Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
New English Library (1970), Paperback
Description
Science Fiction. Young Adult Fiction. HTML: Lummox is not exactly the family dog. Big a triceratops but more exotic in appetite�??he once ate a used Buick�??"Lummy" has a decided penchant for trouble. Still, he's been part of the Thomas clan for generations, and his current owner, John Thomas Stuart, XI, cares for him deeply. Just how deeply will be tested when Lummox's restless appetite starts a chain of events that turn his relationship with John Thomas upside down�??and puts first John Thomas and then the Earth itself in peril. Scorchingly funny, politically acute, yet deeply human, The Star Beast remains one of Robert Heinlein's most beloved nov
User reviews
LibraryThing member JeffV
Before his "dirty old man" phase, Robert Heinlein went through a "kiddie lit" phase, of which the best-known book was the propagandist Starship Troopers. Star Beast, first published in 1954, is the stuff of "ABC After School Specials."
The family pet of an adolescent boy happens to be an
The problem is, the neighborhood gets up in arms, and wants the creature declared a menace and destroyed. There is one little hitch that attracts the attention of a government xeno-relations agency -- Lummox can speak rudimentary English. However, at a trial that decides his fate, a teenage girl is allowed to represent him; an interest in law being her sole qualification.
It turns out that Lummox is more than is realized, even by Johnny and his would-be attorney. Had the local buffoons had their way, Lummox would have been dead, followed shortly afterward by the rest of the planet. But of course, we are given a sappy happy ending.
It made me pine for pervert Heinlein whose happy ending would have a totally different meaning.
The family pet of an adolescent boy happens to be an
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articulated, many-legged creature about the size of a bus. When a rottweiler annoys him (her?), he simply eats it. Originally brought home by Johnny's grandfather on an early interstellar expedition, Lummox is the only creature of it's kind on earth. The problem is, Lummox came down with a case of wanderlust, and left home for a neighbor excursion that caused all sorts of, well, minor destruction.The problem is, the neighborhood gets up in arms, and wants the creature declared a menace and destroyed. There is one little hitch that attracts the attention of a government xeno-relations agency -- Lummox can speak rudimentary English. However, at a trial that decides his fate, a teenage girl is allowed to represent him; an interest in law being her sole qualification.
It turns out that Lummox is more than is realized, even by Johnny and his would-be attorney. Had the local buffoons had their way, Lummox would have been dead, followed shortly afterward by the rest of the planet. But of course, we are given a sappy happy ending.
It made me pine for pervert Heinlein whose happy ending would have a totally different meaning.
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LibraryThing member sonofcarc
I subscribe to the school of thought that writing for teenagers forced Heinlein to suppress his worst impulses and let his storytelling skills take center stage. This is a fun read (though I got the feeling during the last 40 pages that the author was padding a novella into a novel).
No plot summary
The book is set several centuries into the future, so there are naturally all kinds of technological wonders on display: Faster-than-light interstellar travel, anti-gravity suits, “truth meters” that hover over the heads of court witnesses and emit rude noises on detecting prevarication – and interoffice communication by videophone and pneumatic tube:
"Mr. Kiku checked Greenberg’s name on the radiotype, dropped it in his outgoing basket, waited a few seconds until he saw Greenberg pick it up out of his own incoming basket: 'Read it'."
Of course, you do often have to hand it to Heinlein where race is concerned. Mr. Kiku is the hero of the book, a super-bureaucrat in charge of extra-terrestial relations. He is explicitly stated to be black by race and Kenyan by nationality – a decade before there was such a thing (Kenya became independent in 1963). Moreover, his name is an obvious reference to the Kikuyu people, at that time in active revolt against British rule. Mr Kiku’s subordinates are a careful ethnic cross-section: Greenberg, Singh, Ibanez. But on the Not So Progressive side of the ledger, they are all men. The only visible female employee of the Department of Spatial Affairs is Mr. Kiku’s secretary.
(The juvenile lead is of course a math and science whiz. His test for distinguishing the elite from the unwashed is proficiency with a slipstick. I am quite curious as to whether anybody under 30 knows what a slipstick is.
No plot summary
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here; no one who has read much '50s sci-fi will be surprised by anything that happens.The book is set several centuries into the future, so there are naturally all kinds of technological wonders on display: Faster-than-light interstellar travel, anti-gravity suits, “truth meters” that hover over the heads of court witnesses and emit rude noises on detecting prevarication – and interoffice communication by videophone and pneumatic tube:
"Mr. Kiku checked Greenberg’s name on the radiotype, dropped it in his outgoing basket, waited a few seconds until he saw Greenberg pick it up out of his own incoming basket: 'Read it'."
Of course, you do often have to hand it to Heinlein where race is concerned. Mr. Kiku is the hero of the book, a super-bureaucrat in charge of extra-terrestial relations. He is explicitly stated to be black by race and Kenyan by nationality – a decade before there was such a thing (Kenya became independent in 1963). Moreover, his name is an obvious reference to the Kikuyu people, at that time in active revolt against British rule. Mr Kiku’s subordinates are a careful ethnic cross-section: Greenberg, Singh, Ibanez. But on the Not So Progressive side of the ledger, they are all men. The only visible female employee of the Department of Spatial Affairs is Mr. Kiku’s secretary.
(The juvenile lead is of course a math and science whiz. His test for distinguishing the elite from the unwashed is proficiency with a slipstick. I am quite curious as to whether anybody under 30 knows what a slipstick is.
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LibraryThing member szarka
The story of a boy and his pet. His very big pet from outer space.
LibraryThing member nitalaabs
Haven't read this one but I love Heinlein in general. If you like Sci -fi, try it.
LibraryThing member JudithProctor
A delightful book that I've read again and again. The love between a boy and his pet that overcomes all obstacles.
There's also details that I only notice now that I'm much older than when I first read it. In 1954 when this book was written, having an extremely competent black African in charge of
There's also details that I only notice now that I'm much older than when I first read it. In 1954 when this book was written, having an extremely competent black African in charge of
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international affairs would have seemed radical - nowadays, we, happily, take such things as normal. Show Less
LibraryThing member LJT
Stars taken off because of the largely negative images of women, but I still love it more than 50 years after first reading it.
LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne
This one has aged a lot better than many of his YA sci-fi from this era. I did find it funny that in spite of all the high-tech mentioned, slide rules still were in use.
LibraryThing member andyray
Author Bob gets all five stars for this delightful, humorous, thoughtful, and philosophically evocative review of political and social workings. His best book right up there with Stranger in a Strange Land. It seems all of humanity didn't "grok" Lummie and things were opposite of what they seemed.
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The way to read this story is slowly, very slowly, digesting each piece thoroughly. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I'm one of those who feels that--with a few exceptions such as The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress--that Heinlein's "juveniles" written for teen boys are if not better novels, then better "reads" than his post-Stranger in a Strange Land books. And this is among the strongest--and funniest--of his
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juveniles. Lummox, the "Star Beast" of the title is the Stuart family pet--he's not... er small, but he does talk. John Thomas, the requisite boy teen and his pet get into a serious scrape, then an even more serious one of interstellar proportions. This one is a classic--I saw an allusion to it recently in a short story by Vernor Vinge. Very entertaining and a fast read. Show Less
LibraryThing member SeriousGrace
One could call The Star Beast a run of the mill story about a boy and his pet. Think Lassie and you have the classic relationship I'm referring to. If you don't delve into the details John Thomas Stuart XI is an average teen with a typical attachment to the family pet. However, give the story a
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science fiction spin and all bets are off. Instead of an obedient and almost too intelligent collie this pet defies logic. Lummox or Lummy, as John calls him, is a 100 year old extraterrestrial (was once his grandfather's pet), has eight legs, a sentry eye that stays awake when the beast sleeps, has a high pitched girly voice and he triples in size when he eats metal. And he's always hungry. The trouble starts when Lummy goes wandering in the night and ends up eating some roses and destroying public property. John and Lummy are put on trial and Lummy is sentenced to death...only the authorities aren't exactly sure how to kill him. Throw in a wannabe lawyer girlfriend and another planet that is convinced Lummy belongs to them and you have a story that appeals to kids and adults alike. Show Less
LibraryThing member Karlstar
A young man inherits an alien 'pet' from his father and grandfather before him, but this pet is big and near indestructible. Lots of trouble ensues. This was written in 1954 and the technology gap between now and then is huge. No PC's, no cell phones (there's just 1 reference to a 'body phone'), no
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internet - but on the other hand, everyone flies around on personal helicopters/flying suits! Show Less
LibraryThing member fulner
This audio boook is the story of Lumex. A pet of the 23rd century. A large dionsaur like creature that has been in John Thomas's family for generations.
Like the other books in the Scribes Juvenile series it is a stand alone story of one ~18 year old "boy" in Heinlein's universe, each book going
John Thomas is supposed to go off to college, But he can't take Lumex with him. His mom will go at any lenghth to try to get rid of him. Lumex goes for a walk on his own and practically destroys the town. The city government wants to put him down. Bu "The boy with the famous name" will do anything to stop it, even if it means running away, maybe to join a circus.
Low and behold Lumex may not be what we have thought he was for generations. His alien subjects come to save their beloved heroshia, and try to start world war 5 over it.
Recommended.
Like the other books in the Scribes Juvenile series it is a stand alone story of one ~18 year old "boy" in Heinlein's universe, each book going
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forward a generation from previous (starting in 1950). Like the other "FullCast Audio" recordings, this is "cinematically" beautiful. John Thomas is supposed to go off to college, But he can't take Lumex with him. His mom will go at any lenghth to try to get rid of him. Lumex goes for a walk on his own and practically destroys the town. The city government wants to put him down. Bu "The boy with the famous name" will do anything to stop it, even if it means running away, maybe to join a circus.
Low and behold Lumex may not be what we have thought he was for generations. His alien subjects come to save their beloved heroshia, and try to start world war 5 over it.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member Razinha
Uneven and disappointing, for while there were interesting interactions, the inconsistency of his message with respect to non-terrestrial beings was irritating, and his social flaws more so. Yes, product of the times...heard it.
I read one review that said this book had Heinlein's first strong
Asimov wasn't a fraction of the sexist that Heinlein was. Nor as preachy. The first third of the book read like "look what I know about trial procedures."
As I read through Heinlein in mostly publication order, I am still waiting to see what set him apart as the first grandmaster, let alone one of the Big Three.
I read one review that said this book had Heinlein's first strong
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female character. Maybe, but when that character has "very nearly as good a head on her as a man, and pretty to boot"? Much work to do as a progressive human, Mr. Heinlein.Asimov wasn't a fraction of the sexist that Heinlein was. Nor as preachy. The first third of the book read like "look what I know about trial procedures."
As I read through Heinlein in mostly publication order, I am still waiting to see what set him apart as the first grandmaster, let alone one of the Big Three.
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LibraryThing member DabOfDarkness
Note: Even though this is Book 8 in the series, it works perfectly fine as a stand alone novel.
John Thomas Stuart has a very large pet, Lummox. He’s a gentle beast with eight legs, a very thick hide, and a taste for roses and steel. Lummox has been in the Stuart family for generations but has
This was a fun coming of age book. Some parts of it might be considered quaint nowadays while others are still somewhat progressive for mainstream SF literature. I was sucked into the story once Lummox was described – the multiple legs and a sentry eyestalk for while he slept. Plus, Lummox talks! Yep. He sounds much like a little 5 year old girl and he’s not just parroting human speech back at you. Lummox can answer questions and make promises and tell you what he needs or wants. On the other hand, things have definitely changed a bit since the 1950s when this was first published. I was a little surprised at how often someone threatened to beat Lummox. Some of the threats were quite specific and graphic. So don’t look to this book as a good example of how to discipline a family pet. Or livestock.
Early on, John and Lummox end up in court because of the damage to city and personal property Lummox did. John’s friend Betty Sorenson acts as his attorney in a bit of courtroom drama. While I found this bit a little boring, being a bit overdone, I did find it very interesting that Betty was able to act so independently even though she was a minor. Later in the book, the theme of teens divorcing their parents came up. Considering the over all 1950s wholesome nature of this book, I applauded breaking of the mold in this matter as it made things more interesting.
Besides Betty, John’s mom, a female secretary, and perhaps Lummox (whose species really has 6 genders so I should probably ask Lummox what gender pronoun he prefers), there were no other female characters in a decent sized cast of male characters. Still, for a 1950s SF novel, Betty had a pretty important role in the book and she wasn’t your stereotypical teen female love interest. Indeed, John seems to be maturing a little slower and often calls her companionable names like ‘Slugger’ and ‘Smarty’. John’s mom also helps shape the plot, though I would say her role is more stereotypical – she’s a bit overbearing and loud about it.
Lummox is the real star of this story. He, who later in the story is referred to as a she, comes from an advanced race called the Hroshii. They are long lived and consider humans to be barely in their infancy as a species. However, they want their long-lost baby back as there is an arranged marriage among their kind to see to. The Hroshii could easily withstand any weapon the planet Earth could throw at them and just as easily wipe out the entire planet. So in steps our other hero, Mr. Kiku.
Mr. Kiku has a pretty high status in the Earth’s government, but not so high that he has to bow to popular whims. Indeed, he handles things very smoothly, always 3 or 4 moves ahead in his thinking than most of those around him. Also, he’s black. Now SF literature in general has come a ways, but sadly most heroes in SF are still white. So, another round of applause for Heinlein for shaking things up again.
This book started off rather humdrum, cookie cutter SF adventure story and turned into a surprise-riddled coming of age tale that had me chuckling, gasping, chewing on a knuckle, and nodding my head in agreement. The story had a happy ending that took all of Mr. Kiku’s wits to negotiate. I’m very glad that I gave this book a chance and I expect I will be reading more Heinlein in the future.
I received a copy of this audiobook at no cost from the publisher (via Audiobook Jukebox) in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: Paul Michael Garcia did a really good job with this book. He had the perfect voice for young John, who is on the cusp of manhood. I also loved his little girl voice for Lummox. Once I learned Lummox’s true intelligence, it gave me a giggle. I also loved his steady Mr. Kiku, the raging Mrs. Stuart, and the ambitious Betty. All around, a great performance.
John Thomas Stuart has a very large pet, Lummox. He’s a gentle beast with eight legs, a very thick hide, and a taste for roses and steel. Lummox has been in the Stuart family for generations but has
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recently outgrown their small town. No pen can hold Lummox and while John can reason with him to some extent, there is no physical means by which to make Lummox obey. Town authorities are ready to go to extremes, but no one is ready for the extremes that both John and Lummox will go to in order to remain together.This was a fun coming of age book. Some parts of it might be considered quaint nowadays while others are still somewhat progressive for mainstream SF literature. I was sucked into the story once Lummox was described – the multiple legs and a sentry eyestalk for while he slept. Plus, Lummox talks! Yep. He sounds much like a little 5 year old girl and he’s not just parroting human speech back at you. Lummox can answer questions and make promises and tell you what he needs or wants. On the other hand, things have definitely changed a bit since the 1950s when this was first published. I was a little surprised at how often someone threatened to beat Lummox. Some of the threats were quite specific and graphic. So don’t look to this book as a good example of how to discipline a family pet. Or livestock.
Early on, John and Lummox end up in court because of the damage to city and personal property Lummox did. John’s friend Betty Sorenson acts as his attorney in a bit of courtroom drama. While I found this bit a little boring, being a bit overdone, I did find it very interesting that Betty was able to act so independently even though she was a minor. Later in the book, the theme of teens divorcing their parents came up. Considering the over all 1950s wholesome nature of this book, I applauded breaking of the mold in this matter as it made things more interesting.
Besides Betty, John’s mom, a female secretary, and perhaps Lummox (whose species really has 6 genders so I should probably ask Lummox what gender pronoun he prefers), there were no other female characters in a decent sized cast of male characters. Still, for a 1950s SF novel, Betty had a pretty important role in the book and she wasn’t your stereotypical teen female love interest. Indeed, John seems to be maturing a little slower and often calls her companionable names like ‘Slugger’ and ‘Smarty’. John’s mom also helps shape the plot, though I would say her role is more stereotypical – she’s a bit overbearing and loud about it.
Lummox is the real star of this story. He, who later in the story is referred to as a she, comes from an advanced race called the Hroshii. They are long lived and consider humans to be barely in their infancy as a species. However, they want their long-lost baby back as there is an arranged marriage among their kind to see to. The Hroshii could easily withstand any weapon the planet Earth could throw at them and just as easily wipe out the entire planet. So in steps our other hero, Mr. Kiku.
Mr. Kiku has a pretty high status in the Earth’s government, but not so high that he has to bow to popular whims. Indeed, he handles things very smoothly, always 3 or 4 moves ahead in his thinking than most of those around him. Also, he’s black. Now SF literature in general has come a ways, but sadly most heroes in SF are still white. So, another round of applause for Heinlein for shaking things up again.
This book started off rather humdrum, cookie cutter SF adventure story and turned into a surprise-riddled coming of age tale that had me chuckling, gasping, chewing on a knuckle, and nodding my head in agreement. The story had a happy ending that took all of Mr. Kiku’s wits to negotiate. I’m very glad that I gave this book a chance and I expect I will be reading more Heinlein in the future.
I received a copy of this audiobook at no cost from the publisher (via Audiobook Jukebox) in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: Paul Michael Garcia did a really good job with this book. He had the perfect voice for young John, who is on the cusp of manhood. I also loved his little girl voice for Lummox. Once I learned Lummox’s true intelligence, it gave me a giggle. I also loved his steady Mr. Kiku, the raging Mrs. Stuart, and the ambitious Betty. All around, a great performance.
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LibraryThing member fdholt
The star beast is the story of Lummox, the pet of John Thomas Stuart XI, whose great-grandfather brought Lummie back from one of his space jaunts. One day, Lummie decides to eat the roses in a neighbor's garden and things escalate. Bring in the Department of Spatial Affairs, a missing alien, a
This is one of the novels for young readers that Robert Heinlein wrote in the 1950s. The advances in technology today have outpaced what was even imagined at that time. Computers for the Department of Spatial Affairs take up a whole building and there are no cell phones. But the story itself is endearing and the ending is not quite what one expects.
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court trial and things get out of control quickly.This is one of the novels for young readers that Robert Heinlein wrote in the 1950s. The advances in technology today have outpaced what was even imagined at that time. Computers for the Department of Spatial Affairs take up a whole building and there are no cell phones. But the story itself is endearing and the ending is not quite what one expects.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tjl
A classic Heinlein juvenile, one of the few with a strong female character. The full-cast audio version is extremely well done.
It's not a traditional YA novel. There's a diplomatic crisis and a courtroom drama in the novel. There's not really any action, but there's a lot of excellent character
Many of the characters aren't as fleshed out as they could be (e.g., John Thomas's mother), but I love the young leads and the overall story. The full-cast audio adds an extra dimension to a good story.
It's not a traditional YA novel. There's a diplomatic crisis and a courtroom drama in the novel. There's not really any action, but there's a lot of excellent character
Show More
interaction, especially the YA leads, Betty and John Thomas with "The Star Beast" named Lummox. Many of the characters aren't as fleshed out as they could be (e.g., John Thomas's mother), but I love the young leads and the overall story. The full-cast audio adds an extra dimension to a good story.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1954
Physical description
160 p.; 17.8 cm
Local notes
Omslag: Jan Parker
Kunstneren er ikke krediteret, men der er en synlig og meget tydelig signatur på omslaget
Omslaget viser en bygning med tre tårne med øjne i toppen
Indskannet omslag - N650U - 150 dpi
Kunstneren er ikke krediteret, men der er en synlig og meget tydelig signatur på omslaget
Omslaget viser en bygning med tre tårne med øjne i toppen
Indskannet omslag - N650U - 150 dpi
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Series
Pages
160
DDC/MDS
| 823 |