Despite the outdated science and the occasional exclamation of “Good heavens!” instead of an f-bomb, Outlaws of the Moon is an intriguing and entertaining read—well worth a few hours.
High Point: The weird characters couple with a creative plot make this fun.
Low Point: The science is severely outdated, requiring the reader to suspend some of their knowledge.
Author: Edmond Hamilton
Publication Date: 1942
Genre: Science Fiction
Science fiction fans, especially those of an older generation, may find Edmond Hamilton’s Outlaws of the Moon a delightful read.
Originally published in 1942, the book predates much of the knowledge humans have gained about our solar system. As a result, we read about inhabitants on every planet between Mercury and Neptune. Abandoned ghost towns on the moon are populated by creatures called the moon dogs.
The central character—Captain Future— is a more intellectual version of Buck Rogers. His weird crew consists of an android, a robot, and a bizarre being called The Brain. Together, they are victims of a clever plot that includes political corruption, deception and murder.
Interestingly for a book published in the 1940s, the conflict revolves around conservation efforts of a natural resource versus an effort by business to exploit it.
Despite the outdated science and the occasional exclamation of “Good heavens!” instead of an f-bomb, Outlaws of the Moon is an intriguing and entertaining read—well worth a few hours. Not to mention, some editions have the best cover art you’ll ever see.
Movie/TV Adaptation
Captain Future (TV Series) (1978-79)
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
