Robert Heinlein is the most enduring and influential American writer of speculative fiction. He published over one hundred novels, short stories, and articles, and won six Hugo awards. His work has been adapted into four movies and five television series and currently has options out on multiple other works. Over twenty years after his death, most of his books are still in print in many languages, and his influence can be clearly seen in the writings of many important authors writing today.

The collection was named for Robert’s wife, Virginia, in recognition of the integral role she played in his work. As wife, business manager, and caretaker, Virginia shepherded him through illness and trumped death repeatedly. She was also his collaborator. She vetted and expanded on story ideas, helped with research and calculations, and served as first reader and final judge of everything that left their home. Without her contribution, Heinlein’s work would not have been as rich, nuanced, or prolific as it was.

Many of Heinlein’s writings were published long before Neil Armstrong set foot upon the Moon. He wrote against the prevailing opinions of the time that declared such an endeavor both impractical and impossible. Today, in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars, there is a small terrain feature called the Heinlein Crater in honor of this man who became a much beloved writer who dreamed humans would one day make their home there and thrive.