The Seminal Status of "Doc" Smith's Lensman Series

[jordan179]

E. E. "Doc" Smith is today sometimes dismissed as "merely" a pulp science fiction writer who produced "cliche" space operas. What is not commonly realized is the extent to which he actually originated many ideas which were so widely copied by other writers that they became "cliche." Here is a quick and brief listing of some of his most important

Comments

E.E. Smith newbie

[oscillon]

I have never read any E. E. Smith. I went to find one to try and am somewhat confused as to where to start. Is Galactic Patrol a good starting point?

Re: E.E. Smith newbie

[jordan179]

Yes, Galactic Patrol is a really good place to start. After that comes Gray Lensman, Second Stage Lensman, and CHildren of the Lens. There are three other books in that universe, but two (Triplanetary and First Lensman are prequels; the third Masters of the Vortex is a standalone side story. They're all good.

Re: E.E. Smith newbie

[oscillon]

You can purchase electronic versions of most of Smith's work at http://www.fictionwise.com (all hail the pocket-pc! savior of my sanity!)

:)

[ivman2811]

В целом, афтар четко накреативил!