First Lensman

Lensman Series

By: E. E. Doc Smith

Narrated by: Reed McColm

In the not-too-distant future, while fleets of commercial space ships travel between the planets of numerous solar systems, a traveler named Virgil Samms visits the planet Arisia. There, he becomes the first wearer of the Lens, the almost-living symbol of the forces of law and order. As the first Lensman, Samms helps to form the Galactic Patrol, a battalion of Lensmen who are larger-than-life heroes. These soldiers are the best of the best, with incredible skill, stealth, and drive. They are dedicated and incorruptible fighters who are willing to die to protect the universe from the most horrific threat it has ever known.Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Lensman series.©2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. (P)2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most towering figure in science fiction, thanks to the enormous scope of his novels." (Isaac Asimov)
"If you wish to understand the roots of modern science fiction, you have to read the Lensman saga." (Allen Steele)
"A finalist for a special Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series, 'Lensman' is considered by many sf heads to be the greatest of the space operas and clearly a source for such successors as Star Trek and Star Wars." ( Library Journal)

fun classic space opera

remeber this was written in the 30's, forgive the descriptions of women a d manly men. Enjoy the story.
Reader is ok and the only one who does the later books.

Lensman Series is Still Fun

Okay. The narrator of this series is not the best. Nevertheless, this story still works if you can get past some of writing (the "look of eagles" in the eyes of Lensmen for instance). If you've never dipped into these before, get Galactic patrol, Gray Lensman, Second Stage Lensmen and Children of the Lens in that order. If you are still hooked, go back and pick up First lensman. You have to be a real diehard lensmen fan to slug through Triplanetary.

This is classic space opera, good versus evil, with the guys in the white hats destined to win. Smith wasn't very good at envisioning future technology, but he comes up with some fun ideas. The inertialess drive is an interesting solution to FSL travel and the negasphere is one of the best Sci_Fi weapons ever imagined. His aliens are fun too, especially the frigid planet dwellers. Considering that the series was started in the late 30s, it holds up amazingly well.

classic but maybe not for modern audiences

it's easy to see how influential this series is on things like Star Wars, Star Trek, Green Lantern and more... but something just didn't quite grab me. yet i enjoyed it. not sure I'll continue to book 3. tbd.

The beginning

As with any series, the first isn't the best, but this is classic sci-fi. It formed some of the beginning basis for my appreciation for fiction, and will always be awesome to me! The space-opera may be hard to get used to for young readers, but the Lensmen rule! This book is worth it for credit or cash!

Annoying narration

I give this audio book three stars because the story is good. However, this is the most annoying narration I have ever heard. This could be a good series but I will not listen to another by this narrator. Perhaps it is an aquired taste...