GALLERY OF SPACE FICTION BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
Besides science fiction, a category of space fiction exists based on contemporary space technology. In this category were the books pictured above. MAROONED is especially noteworthy since a movie based on its plot thrilled the public during the manned Apollo moon landings.
The novel MAROONED by Martin Caidin (Bantam Books) was first published in 1964 shortly after the configuration of the command module was finalized. The movie appeared in theaters in early 1970. During the rescue of Apollo 13, the movie was showing in Houston, Texas. Many events in the movie ironically paralleled the rescue of the Apollo 13 crew in April of 1970.
MEN INTO SPACE by Murray Leinster was published in 1960 by Berkley Publishing Corporation. Its plot deals with the conquest of outer space beginning with the rockets of the late 1950s. The progression continues with space platforms and spaceships. The conclusion deals with successful attempts to land on the Moon and Mars. MEN INTO SPACE was based on a television series starring William Lundigan.
