Step into the cosmic battlefield of the Lensman series, where interstellar heroes wield mind-bending powers to save the universe! Written by E.E. 'Doc' Smith, this pioneering space opera blends epic stakes, dazzling technology, and a timeless clash of good versus evil. From its 1930s origins in pulp magazines to its lasting influence on sci-fi, Lensman is a thrilling ride through the stars.
How Lensman Began
In the late 1920s, E.E. 'Doc' Smith, a food engineer with a Ph.D. in chemistry, dreamed up a 'space-police' saga inspired by classic cops-and-robbers tales. His vision crystallized in 1937 with Galactic Patrol, serialized in Astounding Stories. Smith later expanded the universe with prequels like Triplanetary (1948) and First Lensman (1950), weaving a sprawling narrative that captivated readers during science fiction’s Golden Age.
The Heart of Lensman
The series follows the Lensmen, elite members of the Galactic Patrol, who wear the Lens—a semi-living device granting telepathic powers—to fight the evil Eddorians and their Boskone empire. Key books include Triplanetary, which sets the stage with a two-billion-year conflict between the Arisians and Eddorians; Galactic Patrol, introducing hero Kimball Kinnison’s battle against space pirates; Gray Lensman, where Kinnison infiltrates Boskone’s stronghold; and Children of the Lens, culminating in the ultimate showdown with the Eddorians. Themes of heroism, duty, and moral clarity shine through, wrapped in Smith’s vivid, action-packed prose.
The setting spans two galaxies, with imaginative tech like inertialess drives and planet-crushing weapons. While some find the dialogue dated or female characters underdeveloped, the series’ sheer scope and inventive aliens—like the dragon-like Worsel—keep it exhilarating. It’s a saga of cosmic proportions, blending high-stakes adventure with philosophical musings on civilization’s evolution.
Why Lensman Resonates
Lensman’s influence is undeniable, shaping modern sci-fi from Star Wars to the Green Lantern comics, which echo its cosmic guardians. George Lucas and J. Michael Straczynski have cited Smith’s work as inspiration, and the series’ tropes—like hyperspace and galaxy-spanning conflicts—became genre staples. Fans still cherish its nostalgic charm, with conventions like Boskone named in its honor. Despite its 1930s roots, Lensman’s bold imagination endures, inviting new readers to explore its universe.
- Publication Years: 1937–1954 (serialized), 1948–1960 (books)
- Number of Books: 7, including Masters of the Vortex
- Awards: Runner-up for the 1966 Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series
Grab Galactic Patrol and blast off into Lensman’s thrilling space opera! Whether you’re a sci-fi veteran or a curious newcomer, this classic saga awaits with adventure at every turn.