On similar lines- I only have First Lensman at the moment- as a prequel, is it worth me bothering reading this first, or should I get hold of the other books first?
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| Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=3203 |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Tue Aug 10, 2004 4:19 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
Hi Guys (And PP in particular), ------------------ And I can't let a thread like this go without discussing the subject of my scholarly obsession, Edward E. "Doc" Smith. Smith invented the space opera in his Skylark of Space, written back in 1919. This story is fun in its way, but I prefer his magnum opus, the huge Lensman series. Too large in scope to fit into a single book, Doc divided it up into four seperate volumes (each of which was serialized in several parts): Galactic Patrol, Gray Lensman, Second Stage Lensmen, and Children of the Lens. When the hardcover editions were publiched in the late forties and early fifties, two prequels were added. I maintain that the prequels are interesting, but ultimately unnecessary to the plot of the original series. In fact, the first volume, Triplanetary, is deadly boring (along the lines of the Silmarillion) if you don't already know the main story. The main part of the series follows the development of Kimball Kinnison, Lensman of the Galactic Patrol, as he battles Boskone, a conspiracy bent on subverting civilization into dictatorship and enslavement. Boskone's methods are both direct (giant space fleets and ur-Death Stars) and subtle (corruption and drugs), and Kinnison must learn to adapt to each new tactic if he is to save civilization. We see an arms race as each faction introduces new technologies into their fleets which the other must discover if they are to survive. I won't reveal too much of the plot, but let me just say that the totality of the series is far greater than the sum of its parts, the overall plot structure of the main series is a large part of what makes it so seminal and unique. No one had ever created an SF series like this, with a plot that stretched, deliberately, over several books. Recommended reading order. Because of the bizarre publication history of the Lensman series, there are different opinions about the correct reading order. Here's what I recommend: Read the original four books, Galactic Patrol, Gray Lensman, Second Stage Lensmen, Children of the Lens, first, and in that presented order. SKIP any prologues or introductions that may be found in these books; they give away the ending. Then, if you enjoyed the main series, tackle the prequels, Triplanetary and First Lensman. Clear Ether! -------------- -Ethan. | |
| Author: | stormseer [ Tue Aug 10, 2004 5:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
On similar lines- I only have First Lensman at the moment- as a prequel, is it worth me bothering reading this first, or should I get hold of the other books first?
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Wed Aug 11, 2004 4:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
I started reading Galactic Patrol. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | Pariah Press [ Sat Aug 14, 2004 6:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
Well, yeah, read Galactic Patrol first. I'd really get ahold of Gray Lensman before you continue at that point, as the series really is a story with a beginning, middle and end, with Gray Lensman being a good chunk of the "middle" part. First Lensman has plenty to offer. It could probably be read as a stand-alone book. There are quite a few scenes that explain some of the stuff in the "later"/(earlier) books that might be a bit weird, but it's overall pretty well-integrated. The mining scene in particular is quite vivid. Go for it. This really is one of the best series of all time. The writing takes some getting used to, it's very Victorian-style. Remember, Smith was born in 1890 and was fed on Verne and Wells and suchlike authors. Hang in there, get used to the style, and watch the epic unfold. Clear Ether, Ethan |
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| Author: | stormseer [ Sat Aug 14, 2004 10:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
Cheers PP... onto the 'to read soon' pile it goes... 
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| Author: | Pariah Press [ Thu Aug 19, 2004 2:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
Cheers. let me know what you think. |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Thu Aug 19, 2004 4:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
Hi PP and Gang, I'm currently on chapter 9 of Galactic Patrol and am enjoying it very much. They wrote books with strong plots back then. I really like the 1950s-era-like scientific jargon as well. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | Pariah Press [ Fri Aug 20, 2004 5:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
Yes. A lot of fun. I've been inspired to reread the series yet again. I'm about halfway through Gray Lensman (I skipped the prequels again, as I do about half of the time) and having fun as usual. I may need to get the Galactic Patrol Technical Manual project underway again! 
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Fri Aug 20, 2004 6:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
I just finished Galactic Patrol and was a bit disappointed in what I felt was an anti-climactic ending. It was good novel though... felt like pulps presented in a monthly chapter form. I think I'm going to read Treason by Orson Scott Card next. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | Pariah Press [ Sat Aug 21, 2004 2:37 am ] |
| Post subject: | Lensman Sci-fi Book Series... |
I do think that Galactic Patrol violates the usual structure of western storytelling in that there is no conclusion at the end. Introduction, conflict, climax, THE END. Still, it's important to remember that the structure of the story stretches over all four of the original books; this can sometimes lead to a few irregularities. Fans of Tolkien will remember similar experiences. Damn, I can't believe I haven't plugged my Lensman Website, Z9M9Z, yet! I run the best damned Lensman site on the web, IMNSHO! Enjoy. |
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