The novels present a theme of
exploration and colonization of the
solar system by humans in the late 21st century. Most of the books focus on the exploration of one particular
planet or
planetary moon.
Several recurring themes are presented throughout the series. In particular, most of the solar system bodies whose exploration is the focus of a particular novel are presented as having
life, either past or present. Many of the expeditions which explore the planets run into serious difficulty. The
protagonists of most of these books are presented as initially weak and/or lacking in ability or confidence, and as part of surviving the trials of the story become
heroic.
The future humanity as depicted in the
Grand Tour novel series is divided between
Greens (
environmentalists) and wealthy
industrialists, as well as between
secularists/scientists and religious
fundamentalists. These conflicts generally are presented as part of the background and often set up the initial conflicts of each of the books. In addition, several of the books reference, or indeed directly deal with, conflicts between wealthy industrialists and small, independent operators seeking to exploit the solar system's vast untapped mineral wealth.
The above themes are arguably illustrative of
Ben Bova's well-known views regarding
capitalism and
environmentalism.
