The Man Who Sold the Moon by Robert A. Heinlein, first published in 1950, is a collection of science fiction stories centered on the early stages of space exploration and commercial enterprise. The title novella, “The Man Who Sold the Moon,” is the centerpiece and one of Heinlein’s most influential works.
The story follows Delos D. Harriman, a visionary businessman and ruthless entrepreneur who is determined to be the first man to put a spacecraft on the Moon. Unable to count on governments to act quickly enough, Harriman uses his wealth, political savvy, and relentless drive to manipulate public opinion, forge secret deals, and navigate legal and economic obstacles to make his dream a reality. His goal is not just exploration but the commercial ownership and development of the Moon.
Through Harriman’s character, Heinlein explores themes of capitalism, ambition, private spaceflight, and the price of visionary success. Harriman is portrayed as a flawed but compelling figure—both heroic and ethically ambiguous—whose passion for space drives him to sacrifice almost everything.
The collection also includes several other stories set in Heinlein’s “Future History” timeline, depicting the technological and societal evolution of humanity over time. These stories—such as “Let There Be Light” and “Requiem”—add depth and context to Heinlein’s vision of a future shaped by innovation, individualism, and daring.
The Man Who Sold the Moon stands as a foundational work in science fiction, anticipating the privatization of space exploration and raising questions about who will shape humanity’s future among the stars.
