Edward Elmer Smith (1890–1965), known as E. E. “Doc” Smith, was an American author and pioneer of the space opera sub-genre of science fiction.
Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Smith studied electrical engineering and earned a Ph.D. in the field. He worked as a food engineer for many years, contributing to advancements in the field of doughnut and pastry technology.
Smith began writing science fiction stories in the 1920s, eventually becoming one of the most influential writers in the genre.
E. E. “Doc” Smith is best known for his Lensman series, a classic space opera epic that spans multiple novels and explores themes of adventure, heroism, and cosmic conflict. The Lensman series follows the exploits of the Galactic Patrol, an interstellar police force tasked with maintaining order and combating threats to the galaxy. Central to the series is the Lens, a powerful artefact that grants its wearer enhanced abilities and serves as a symbol of authority and responsibility.
Smith’s writing style is characterised by its fast-paced action, larger-than-life characters, and grandiose scale. His stories often feature epic space battles, daring rescues, and epic showdowns between forces of good and evil.
“The Vortex Blaster,” also known as “Masters of the Vortex,” is one of Smith’s standalone novels and is set in the Lensman universe. It follows the adventures of physicist Cummi Binkman as he battles against the mysterious and malevolent forces of the Vortex.
E. E. “Doc” Smith’s Lensman series and other works have had a lasting impact on the science fiction genre, influencing generations of writers and filmmakers. His emphasis on epic space battles, cosmic conflicts, and heroic protagonists helped define the space opera sub-genre and inspired countless authors and creators in the field.
While some aspects of Smith’s writing, such as its portrayal of gender roles and its adherence to certain pulp fiction tropes, may be viewed as dated by modern standards, his contributions to the genre remain significant and continue to be celebrated by fans of classic science fiction.