Triplanetary

The Lensmen series comprises the following books: 1 - Triplanetary 2 - First Lensman 3 - Galactic Patrol 4 - Gray Lensman 5 - Second-Stage Lensman 6 - Children of the Lens Without exaggeration, the "Galactic Patrol" series is one of the greatest classic space epics ever written, it's one of the greatest archetypes of the genre as a whole, and virtually all of the modern masters of the genre have paid open homage to it. Originally appearing as a series of pulps in "Astounding Science Fiction" magazine back in the 1930's & 1940's, and later re-published in 1948 with several new introductory chapters added to the front of Triplanetary (book 1), this series, along with the other great classics of the day (Flash Gordon, and John Carter of Mars) influenced an entire generation of readers, some of whom later went on to become Masters of the genre in their own right. * The hit series Babylon 5, for instance, is a direct homage to the Galactic Patrol, and is very loosely based on it (re: Vorlons vs Shadows = Arisians vs Eddorians, Rangers = Galactic Patrol, etc.) * Star Wars too, is an indirect homage to early Sci Fi pulp action tales like GP. * Gene Roddenberry, in all probability drew deeply from this series for inspiration, when he created the United Federation of Planets in Star Trek. Although few people seem to make mention of it today, the Galactic Patrol tales USED to be omnipresent back in the 50's - radio shows, product tie-ins, kids playing 'patrol' in their back yards, you name it. It was essentially the Star Wars of our parent's and grandparent's generation. Galactic Patrol successfully combined the best aspects of several genres: * ACTION/THRILLER: the heroes and villains alike are all 2-fisted hard charging lead-from-the-font types, and the pace of action is relentless. * MELODRAMA: Classic period dialog, straight out of the 20's 30's & 40's. Perfect fodder from the golden age of radio ... chock full of exclamation marks and purple prose. * EPIC/ADVENTURE: Wide eyed wonder on a grand scale, replete with hard science and bug-eyed monsters. What more can you ask for ? Sure, a lot of the science doesn't stand up to close scrutiny, and the male/female gender roles are a bit dated by today's standards, but who cares ? That's all part of it's charm. Besides, this is all about high drama, action adventure, and pure concentrated escapism. These are the sort of books you read when life has you down, and you need to get away from it all, to a world where the action is fast, the rewards are immediate, and where the good guys win in the end, against impossible odds. Highly recommended.

This was the first "Doc" Smith book I ever found, back when his stuff was being reprinted in the late sixties and early seventies. I've been hooked on his writing ever since, even written some in the same vein (unpublished, unfortunately). Every book of his that I've seen, including this one, I've bought and read, usually over and over. Doc's ideas that good and evil DO exist, and that villains really are nasty, sometimes creepy, types, are ones that are probably outdated now, but I still think they're valid, and I intend to keep after the few of his books I've been unable to get ahold of.

Brain set to off position. Enjoy. Brings tears to my eyes when I'm not shaking my head with chagrin. I read this series in 6th grade and have dreamed of larger than life space heros ever since. As an adult, I find it more comical than moving sometimes, but the Lensman saga fills the reader with big dreams not small ones. Accept: Incorruptablity is possible, absolute goodness and truth exist, the bad guys know they are bad but don't care, killing bad guys is good, the more technology you have the better off you are. If you are ok with these then you will love this series.

E.E.Smith's "Triplanetary series was my first experience with Science-Fiction some(Ye Gods!)45 years ago. Everything is larger than life in Triplanetary. People have unheard of abilities. The "Good" seems of a better quality. "Evil" is universe-threatening. The scope of things is extended. The cast of characters clutters up human history from Atlantis to...... Better not tell the ending. Better not mess with the red-headed men and women characters in this!!! A great read. makes you think that human beings can overcome anything! I think that this series would lend itself wonderfully to a "Star Wars" type series of movies. The mind is the great weopon here and the ability to solve problems. America could use the inspiration from such movies.