Masters of Space

by E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith

"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.