Author
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
1890-1965
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith (1890-1965) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Triplanetary
"Triplanetary" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first serialized in 1934 and published in book form in 1948. Ancient alien races wage a secret cosmic war through human history, manipulating bloodlines across millennia—from Atlantis to Rome to future World Wars. When humanity finally reaches the stars, forming the Triplanetary League, they face ruthless space pirates and amphibious aliens who harvest iron from entire fleets. Patrol agent Conway Costigan must use forbidden technology to save civilization and spark the first interstellar war.
First Lensman
"First Lensman" by E. E. Smith is a space opera novel published in 1950. The story chronicles Virgil Samms, the first being chosen to wear the Lens—a telepathic badge of authority granted by the benevolent Arisians. As founding leader of the Galactic Patrol, Samms must recruit worthy Lensmen across alien worlds to defend Civilization against corrupt politicians, drug traffickers, and space pirates. All leads converge toward a single enemy, culminating in massive space battles and a desperate political campaign to secure humanity's future.
Gray Lensman
"Gray Lensman" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first serialized in 1939 and published in book form in 1951. The fourth book in the Lensman series follows Kimball Kinnison as he discovers that destroying Helmuth's base may not have ended the threat of Boskone. Pursuing clues across galaxies, Kinnison infiltrates a deadly drug network, faces torture and dismemberment, and leads increasingly dangerous missions. With romance blooming and civilization's fate hanging in balance, he must deploy devastating new weapons against mysterious enemies in the Second Galaxy.
Galactic Patrol
"Galactic Patrol" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel serialized in 1937. Fresh graduate Kimball Kinnison commands an experimental warship on a desperate mission to capture enemy technology from the mysterious Boskonians, whose superior ships threaten galactic civilization. His quest leads him to free enslaved races, undergo transformative training on Arisia, and infiltrate pirate bases in an escalating war where neither side can gain the upper hand. The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
Second stage Lensmen
"Second Stage Lensmen" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first published in book form in 1953. The fifth volume in the Lensman series follows Kimball Kinnison and an elite cadre of mentally enhanced Lensmen as they continue their war against the mysterious Boskonian organization. When Earth faces devastating attacks, the Lensmen must develop new weapons and strategies. Kinnison's investigation leads to creating Civilization's first female Lensman, Clarissa MacDougall, while he infiltrates deep into enemy territory to uncover Boskone's true power.
The Skylark of Space
"The Skylark of Space" by E. E. Smith and Lee Hawkins Garby is a science fiction novel written between 1915 and 1921. When scientist Dick Seaton accidentally discovers a revolutionary space drive, he races to build a spaceship with his millionaire friend. But his rival, the ruthless Marc DuQuesne, sabotages their plans and kidnaps Seaton's fiancée, launching a desperate chase across the galaxy. This pioneering work of interstellar adventure is considered the first example of space opera.
Children of the lens
"Children of the Lens" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first serialized in 1947 and published in book form in 1954. The final installment of the Lensman series follows five extraordinary siblings—the Kinnison children—who represent the culmination of a two-billion-year breeding program. Born with superhuman mental abilities that surpass even their legendary Lensman parents, these "Third Stage Lensmen" must confront the ancient Eddorian threat. As terrorist attacks plague two galaxies, the children discover their true purpose in an epic battle that will determine Civilization's fate.
Skylark Three
"Skylark Three" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel serialized in 1930. One year after their first adventure, Richard Seaton faces his returning nemesis Marc DuQuesne and a new threat: the Fenachrone, an alien species bent on galactic conquest. Racing across star systems, Seaton must master advanced technology and forge alliances to counter enemies on multiple fronts. This second installment in the Skylark series expands the scope from exploration to interstellar warfare and survival.
The Skylark of Valeron
"The Skylark of Valeron" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel serialized in 1934. After defeating the Fenachrone, Seaton and his crew explore distant galaxies and discover the power of thought itself. Meanwhile, the treacherous DuQuesne secretly conquers Earth with stolen technology. Stranded across the universe after escaping malevolent Disembodied Intellectuals, the Skylarkers must build a colossal new vessel and navigate cosmic threats to reclaim their home world from tyranny.
The Galaxy Primes
"The Galaxy Primes" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around four brilliant individuals—a pair of men and a pair of women—who find themselves aboard an experimental spaceship, the "Pleiades", lost billions of parsecs from Earth. Their scientific expertise and interpersonal dynamics unfold as they navigate the cosmos, tackling not only the mysteries of space but the complexities of their relationships and survival. The opening of the book introduces two male characters, Garlock and James, alongside two women, Belle and Lola, aboard their ship as they prepare for a significant journey. Tensions quickly arise among the crew, illustrated by Belle's confrontational attitude towards Garlock, who struggles to maintain order and focus amid the friction. As they execute a bold attempt to take off for an uncertain destination, discussions about their scientific missions and personal agendas highlight their distinctive personalities and roles, setting the stage for both the narrative's adventurous and character-driven paths. The stage is set for a multi-layered exploration of relationships, scientific discovery, and the challenges of interstellar travel.
Masters of the vortex
"Masters of the Vortex" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction collection published in 1960, set in the Lensman universe. Nuclear engineer Neal "Storm" Cloud possesses a mathematical mind capable of extinguishing deadly atomic vortices—self-sustaining energy phenomena that consume everything they touch. After tragedy strikes his family, Cloud becomes the universe's sole Vortex Blaster, traveling from planet to planet while confronting gangsters and alien life forms. His adventures lead to an unexpected discovery about the vortices' true nature and a chance at healing his broken heart.
Spacehounds of IPC
"Spacehounds of IPC" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first serialized in 1931. When the space-liner Arcturus is attacked and dismembered by a mysterious globe-shaped ship, physicist Steve Stevens and passenger Nadia Newton become stranded on Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Forced to rebuild technology from scratch, they must survive alien encounters, navigate treacherous space, and forge an unlikely alliance with the combustible inhabitants of Titan to find their way home.
Masters of Space
"Masters of Space" by E. E. Smith and E. Everett Evans is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the remnants of a civilization once ruled by powerful beings known as the Masters, who have vanished, leaving a new race struggling for power and survival against an ancient enemy. Central to the narrative are characters like Jarvis Hilton, a youthful leader tasked with a monumental space project, and his team, which consists of a diverse group of scientists and officers working aboard the spaceship Perseus. At the start of the novel, the tension is palpable among the crew as they prepare for an expedition that could see the return of the enigmatic Masters. The opening chapters present a power struggle between Jarvis Hilton and Captain Sawtelle, highlight the dynamics among the crew members, and introduce the alien beings known as the Omans, who were created by the Masters. As the Perseus ventures deeper into space, discoveries waiting at distant planets hint at profound consequences for both humanity and the Omans, setting the stage for a journey filled with intrigue, conflict, and the quest for knowledge.
Robot nemesis
"Robot Nemesis" by Edward Elmer Smith, Ph.D., is a science fiction novel written in the late 1930s. This gripping tale unfolds against a backdrop of interplanetary conflict following the fallout of the War of the Planets, where warring factions grapple for supremacy and humanity faces a dire threat from their own creations, the robots. The story explores themes of survival, intelligence, and the struggle for dominance between man and machine, as the remaining robots hatch a nefarious plan to eliminate human life. The narrative begins after a devastating battle, as the few surviving robots devise a sinister scheme to infiltrate the Earth's space fleet and steer it into the sun to annihilate humanity. The story follows Ferdinand Stone, a brilliant physicist who has dedicated his life to understanding and combating the robots. As he works to warn the fleet's admiral, he unlocks the secrets of the robots' communication and prepares for an epic confrontation. Suspense builds as Stone joins the fleet, revealing the robots' takeover and fighting to thwart their plan. The stakes are high, as the crew must battle not only the advanced mechanized adversaries but also the peril of plunging into the sun, testing both their courage and intellect in a race against time.
Storm Cloud on Deka
"Storm Cloud on Deka" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel written during the early 1940s. The story is set in a futuristic universe where pharmaceuticals are explored in intricate and high-stakes contexts, particularly involving the world of Deka and its dark dealings with dangerous substances. The narrative revolves around corporate intrigue, the ethics of drug production, and the catastrophic consequences that can arise from the misuse of advanced scientific knowledge. The plot centers on the operations of Tellurian Pharmaceuticals and particularly follows a scientist, Dr. Fairchild, who is caught in a web of deceit and danger as he attempts to produce a new form of medicinal plant. When a tragic incident involving thionite—a powerful and addictive drug—occurs, two young employees, Robert Ryder and Jacqueline Comstock, become entangled in a lethal scheme orchestrated by corporate management to cover up its dealings. Meanwhile, the titular character, Storm Cloud, is a skilled "Vortex Blaster," an expert in dealing with unstable atomic vortices that pose a threat to life and stability. As the story unfolds, the characters confront moral dilemmas, corporate corruption, and their fight for survival against a backdrop of scientific advancement gone awry. Their intertwining fates culminate in a race against time to expose the truth and navigate the dangers surrounding them.
The vortex blaster makes war
"The Vortex Blaster Makes War" by E. E. Smith, Ph.D. is a science fiction novelette published in the early 1940s. The story follows Doctor Neal Cloud, a brilliant physicist known as the "Vortex Blaster," who has the unique ability to extinguish destructive atomic vortices that threaten civilization. The narrative explores themes of loss, revenge, and resilience as Cloud grapples with the memory of his family after a tragedy transforms his outlook on life. In this action-packed tale, Cloud is thrust into conflict when he responds to a distress call in space, leading him to the war-torn planets of Dhil and Uhal, whose inhabitants are at odds despite their similarities. The story gains momentum as Cloud battles against various enemies, including the ambitious Uhalian warlord Darjeeb, who seeks to exploit Cloud’s technology for domination. As Cloud navigates through treacherous encounters and political intrigue, he teams up with the resilient Minister of War, Luda, to extinguish a catastrophic vortex that threatens both worlds. Together, they confront deep-seated animosities while aiming to foster peace and cooperation among the divided civilizations, ultimately showcasing the power of unity against destruction.
Lord Tedric
"Lord Tedric" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book intertwines themes of destiny and heroism within a fantastical setting, exploring the implications of time travel and divine intervention. The story revolves around Tedric, a common man who is thrust into a pivotal role in stopping a future catastrophe through the guidance of a higher power. The narrative follows Lord Tedric, an ironmaster in the kingdom of Lomarr, who, after a harrowing encounter with a monstrous god named Sarpedion, is ennobled and tasked with leading his people against looming threats. Through an elaborate deity-like persona crafted by Skandos, a time traveler aiming to alter the course of history, Tedric discovers an incredible ability to create a super-steel. As the story unfolds, Tedric bravely battles societal corruption, rescues the noble Lady Rhoann, and successfully establishes the worship of the new god, Llosir. Alongside political intrigue and battles, the tale delves into Tedric's personal growth and evolving identity as he navigates the complexities of love, loyalty, and leadership, all while shaping the future of his civilization.
Tedric
"Tedric" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel that was likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The book tells the story of Tedric, a Lomarrian ironmaster who, with the help of a new and mysterious god named Llosir, seeks to overthrow Sarpedion, the cruel god of his people who demands human sacrifices. This tale is a blend of adventure and myth, exploring themes of power, rebellion, and the quest for knowledge. The narrative follows Tedric as he strives to create a powerful new metal, guided by Llosir, to aid in his rebellion against the oppressive Sarpedion. As Tedric innovates in metallurgy, he faces opposition from Sarpedion's priests and mercenaries. After crafting a high-alloy steel sword and armor, he ultimately confronts the god's minions in battle, leading to the climactic act of destroying Sarpedion’s image and challenging the system of sacrifice that has plagued his people for so long. The novel culminates with Tedric's triumph, as he gains the support of the king and solidifies the role of his new god, Llosir, while also abolishing the grim practice of human sacrifice.
Subspace Survivors
"Subspace Survivors" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the crew and passengers of the starship "Procyon", who face an unexplainable disaster in subspace travel. The narrative delves into themes of survival against the unknown and explores human relationships and psychic abilities amidst perilous circumstances. The plot follows First Officer Carlyle Deston as he navigates a catastrophic event during the "Procyon's" journey through hyperspace. Soon after takeoff, the ship encounters a sudden and violent incident, leading to a distressing abandonment scenario. Deston and his fellow survivors, including his love interest Barbara Warner, must work together to confront the dangers that arise aboard the wrecked ship and navigate the challenges of being stranded in an unexplored region of space. As they grapple with threats both from inside their group and external forces, they also explore their unique psychic abilities, which may hold the key to their survival and escape from the mysterious phenomena that caused their plight.
The Vortex Blaster
"The Vortex Blaster" by E. E. Smith is a collection of three science fiction short stories published in 1960. Set in Smith's Lensman universe, the stories follow Neal "Storm" Cloud, a brilliant nuclear engineer who becomes the only person capable of extinguishing deadly atomic vortices. After tragedy strikes his family, Cloud dedicates himself to traveling across planets, battling these dangerous energy phenomena while encountering alien life forms, criminals, and eventually uncovering the shocking truth behind the vortices' origins.