Waldo and Magic, Inc. (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: Robert A. Heinlein
- First Published: 1940
- Type of Work: Novellas
- Type of Plot: Science fiction—magical world
- Time of Work: The near future and an alternate present
- Setting: The United States
- Genres: Short fiction, Science fiction
- Subjects: United States or Americans, Magic or magicians, Future, Other worlds, Science or scientists, Space ships, stations, or vehicles, Devils or demons, Diseases, Radiation, Mind and body, Brain, Energy
- Locales: United States
The Plot
In “Waldo,” young genius Waldo F. Jones suffers from myasthenia gravis, a disease characterized by increasing weakness and exhaustibility of muscles. He builds a space habitat that he calls “Freehold” and his enemies call “Wheelchair.” Earth needs Waldo. On one hand, its “radiant power reactors” are failing; on the other, humanity is becoming physically weaker, possibly as a reaction to the radiation these reactors give off.
To solve his personal gravity disorder, Waldo becomes essentially a floating brain that must reach back to the...
[The entire page is 1241 words long]
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