First Lensman by E.E. Smith (1940)

Name: First Lensman
Author: E.E. Smith

The First Lensman is a science fiction novel by E.E. Smith, published in 1950. The book follows the story of a young man named Kim Kinnison who becomes the first Lensman, a powerful warrior with advanced technology known as "lenses." With his fellow pilots, the Galactic Patrol, Kim battles against an alien race known as the Boskone, who seek to conquer and enslave the galaxy. In chapter 10 of the book, Kim and his companions engage in a fierce space battle with the Boskone fleet. Despite being outnumbered, they are able to use their lenses to gain the upper hand and emerge victorious. This chapter showcases the advanced technology and tactics used by the Galactic Patrol, as well as Kim's leadership skills and bravery in the face of danger.

By E.E. Smith · First published 1940 · Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure · 20 chapters · 122,153 words

First lines

The visitor, making his way unobserved through the crowded main laboratory of The Hill, stepped up to within six feet of the back of a big Norwegian seated at an electrono-optical bench. Drawing an automatic pistol, he shot the apparently unsuspecting scientist seven times, as fast as he could pull the trigger; twice through the brain, five times, closely spaced, through the spine.

"Ah, Gharlane of Eddore, I have been expecting you to look me up. Sit down. " Blonde, blue-eyed Dr. Nels Bergenholm, completely undisturbed by the passage of the stream of bullets through his head and body, turned and waved one huge hand at a stool beside his own.

What this Textopian page supports

First Lensman is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.E. Smith, dated 1940 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: E.E. Smith
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure
Length: 122,153 words
Structure: 20 chapters, 2,313 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for First Lensman by E.E. Smith
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The book is set in a future universe with advanced technology and explores concepts such as telepathy and aliens, hallmark elements of the science fiction genre.
Space Opera — The novel includes many traditional characteristics of space opera genre, with its focus on large-scale and dramatic space conflicts and advanced technology.
Adventure — The narrative is driven by action and often involves the characters facing and overcoming challenges or dangers - a key feature of adventure novels.