stars, until I die. The last Heinlein novel published in his life was To Sail Beyond the Sunset, which included and drew its title from this quote. To real people Several characters appear to be Tuckerizations of science fiction and fantasy authors, including George R.R. Martin. The colony's Governor-General, Lawrence Cott, is clearly a reference to Larry Niven (whose full name is Laurence van Cott Niven), and Cott's lifemate, Perry Jarnell, is equally clearly a play on Niven's frequent collaborator, Jerry Pournelle. The quotes that begin chapters seventeen and eighteen are attributed to "Anson McDonald", on the occasion of "Anson McDonald Day". Anson McDonald is one of Heinlein's pseudonyms, and the afterword states that these quotes are actually Robert Heinlein's, delivered on Robert Heinlein Day. The works of the artist Alex Grey and various jazz musicians, notably the saxophonists Stan Getz and Colin MacDonald, are discussed in the novel. The ship is named after the late science fiction author Charles Sheffield. References External links Official site 1955 American novels 2006 American novels Novels by Robert A. Heinlein American science fiction novels Tor Books books