E. E. Smith
Biography
Edward Elmer Smith (1890–1965), known as E. E. “Doc” Smith, was an American science fiction writer who created the space opera genre. A food chemist by profession (he held a PhD in chemical engineering), Smith wrote the Skylark and Lensman series—epic tales of interstellar adventure that defined science fiction’s most expansive mode. His novels feature galaxy-spanning civilizations, faster-than-light travel, and cosmic conflicts on scales that had never been attempted in fiction. Smith’s influence on space opera is foundational—Star Wars, Star Trek, and virtually all subsequent space adventure fiction owe a debt to his pioneering imagination.
Common themes in E. E. Smith's work
Space opera
A recurring theme throughout E. E. Smith's writing.
Interstellar adventure
A recurring theme throughout E. E. Smith's writing.
Lensman series
A recurring theme throughout E. E. Smith's writing.
Galaxy-spanning civilizations
A recurring theme throughout E. E. Smith's writing.
Books
Explore by genre
Other authors you may enjoy
Why E. E. Smith is still read today
Smith invented space opera and his Lensman series remains one of the genre’s foundational works. His influence on science fiction, from Star Wars to modern space opera, is immense. On TextStack you can read Smith’s classic novels free online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was E. E. Smith?
E. E. “Doc” Smith (1890–1965) was an American science fiction writer who invented space opera with the Skylark and Lensman series, featuring galaxy-spanning adventures that influenced Star Wars and all subsequent space fiction.
Where can I read E. E. Smith online?
You can read The Skylark of Space, First Lensman, and Triplanetary free online on TextStack.
Essential cookies keep you signed in and save your reading progress. Analytics cookies help us understand how the site is used. You can reject analytics — we still work without them. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.