The Lensman Series, written by E.E. 'Doc' Smith over a period of 30 years up to the 1970's, is a set of 7 self-contained novels. Beginning with Triplanetary, which documents the beginnings of the human race on Tellus, also known as Earth, Smith introduces us to a world where two forces with great mental powers are fighting for supremacy. On one hand are the Arisians, self-appointed guardians of Civilization and students of the Cosmic All; on the other, the power-hungry Eddoreans.
Triplanetary introduces us to the early beginnings of the conflict, when Eddorean's Galaxy first coalesced with the Arisian's Galaxy. Predicting the future based on this new development, the Arisians set into motion a long range plan to develop existing life forms in the galaxy and aim them as a weapon to build and protect Civilization. Skimming through early Earth history up until humans first gained interplanetary flight, the book then focuses on several key persons in the Service of the Triplanetary League: Costigan, Rodebush, Cleveland and their boss, Virgil Samms, their ongoing fight with space pirates, as well as their first experiences with species other than their own.
With the fight against pirates and other forces of evil brought off-planet into a much vaster field, the books 'First Lensman' and 'Galactic Patrol' details how Virgil Samms, the head of the Service of the Triplanetary League, conceives the concept of the Galactic Patrol to effectively combat the pirates and is aided in bringing it to pass by the mysterious hunch of Dr Bergenholm, and the inexplicable order that they 'go to Arisia' - a place they have never before been allowed to approach. There, Virgil Samms becomes the first Lensman and the Galactic Patrol is born - a service of highly dedicated, incorruptible men with a sole purpose - to protect Civilization from the forces that would seek to destroy it.
Triplanetary introduces us to the early beginnings of the conflict, when Eddorean's Galaxy first coalesced with the Arisian's Galaxy. Predicting the future based on this new development, the Arisians set into motion a long range plan to develop existing life forms in the galaxy and aim them as a weapon to build and protect Civilization. Skimming through early Earth history up until humans first gained interplanetary flight, the book then focuses on several key persons in the Service of the Triplanetary League: Costigan, Rodebush, Cleveland and their boss, Virgil Samms, their ongoing fight with space pirates, as well as their first experiences with species other than their own.
With the fight against pirates and other forces of evil brought off-planet into a much vaster field, the books 'First Lensman' and 'Galactic Patrol' details how Virgil Samms, the head of the Service of the Triplanetary League, conceives the concept of the Galactic Patrol to effectively combat the pirates and is aided in bringing it to pass by the mysterious hunch of Dr Bergenholm, and the inexplicable order that they 'go to Arisia' - a place they have never before been allowed to approach. There, Virgil Samms becomes the first Lensman and the Galactic Patrol is born - a service of highly dedicated, incorruptible men with a sole purpose - to protect Civilization from the forces that would seek to destroy it.
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