Start here for the Lensman universe
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Doc Smith's "Lensman" series is one of those strange cases where almost everything the reviews say -- both good and bad -- is true. The key lies in sentence found in so many of them: "I first read this when I was a kid". I think we all retain an affection for things we loved when we were young. Nonetheless, it would be a big mistake to think these books hold nothing for adults -- I've introduce them to an adult friend who enjoyed them immensely.
I, too, first met Kim Kinnison when I was a kid, in the original "Astounding" magazines that I inherited from my uncle.
Chronologically, the first Lensman story was "Galactic Patrol", from 1937-38. This was followed by the next three stories: Gray Lensman, Second Stage Lensmen and Children of the Lens. When publication in book form was mooted, Smith revised his earlier Triplanetary to fit into the lensman universe, and wrote First Lensman to form a bridge between that and "Galactic Patrol". Masters of the Vortex, another unrelated story, was likewise modified.
I personally feel that the four books representing Smith's original conception are the essential ones, and the others are disposable ("Vortex", in particular, being a pot-boiler with virtually no relation to the others). Although "First Lensman" certainly has entertaining moments (as when Virgil Samms is almost deafened at a Rigellian construction site, because the Rigellians have no sense of hearing and can't understand what the problem is).
There's another problem with the books, although fortunately not an insuperable one. Smith's universe, although already huge at the outset of "Galactic Patrol", expands as the series progresses. Originally, the reader didn't discover the total significance of the struggles going on within it until the end of "Children". But the books (except, for some inscrutable reason, "Patrol") feature tacked-on and needless Forewords that give away the whole plot. I *strongly* recommend first-time readers to skip these. Also, if you've never read Smith before, I, too, recommend starting with "Patrol" -- "Triplanetary" is not nearly as good, neither is it "really" the first.
Smith's dated (and sometimes banal) style has been an easy target, but it has some lovely moments as well:
"Near them there crouched or huddled or lay at ease a many-tentacled creature indescribable to man. It was not like an octopus. Though spiny, it did not resemble at all closely a sea-cucumber. Nor, although it was scaly and toothy and wingy, was it, save in the vaguest possible way, similar to a lizard, a sea-serpent or a vulture. Such a description by negatives is, of course, pitifully inadequate; but, unfortunately, it is the best that can be done."
If you want mind-boggling adventure, ever-expanding vistas, BEMs and battle laid on with a trowel, you need go no further. For my money, the depth and invention of Smith's universe, and the sheer glee with which he unfolds his narrative, more than compensate for any deficiencies. These are books I will always love.
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The definitive Space Opera
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Almost my first SF experience, way too many years ago to think about, however after recently re-reading it I remembered why it captured my imagination and triggered my love of SF. Its the start of a wonderful expansive journey, spanning many generations and whilst characters come and go the underlying theme, leading to the final installment, remains. Its got aliens of every kind, goodies and baddies, big space battles, even bigger weapons, hero's and heroines, romance.....space opera at its very best. Do not expect to be intellectually challenged, or to look for deep stuff......just enjoy the entertainment and the ride (and pause to remember when this was first written).....and do remember to read the series in order starting with this one.!
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The Original Beginning of the Lensman Series
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Originally published as a multi-part serial in the late 1930s by the great John W. Campbell in Astounding Science Fiction this was the original begining of the classic Lensman series. I recently reread it after *mumble*mumble* years and found it to be pretty much as I remembered it: a storyline that just doesn't stop once it starts (to quote John Clute). Personally, I would suggest starting with this one, reading the rest - but skipping the Smith intro in the subsequent volumes; read 'em like the folks in the 1930s and 1940s did - not knowing the BIg Story behind it all. (Of course I'm rather prejudiced about these books . . .)
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