Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of big, bold space adventures with galaxy-spanning battles and larger-than-life heroes, "Triplanetary" is a must-read. This is the granddaddy of space opera - think epic confrontations between good and evil, ancient alien races, wild tech (inertia-less drives! Vacuum tubes in spaceships!), and a sense of scale that moves from planetary to intergalactic to multi-dimensional. Perfect for fans of classic sci-fi, anyone interested in the genre’s roots, or readers who love over-the-top, pulpy adventure. If you enjoy Star Wars, Green Lantern, or cheesy, action-packed sci-fi, you'll appreciate how much started right here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers looking for modern takes on science, nuanced characters, or progressive social views may find "Triplanetary" a tough ride. The writing can feel dated, with pulp-era stereotypes, old-fashioned dialogue, and science that’s more "fiction" than "science." Some are put off by its sometimes patriarchal tone and the fact that early books in the Lensman series act more as prequels and can spoil later stories. If you crave deep character introspection or current-day social awareness, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
'Triplanetary' in the Lensman series by E.E. "Doc" Smith is a classic space opera that follows the adventures of the Galactic Patrol and their heroic battles against the forces of evil across the universe. The writing style of the book is described as old-fashioned yet engaging, presenting a story filled with epic space battles, grand themes of good versus evil, and larger-than-life characters who navigate the complexities of the universe.
The plot of 'Triplanetary' revolves around the fate of the universe hanging in the balance as the characters face monumental challenges, engage in big battles, and showcase the defining characteristics of a good modern space opera. is praised for its historical significance in shaping the space opera genre, with elements of adventure, heroism, and grandeur that have inspired and influenced many other works in the sci-fi genre.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include outdated gender roles and potential themes of war and violence.
From The Publisher:
Even back before the first bits of this story hit the newsstands, the folks who published it in Amazing Stories (January through April, 1934) knew they were on to something special. "We are sure that our readers will be highly pleased to have us give the first installment of a story by Dr. Smith. It will continue for several numbers and is a worthy follower of the Skylark stories which were so much appreciated by our readers. We think that they will find this story superior to the earlier ones. Dr. Smith certainly has the narrative power, and that, joined with his scientific position, makes him an ideal author for our columns."An awful lot has gone under the bridge since 1934, but you know, the folks at Amazing were on to something. Triplanetary really is all that special, and we're thrilled to offer it to you now anew. The initial chapters cover the Kinnison genetic line during the fall of Atlantis and Nero's reign in Rome. These tales were inserted into the novel following the serialized release, along with chapters covering members of the Kinnison line in World Wars One, Two, and Three.
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1 comment(s)
Read the first few chapters. Not enough going on there to justify reading more. I've heard that the last two-thirds is readable.
What can you read after
Triplanetary?
About the Author:
Edward Elmer Smith (1890 - 1965) was an American food engineer (specializing in doughnut and pastry mixes) and an early science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera.
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