Step into the dazzling cosmos of the Family d’Alembert series, where circus acrobats double as super-spy heroes in a galaxy-spanning adventure! Conceived by E.E. 'Doc' Smith and brought to life by Stephen Goldin, this ten-novel saga blends the grandeur of classic space opera with the pulse-pounding thrills of espionage. Set in the year 2447, it follows the D’Alembert family, DesPlaines natives with superhuman strength and agility, as they juggle their Circus of the Galaxy performances with covert missions to save the Earth Empire.
With a thousand solar systems under threat, siblings Jules and Yvette D’Alembert leap into action, uncovering conspiracies and battling villains in a universe brimming with lasers, flying cars, and gold lamé hot-pants. If you’re craving a fun, fast-paced escape, this series is your ticket to the stars!
How Family d’Alembert Began
The series kicked off with E.E. 'Doc' Smith’s 1964 novella 'The Imperial Stars,' published in If Magazine. Smith, a pioneer of space opera known for his Lensman and Skylark series, envisioned a family of circus performers moonlighting as secret agents. After his death in 1965, the idea languished until 1974, when editor Roger Elwood tapped Stephen Goldin to expand the novella into a novel and write nine more. Goldin, a Nebula-nominated sci-fi author, built an entire universe from Smith’s framework, crafting a ten-book arc that’s distinctly his own.
The Heart of Family d’Alembert
The series opens with The Imperial Stars (1976), where Jules and Yvette tackle a galaxy-wide conspiracy threatening the Empire. Stranglers’ Moon (1976) sees them chasing a killer on a lunar colony, while The Clockwork Traitor (1977) pits them against a robotic plot to destabilize the throne. Planet of Treachery (1981) dives into a prison planet’s dark secrets, with the siblings undercover to stop escaping criminals. Each slim novel delivers action-packed plots and colorful settings, from neon-lit spaceports to high-gravity worlds.
Themes of loyalty, ingenuity, and heroism shine through, wrapped in a playful, over-the-top style. The D’Alemberts’ circus cover lets them slip into any society, blending acrobatic flair with spy craft. Goldin’s universe feels like a love letter to pulp sci-fi, with villains in red silk robes and heroes who defy gravity—literally and figuratively. Fans compare it to 'Tarzan in space' for its bold, implausible charm, making it a perfect light read for Star Wars enthusiasts craving more swashbuckling fun.
Why Family d’Alembert Resonates
Though not as famous as Smith’s Lensman series, Family d’Alembert carved a niche among space opera fans for its unapologetic exuberance. Its blend of circus spectacle and espionage offered a fresh twist on the genre, influencing later works like Goldin’s Agents of ISIS series. Readers on Goodreads praise its nostalgic joy, with some rediscovering the books decades later for just £2.50 at charity shops, calling them 'brave, exciting, and ridiculously fun.' Its fast pace masks plot holes, keeping you hooked on the D’Alemberts’ daring exploits.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to transport readers to a simpler era of sci-fi, where good triumphs and adventure reigns. It’s a testament to Goldin’s skill in expanding Smith’s vision into a cohesive saga that still sparks joy for those who find it.
- Publication Years: 1976–1985
- Number of Books: 10
- Authors: E.E. 'Doc' Smith (novella), Stephen Goldin (novels)
- Genre: Space opera, espionage
Ready to swing through the stars with Jules and Yvette? Grab The Imperial Stars and dive into the Family d’Alembert’s thrilling galaxy today!