The Skylark of Space

This epic space opera from the father of the genre is an “adventure of an unprecedented kind . . . The first great ‘classic’ of American science fiction” (Isaac Asimov).

From Science Fiction– and Fantasy Hall of Fame–inductee E. E. Smith, The Skylark of Space chronicles the groundbreaking adventures of scientist Richard Seaton. After stumbling upon the secrets of atomic energy during a laboratory accident, Seaton partners with wealthy engineer Martin Crane, eager to share his discovery with the world by creating space travel. But this life-changing invention brings grave danger as greedy competitors want to exploit Seaton’s secret for their own means, including the unscrupulous Dr. Marc “Blackie” DuQuesne. But DuQuesne’s attempt to destroy Seaton and Crane sends the three men out into deep space, where their struggle to persevere leads to an epic tale of intergalactic space battles.

“With the exception of the works of H. G. Wells, possibly those of Jules Verne—and almost no other writer—[The Skylark of Space] has . . . done more to change the nature of all the science fiction written after it than almost any other single work.” —Frederik Pohl, Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author