Forward, Robert L. Dragon's Egg. NY: Del Rey, 1995 (originally published in 1980). 345pp. $5.99 (paper). 79-21269. ISBN 0-345-31666-5. C.I.P.
This novel tells the story of a interstellar mission to a neutron star in the constellation Draco, the Dragon. The expedition sets out to explore the physics of a relatively nearby neutron star, but soon realizes that the star, Dragon's Egg, is populated! An intelligent species, the cheela, has evolved under incredibly harsh conditions. The novel chronicles the difficulties the humans and the cheela have in communicating with one another—for example, individual cheela live for only minutes of human time. Forward is a research physicist, and his books are packed with authentic science. From the details of the neutron star's discovery to the cheela's unique genetics, this book offers a wealth of scientific information, as well as speculation. The plot, which boils down to "do we save the cheela from extinction or leave for Earth and save our own necks?" is not particularly imaginative, but Dragon's Egg is still a good read. There's even an appendix to explain the more technical items. This novel is straightforward science fiction in the style of Heinlein and Clarke. There is no bad language, gratuitous sex, or violence, so teachers should be able to use Dragon's Egg in class with little problem.—John J. Wheaton, St. Francis High School, Louisville, KY
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