He "Just Plain Liked Guns": Robert A. Heinlein and the "Older Orthodoxy" of an Armed Citizenry

Throughout the nearly fifty-year career of Robert A. Heinlein, one can see not only this just plain liking of guns but also, more importantly, an adherence to the "older orthodoxy" of an armed citizenry. Heinlein understands the utility of the gun, of course, and yet, writing in the age be...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Extrapolation 2004-12, Vol.45 (4), p.388-407
Main Author: McGiveron, Rafeeq O
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Criticism and interpretation
Firearms
Heinlein, Robert A
Heinlein, Robert A (1907-1988)
Literature
Portrayals
Science fiction
Science fiction & fantasy
Writers
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Throughout the nearly fifty-year career of Robert A. Heinlein, one can see not only this just plain liking of guns but also, more importantly, an adherence to the "older orthodoxy" of an armed citizenry. Heinlein understands the utility of the gun, of course, and yet, writing in the age before polymer plastics and lightweight composites, when the gunsmith's craft was worked upon blued steel and checkered walnut, Heinlein also portrays the firearm as a thing of elegance and beauty. In addition to noting the beauty of a fine firearm, Heinlein reminds that the main task of any weapon is to protect life and property.
ISSN:0014-5483
2047-7708
DOI:10.3828/extr.2004.45.4.6