The Lives of Lazarus Long

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The Lives of Lazarus Long (Original title: Time Enough for Love ) is a science fiction - novel by Robert A. Heinlein from the year 1973. In it, the story of Lazarus Long is told, a man who the oldest living person in the world is.

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The novel begins in the 43rd century, while Lazarus Long, who was born Woodrow Wilson Smith on November 11, 1912 , is still physically young and the oldest person in the world.

Lazarus' above average lifespan is due to its origin from one of the so-called Howard families. These are families in which - supported by a foundation founded by Ira Howard - began a selective breeding program in the 19th century , the aim of which was to extend human life.

Even if his overwhelming strength and health seem great, Lazarus has now grown tired of his life and decides that it is now time for him to die.

After attempting suicide, he is rescued by Ira Weatherall, chairman of the Howard Foundation, and persuades him to postpone his suicide so that Lazarus can tell him about various of his past adventures that have not yet been recorded for posterity.

During that time, his descendants should offer him a completely new experience; if they fail, Lazarus will take his own life.

The following stories lead the life of Lazarus at different points in time and time periods, from America in the 20th century to the colonization of new planetary systems, times when Lazarus was an actor, musician, beggar, farmer, priest, pilot, politician, cheater, gambler, doctor, lawyer , Banker, merchant, soldier, electronics technician, mechanic, restaurateur, investor, brothel owner and slave.

Finally, Lazarus is offered a journey through time , and he gains new courage to face life through the multitude of possible travel destinations. Ultimately, he decides to travel to the period between 1919 and 1929. However, a malfunction verschlägt him in the year 1916. Under the name Theodore Bronson he will intervene with his own family and sleeping in the course with his own mother Maureen Johnson.

Thereupon Lazarus goes into the First World War and is fatally injured on the western front , but his time-traveling descendants intervene at the last moment and save him.

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First editions of both versions in English:

German editions:

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