Grand Tour (novel series)

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The Grand Tour is a series of novels written by science fiction author Ben Bova.

[edit] Summary

The novels present a theme of exploration and colonization of the solar system by humans in the late 21st century. Most of the books focus on the exploration of one particular planet or planetary moon.

Several recurring themes are presented throughout the series. In particular, most of the solar system bodies whose exploration is the focus of a particular novel are presented as having life, either past or present. Many of the expeditions which explore the planets run into serious difficulty. The protagonists of most of these books are presented as initially weak and/or lacking in ability or confidence, and as part of surviving the trials of the story become heroic.

The future humanity as depicted in the Grand Tour novel series is divided between Greens (environmentalists) and wealthy industrialists, as well as between secularists/scientists and religious fundamentalists. These conflicts generally are presented as part of a background pastiche and often set up the initial conflicts of each of the books. In addition, several of the books reference, or indeed directly deal with, conflicts between wealthy industrualists and small, independent operators seeking to exploit the solar system's vast untapped mineral wealth.

The above themes are arguably illustrative of Ben Bova's well-known views regarding capitalism and environmentalism.

[edit] List of novels, in chronological order

According to Ben Bova's official site (http://www.benbova.com) he states that the Grand Tour novels take place in this time sequence, with many of the novels overlapping.

  • Powersat (2005)
  • Empire Builders (1993)
  • Mars (1992)
  • Moonrise (1996)
  • Moonwar (1998)
  • Return to Mars (1999)
  • The Precipice (2001) (The Asteroid Wars I)
  • Jupiter (2001)
  • The Rock Rats (2002) (The Asteroid Wars II)
  • Saturn (2002)
  • Titan (2006)
  • The Silent War (2004) (The Asteroid Wars III)
  • Mercury (2005)
  • Venus (2000)
  • Tales of the Grand Tour (2004) (short stories occurring at various times throughout the series)
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