Daniel H. Shubin has translated and authored several books dealing with Russian biography, history, philosophy and religion, including a 4-volume History of Russian Christianity (published with Algora). Shubin has traveled extensively throughout Russia, studying the various sectarian movements.

In writing these histories and biographies, the author has relied on primary Russian-language works, especially, where appropriate, the medieval chronicles and the classic works of Russian historians.

Tsiolkovsky's most important original designs include the jet-propelled engine, the use of rockets for space travel, and dirigibles made with a metallic shield. His early calculations of rocket flight date to the end of the 19th century (published...

Tsiolkovsky's most important original designs include the jet-propelled engine, the use of rockets for space travel, and dirigibles made with a metallic shield. His early calculations of rocket flight date to the end of the 19th century (published in 1903), and his conclusions were built on a strictly scientific foundation. His studies and experiments advanced technology and science in Russia. As a teacher he became adept at explaining complex problems in vivid ways that were both clear and inspiring. This talent infused his writing, and his prose has been compared to that of Asimov, Clarke and Heinlein. His stories about travel to the moon and throughout the solar system, and his special brand of cosmic philosophy, motivated the Soviet public to dream of reaching the stars. Unique with Tsiolkovsky was his conviction that advanced life existed on other planets and his confidence in man's ability to progress toward the settlement and development of planetary systems throughout outer space. Ever a man ahead of his times, toward the end of his life Tsiolkovsky campaigned for equal rights of all citizens and the abolition of war and violence. This volume includes a biography and a selection of Tsiolkovsky's autobiographical sketches, his cosmic and socialist philosophies, and an example of his science fiction.