The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Posted by R. Berg July 03, 2001In reply to The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress posted by ESC on July 02, 2001

This tilte is both a book: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein and a song: music and lyrics: Jimmy Webb (1974; White Oak Songs/ASCAP). Does anyone know the origin of the title?

Heinlein seems to have invented it. I couldn't find any older reference. Anybody else?

I'll check my references. But I think that's a really looney title.

Would that be a LUNAR title? Heinlein's novel takes place on the moon, a difficult place to live. One can call the moon a harsh mistress in the same way that a sailor might say the sea is a harsh mistress. Mistress instead of master because the moon is traditionally classified as feminine.

Replies

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress ESC 07/03/01
- The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress R. Berg 07/04/01
  - The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress Markitos 07/31/01