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1. I hate to say it, but I just don’t understand loving the Lensman series. I read Gray Lensman and it was all I could do to make myself finish it.

   Comment by Brandon — January 3, 2007 #

2. This may be too far outside the topic to cover in depth as the discussion is centered around the books, but there is a Japanese animated film based on the Lensman series that came out back in the 1980’s. It’s not the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I kind of enjoyed it.

   Comment by Michael — January 3, 2007 #

3. I’d say do it in Chronological order.

   Comment by Kurt — January 5, 2007 #

4. The Lensman books are the greatest. I’ve read them all a number of times and never get tired of them. The creators of Star Wars and Babylon 5 both cite the Lensman series as their major influence. They started it all.

   If you have never read them, start with Galactic Patrol, only from the plot standpoint. Triplanetary and First Lensman explain a lot of things that are more enjoyably learned from plot twists the first go around. They were published later as a pre-history.

   Comment by Kevin — January 17, 2007 #

5. Ooooo… Lensman Saga! Remember, what are now cliches of space opera were all invented and fresh when Doc Smith wrote them in the 30’s. maybe the characters are two-dimensional, but they set the standard. And NOBODY writes spaceship battles like Doc.

   I re-read them every two years or so. Nadrek is one of my favorite SF characters of all time.

   For newcomers, publication order is probably best. Triplanetary is actually some earlier material reworked to fit in the Lensman saga, and First Lensman tends to be dull.

   Okay, so maybe I’m trying to be a stunt Ninja when this conversation rolls around…

   Comment by tim — February 1, 2007 #

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