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MAN AMONG THE STARS by Wolfgang Muller

MAN AMONG THE STARS

By

Pub Date: June 10th, 1957
Publisher: Criterion

The prophets and architects of space travel increase- and at their heels, the sober critics follow- assessing technological means already at the disposal of science, psychological hazards during the long voyage, cost factors, military advantages. These critics- of whom Muller is one- seek to reconcile the frightening prospect of exploring the universe with the conventions of scientific advance; purposely or not, they mediate between the terrestial citizen of today and his approaching role as the interplanetary citizen, thereby lessening public anxiety. Muller performs his service exceptionally well- perhaps too well, too reassuringly. He establishes space travel amid its historical setting of astronomical belief, he points up the attitude of the Church, he estimates blandly the possibilities that planets may contain life similar to our own- all this in addition to his conscientious remarks upon the present and foreseeable equipment of the rocketeer. This leaves an almost unassailable impression that space travel is purely a physical departure from the right little, tight little customs of the world. For the audience among the men and the boys.