Stranger in a Strange Land

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1961, Robert Heinlein's «Stranger in a Strange Land» became one of the most influential science fiction books of its time. The novel tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a man raised by Martians who returns to Earth and confronts human culture. The book raises important questions about religion, sexuality, politics, and human nature. It had a significant impact on the 1960s counterculture, inspiring the hippie movement and contributing to the development of alternative religious and philosophical currents. «Stranger in a Strange Land» also helped popularize science fiction as a genre capable of exploring profound social and philosophical themes.