The Skylark of Space by E.E. Smith

Name: The Skylark of Space
Author: E.E. Smith

The Skylark of Space, by E.E. Smith, is a science fiction novel that explores the adventures of a spacecraft named Skylark and its crew as they travel through the galaxy. The story follows the ship's encounters with various alien species and civilizations, as well as its own internal conflicts and challenges. The plot centers around the Skylark's mission to explore the cosmos and gather data on the various celestial bodies it encounters. Along the way, the crew faces numerous obstacles, including hostile aliens, equipment failures, and personal struggles. Through these challenges, the characters must work together to overcome their differences and find a way to complete their mission. Throughout the novel, Smith explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the human condition in the face of the vastness and mystery of space. The Skylark of Space is considered a classic of science fiction literature and continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers.

By E.E. Smith · First published 1934 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera · 19 chapters · 118,709 words

First lines

Petrified with astonishment, Richard Seaton stared after the copper steam-bath upon which he had been electrolyzing his solution of "X," the unknown metal. For as soon as he had removed the beaker the heavy bath had jumped endwise from under his hand as though it were alive. It had flown with terrific speed over the table, smashing apparatus and bottles of chemicals on its way, and was even now disappearing through the open window. He seized his prism binoculars and focused them upon the flying vessel, a speck in the distance. Through the glass he saw that it did not fall to the ground, but continued on in a straight line, only its rapidly diminishing size showing the enormous velocity with which it was moving. It grew smaller and smaller, and in a few moments disappeared utterly.

What this Textopian page supports

The Skylark of Space is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.E. Smith, dated 1934 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: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera, Romance
Length: 118,709 words
Structure: 19 chapters, 1,817 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — This book is commonly recognized as one of the earliest works of space opera, which is a sub-genre of science fiction characterized by space warfare, melodramatic adventure, interplanetary battles and high-tech settings.
Adventure — The story is driven by a series of adventures in descriptive and unusual extraterrestrial settings, with characters embarking on space travels and exploring the unknown.
Space Opera — This book heavily features space warfare, melodramatic adventures, detailed technological elements, and larger-than-life characters - elements which are characteristic of the space opera sub-genre.
Romance — A love triangle between the main characters is a prominent subplot in the book, which is a common element in the romance genre.