E. E. "Doc" Smith

Frequently asked questions

• What is E. E. Smith best known for?

  E. E. Smith is widely recognized as one of the foundational authors of space opera, a subgenre of science fiction characterized by large-scale, adventurous stories set in outer space. His work significantly influenced the development of the genre.

• What is the reading order for E. E. Smith's Lensman series?

  The recommended reading order for the Lensman series is "Triplanetary," followed by "First Lensman," "Galactic Patrol," "Gray Lensman," and concluding with "Second Stage Lensmen" and "Children of the Lens." This sequence generally follows the internal chronology of the story.

• Does E. E. Smith have other pen names?

  E. E. Smith is also known by his full name, Edward Elmer Smith, and often by the nickname "Doc" Smith, reflecting his background as a food chemist.

• What awards and honours did E. E. "Doc" Smith receive?

  Smith received the first First Fandom Hall of Fame award in 1963, presented at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his contributions to the field. He was the inaugural recipient; Hugo Gernsback followed in 1964. After Smith's death in 1965, the Edward E. Smith Memorial Award for Imaginative Fiction — known as the Skylark, after his Skylark series — was inaugurated in 1966 and is named in his honour. It is given annually to someone for lifetime contributions to science fiction; it is an award named for Smith rather than one he won.