The best of Robert Heinlein Book

Three short stories and a novella, that's all that this book has. But the impact it has on the mind of the reader is quite incredible. It's even more hard to accept since these stories had been written at a time when, in the words of Peter R. Weston, science fiction was considered pretty disreputable!
The first story selected for this slim volume is 'Lifeline'. Written in 1939 it was the author's first published story. But WHAT a wry, dark story this one is! Without delving on so-called science, it's a careful study of expectations of humanity, regarding life, and death. As a short story, it's superb, and remains powerful.
'The Roads Must Roll' is part of Heinlein's 'Future History' series. The science part is pretty hard. But the life-force of this story is study of human characters in the middle of crisis. Despite being published in 1940 you may read it even now as a story without all the trappings of so-called sci-fi, to enjoy the grit.
'And He Built a Crooked House', published in 1940, is a very funny story. Heinlein should have given us more of such gems.
'The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag', published in 1942, is one of the most dark, silently visceral, and claustrophobic novellas that I have read. If you are yet to read this one, I strongly urge you to rectify the situation.
Overall, this slim volume was a genuine trait. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all readers who appreciate solid stories with believable characters and sharp observations.