention that facilitates their universe-hopping ability. The group, realizing they are being targeted, uses the "Gay Deceiver" to flee across multiple universes to elude their unknown assailants.
As they navigate through various parallel Earths, each with its unique characteristics and challenges, they encounter different versions of themselves and familiar figures from their own world, leading to confusing and complex interactions.
Their journey to understand who is behind the attacks and why leads them deeper into a web of multiverse intrigue. They discover that the motive behind the assassination attempts is tied to control over the technology that enables interdimensional travel.
The climax of the novel occurs when the group confronts the main antagonist in one of the parallel universes. They engage in a battle of wits and technology to stop the villain's plan, which threatens the stability of multiple universes.
The resolution sees the group successfully thwarting the antagonist, securing their safety and the safety of the dimensions they've traveled. They return to their original universe, more aware of the vast possibilities and dangers of multiverse travel.
Differences between The Number of the Beast and The Pursuit of the Pankera
Literary significance and reception
References
External links
- The Number of the Beast title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- The Number of the Beast at Open Library
| Edgar Rice Burroughs's Barsoom | |
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