Assignment in Eternity was published by Fantasy Press in 1953, collecting four novellas: “Gulf” (a secret society of superhumans working to guide humanity’s evolution), “Elsewhen” (a professor discovers how to transport minds to parallel worlds), “Lost Legacy” (three people discover latent psychic abilities and uncover a conspiracy to suppress human potential), and “Jerry Was a Man” (a genetically enhanced chimpanzee sues for legal personhood).
The collection showcases Heinlein’s persistent theme of hidden human potential: the idea that humanity is not yet what it could be, and that the next step in evolution might already be among us. “Gulf” introduces the concept of a “new man” — Homo novis — with enhanced intelligence and communication abilities (including “speedtalk,” a language compressed to convey maximum information in minimum time).
Collecting Assignment in Eternity
First edition (Fantasy Press, Reading, PA, 1953): Blue cloth binding. Dust jacket.
Market values (with dust jacket):
- Fine in dust jacket: $500–$1,500
- Very good in dust jacket: $200–$500
- Without dust jacket: $50–$150
Fantasy Press editions are collected as significant early SF imprints; their small print runs make copies genuinely scarce.
Value trajectory (2016–2026): Strong appreciation due to Fantasy Press scarcity.
Projected values (2026–2036): Fine copies should reach $1,500–$3,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Gulf” connected to other Heinlein works? “Gulf” introduces concepts (the secret society of superhumans, “speedtalk”) that recur in Friday (1982), where the protagonist is a product of similar genetic enhancement programs. The Homo novis concept is Heinlein’s recurring vision of directed human evolution.
What is “Jerry Was a Man” about? A genetically enhanced chimpanzee fights for legal recognition as a person. Written in 1947, it anticipates contemporary debates about animal rights, genetic engineering, and the legal definition of personhood with remarkable prescience.