In an attempt to account for the extraordinary popularity and influence of the novels of Robert Heinlein, it would be all too easy to assert that the masses are asses and let it go at that. Those of us academics who read Heinlein are likely to admit it with an apology, acknowledging that we realize his literary merit is probably small and our weakness in enjoying his work a minor character defect. We feel we should not relish his opinionated expressions…. We note that frankly didactic literature has always had a relatively small but devoted readership, especially among those whose prejudices and biases coincide with the author's.

But Heinlein's appeal somehow seems to be broader than these general apologies account for. The fact is, though many of us disagree with Heinlein, or what we assume are Heinlein's "true" opinions, we're usually caught by the questions he raises…. [Contrary...