Quest to Centaurus
Quest to Centaurus is a science fiction novel written by George O. Smith and published in 1947. The story follows the crew of an interstellar spaceship on their journey from Earth to Alpha Centauri, where they hope to establish contact with intelligent life forms. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their skills and resolve.
By George O. Smith · First published 1947 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 5 chapters · 12,468 words
First lines
Captain Alfred Weston entered the room and nodded curtly to the men at the conference table. Doctor Edwards, holding forth at the head of the table, nodded as though he had not seen the over-polite greeting. He waved the newcomer to an empty seat on the opposite side of the table, and Weston went around to sit down.
Edwards had been talking on some other subject, obviously, but now he dropped it. "Captain Weston," he said, "you are still classified as convalescent."
What this Textopian page supports
Quest to Centaurus is listed on Textopian as a novel by George O. Smith, dated 1947 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George O. Smith
- Date: 1947 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Psychological Fiction, Military Fiction
- Length: 12,468 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 378 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Quest to Centaurus by George O. Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Quest to Centaurus?
- How does this novel by George O. Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Cosmic Jackpot by George O. Smith
- Fine Feathers by George O. Smith
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book features interstellar travel, advanced technology like directive power, and exploration of other planets, which are key elements of science fiction.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a mission across space, facing challenges and unknowns, typical of an adventure narrative.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around uncovering the truth behind the Jordan Green legend, a central mystery driving the story.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the protagonist's mental state, exploring themes of frustration, self-worth, and recovery.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · interstellar travel · alien encounters · adventure · humanity · technology · cosmic journey · future · astronomy · colonization · survival