title: The Starflight Handbook: A Pioneer's Guide to Interstellar Travel
author:  Eugene F. Mallove 
description: The first popular compilation, in book form, of scientific and engineering knowledge about interstellar travel. A working guide for the would-be star traveler, this book concentrates on current and proposed propulsion systems that might be applied to starflight. Provides a compendium of interstellar concepts, formulas, and reference material, including discussions of interstellar navigation, communication systems for sending data, relativistic effects in starflight, and effects of the interstellar medium. Mathematical and other detailed technical developments are separated from the main text, relegating them to accessible ^boxes that can be glanced over.
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  [Contents](0743435567_toc.htm)
  
  # **CHAPTER SEVEN**
  
  ### **Thomas Cook & Company: Almanac of Interstellar Travel:**
  
  > **Transit times for standard merchant charter:**  
  >  (Standard Terran month of 30 days)  
  > Earth-Sparta (via Tanith): **6 months**  
  >  Tanith-New Washington/Franklin system: **4 __ months**  
  > New Washington-Sparta (via Tanith): **9 months**  
  >   _all travel times may be reduced by 50% or more for naval couriers,
  > warships or assault transports._
  
  * * *
  
  > When bad men combine, the good must associate; otherwise they will fall, one
  > by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.
  >
  > Edmund Burke,  
  >  _Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents_
  
  * * *
  
  > Further, war, which is simply the subjection of all life and property to one
  > momentary aim, is morally vastly superior to the mere violent egoism of the
  > individual; it develops power in the service of a supreme general idea and
  > u