The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (1966) Signed First Edition Reference

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress won the Hugo Award and is widely considered Heinlein’s finest novel. Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 1966, it depicts a lunar colony’s revolution against Earth’s authority, organized by Manuel Garcia O’Kelly, a computer technician, Professor Bernardo de la Paz, a political philosopher, and Mike, the central computer that has achieved sentience.

The Book

Heinlein’s treatment of revolution is detailed, practical, and informed by his understanding of both politics and engineering. The novel’s libertarian political philosophy — encapsulated in the acronym TANSTAAFL (“There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch”) — became a rallying cry for libertarian movements. Mike, the sentient computer, is one of Heinlein’s most memorable characters.

First Edition Identification

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York Publication date: 1966 Format: Hardcover in dust jacket

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed first edition, fine/fine: $1,000–$3,000
• Unsigned first edition, fine/fine: $200–$600

Many readers and critics consider this Heinlein’s masterpiece — the novel where his storytelling craft, political philosophy, and technical imagination all reach their peak simultaneously.