Orphans of the Sky

Orphans of the Sky, Robert Heinlein One of the best-known books of its type, Heinlein’s Orphans of the Sky was originally published in Astounding Science Fiction in May and October 1941, and collected in novel form in 1963. In it, a generation ship named Vanguard is headed for “Far Centaurus” when a mutiny kills off most of the crew. Centuries later, the descendants of the original passengers don’t realize that what they’re on is a starship and have regressed technologically. Later still, Hugh Hoyland is captured by a gang of “muties” (mutated humans), and comes to realize that what he the truth of his world. As he tries to convince his fellow passengers, violence ensues.