Review by Larry Stanley

Finally, I get to read this one. As nothing more then a collection of Heinlein's short stories and a few essays from his career, Expanded Universe would still be better then half a dozen other books on the market today.
The fact that most of the stories and even some of the articles have been reprinted from earlier work is not a problem, like a fine wine they just get better with age. Presented in the order they first appeared, the stories when mixed with Heinlein's own comments and explanations have a much deeper impact on his fans and do well to introduce the mind as well as the talent to new readers. It also gives a look into the growth pattern of Science Fiction that Heinlein helped to usher in.
And the stories are still as tough and hard-core as they were when first published. Such as "Solution Unsatisfactory", detailing a WW2 that ends much differently, leading into a Cold War a lot more harsh and dangerous then what we dealt with in reality.
Heinlein was not overly trusting of the Soviet Union. In "Pravda Means Truth" he talks about the problems and dangers of a state-run media and how it can and will direct and influence the people who listen and read it. This was based on his own travels to Russia during the time Francis Gary Powers' U2 was shot down. Also, "Inside Intourist" talks about Heinlein's times with the Soviet agency of tourism where all travel must be arranged.
And while Heinlein never insults the people of Russia or it's former satellite nations, he has very little use for the form of government or the dangers her people face from their own leaders.
It is tough to not respect Robert Heinlein. He never backed down from his convictions or his beliefs. He knew what he wanted to say, and he was not afraid to say it. And in Expanded Universe you get to the heart of Heinlein's ideals quite quickly. And while it is true that his belief in America as a Nation is strong, his belief in a world united is just as strong.
Heinlein was a patriot. He also seemed to feel that the American way of life was worth preserving, and sharing with others.
His worries over nuclear war are apparent, as were his worries over the actions of the Soviet Union. His total distrust of them is easy to see in almost all of his writing. The scary thing is, many of the comments he makes about the "Evil Empire" could just as easily be transferred to many of the enemies of America and freedom we face today.
Heinlein wrote about the future. Several different ones in fact, some of the good and some bad but all of them with one thing showing through above all else. That the spirit of freedom and the strength of the individual would always shine through.
If you have not read Expanded Universe, go out now and get a copy. And buy a copy for a friend, marking the essay "Who Are the Heirs of Patrick Henry" so they will be certain to read that one.