E. E. Smith (1890–1965)

The original stories were published in 1934, and later it was expanded and published in book form in 1948. One of the two prequels to the Lensman saga, since the core of the story begins with book 3 (Galactic Patrol).

"Doc" Smith was hugely influential and this was quite original stuff in the 30s. He was basically the inventor of grand pulp space opera sagas, and there are influences of this in Star Wars, for example. The style is energetic and full of action, and the ideas are big and, at the time, original. Two very advanced alien races: one benevolent and the other evil, are involved in a fight lasting many centuries. The benevolent Arisians, working in secret, have manipulated several younger races to produce heroes who will take the lead in fighting the evil Boskone. We briefly visit old Atlantis and the two world wars, before getting into the main part of the story.

Quite old-fashioned, of course, but I'm fine with reading it in context. There are strong-jawed heroes and beautiful damsels who are not strong-jawed or physical fighters, but who are morally brave.

Unfortunately, the writing was a bit too clunky for my taste. I'm not expecting high literature or anything. I know it's pulp, but I have read old pulp that flows much better than this. As soon as we have a passage with fast action, we have another one with long, rambling sentences that slow the pace.

All in all, an interesting read, but I would probably not recommend it except to people who have a historical interest in the origins of pulp space opera.… (more)