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First Lensman [Paperback]

E.E."Doc" Smith (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)

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In First Lensman, the second book in the Lensman series, we find the benevolent super beings of Arisia ready to bestow the first "lens" on a human being (which, among other things, will give humans telepathic powers). The honor goes to Virgil Samms, who will ever after be known as the "First Lensman." But it's a title that he'll have to earn by establishing the Galactic Patrol, a group that is at once powerful and incorruptible, and will protect the universe from the evil and almost-unstoppable Eddorians. If that weren't tough enough, Samms must also dodge assassination attempts at home and help his second in command Rod "The Rock" Kinnison win the presidency of North America. And that's just the beginning of his troubles. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspired a plethora of modern sci-fi books, films and comics Jun 27 2004
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The Lensmen stories were full of many firsts. It was the first true space opera. It was the first sci-fi "epic". And of course, the Lensmen were the first true "superheroes", in classic, altruistic "comic book" sense.

So, you'll find much that you recognize here because you've already seen it from derivative sources. Just remember that THIS ONE is the original and the others are the ones inspired by it.

The Space Patrol of old-time radio, George Lucas' Jedi Knights, DC Comics' universe-protecting Green Lantern Corps, and many, many others all owe a huge debt to these excellent, pulpy reads.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Peerless Reading Jun 1 2004
By J. Mahaffie
Format:Paperback
This series is on my short list for best all time reads. Fast moving, galactic in scope, and broadly interesting. Smith wrote characters who called a spade a spade and were unflinching and unapologetic in their opposition to evil no matter how composited...very refreshing in these PC times we now live in where good is called evil and evil is called good and "good men" find plenty of excuses to "do nothing". ("All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797))

Interestingly, it's true that Smith's characters aren't "deep" by today's science fiction standards; however their actions speak volumes about their motivations.

If you truly enjoy a story excellently told, get this series! You won't regret it.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Skip the Clute review, read the book! April 1 2004
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I liked the book a lot. It's clear though, that John Clute doesn't like Doc Smith and would rather be reading a Jane Austen novel. Skip Clute's intro and go for the main event!
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Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Paced--leaves me panting and dizzy with excitement1
Smith rewove his spell with his second prequel to the Lensmen books. I confess that I have never read anything so energetic and face paced; in fact, every chapter is a novelette in... Read more
Published on Jan 22 2003 by Kendal B. Hunter
5.0 out of 5 stars A great series
One of the only 6-book series I've enjoyed enough to finish. Highly recommended.
Published on Nov 28 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars If only I were reading it for the first time..
I was a little kid when I read this book, but seeing it again reminded me of what a great series it is part of. It was all created by Edward E. "Doc" Smith, Ph.D. Read more
Published on July 30 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars The best science fiction i`ve ever read
I hope that anywhone of the movie makers will film the lensmen stories They will beat starwars and startrek for miles
Published on Jan 17 2002 by Rainer Becker
5.0 out of 5 stars Return to a more innocent future....
Yes, the writing is sexist. Yes, the style is dated. What was once original and cutting edge seems clumsy and cliched, but it is we who have changed. Read more
Published on Dec 16 2001 by Kenny Thomas
3.0 out of 5 stars Let's Not Go Overboard
"Best SF Ever"? I don't think so, but it did start the whole
Space Opera genre and for that we should be grateful. Read more
Published on Dec 11 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars A series all true SF fans MUST read
Space opera as an art form from the golden age of SF. E.E.Doc Smith (a Dr. of nutrition of all things!) wrote one of the best (if somewhat dated) SF series. Read more
Published on Dec 6 2001 by Richard C. Drew
4.0 out of 5 stars The beginning of an empire...
This book chronicles the founding of the Galactic Patrol, and sets the stage for the Lensman books to follow. I read it because of Babylon 5 creator J. Read more
Published on Oct 15 1999 by Michael Salsbury
5.0 out of 5 stars An EXCELLENT series, strongly recommended.
I have read the entire series of Lensman Novels, and I believe the books to be the best I have EVER read, and believe me, I have read a lot of Science Fiction. Read more
Published on Jun 2 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
I have read all german Editions from the Lensmen Cycle. Now I've read the Original Edition and was really disapointed for our German Translators. Read more
Published on Mar 26 1999
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