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barryhaworth's review against another edition
4.0
A little while ago a friend asked me is I ever reread series. Yes, I answered, though not perhaps as often as I might. This prompted me to think of some of the series I have read and enjoyed in past years which are due for a revisit.
First off the rank is The Skylark of Space by E.E. Smith, a classic space opera and the first book of a four book series. Originally written in 1928, the book tells the story of scientist Richard Seaton who discovers the properties of the mysterious X metal as a catalyst to release atomic energy, and uses it to build a space drive. However in the best melodramatic tradition his arch-rival Marc DeQuesne steals his research and in an attempt to gain a monopoly on X, builds is own spaceship and kidnaps Seaton's fiance. Seaton and his friend and ally Michael Crane set off in pursuit and an adventure with alien planets, monsters, battles and new and amazing technologies ensues.
This book is light weight and lot of fun to read, and has a certain type of humor to it. It is not for everyone, and certain aspects reflect the time it was written rather than what might be expected if were written today. I understand that some aspects have changed between the original 1928 edition and the 1946 revision I have read - one of these days I must read the original (available on Project Gutenberg) and see just how different it is.
First off the rank is The Skylark of Space by E.E. Smith, a classic space opera and the first book of a four book series. Originally written in 1928, the book tells the story of scientist Richard Seaton who discovers the properties of the mysterious X metal as a catalyst to release atomic energy, and uses it to build a space drive. However in the best melodramatic tradition his arch-rival Marc DeQuesne steals his research and in an attempt to gain a monopoly on X, builds is own spaceship and kidnaps Seaton's fiance. Seaton and his friend and ally Michael Crane set off in pursuit and an adventure with alien planets, monsters, battles and new and amazing technologies ensues.
This book is light weight and lot of fun to read, and has a certain type of humor to it. It is not for everyone, and certain aspects reflect the time it was written rather than what might be expected if were written today. I understand that some aspects have changed between the original 1928 edition and the 1946 revision I have read - one of these days I must read the original (available on Project Gutenberg) and see just how different it is.
annewithabook's review
4.0
This book was a surprise to me. I rarely like science fiction books, and I like space operas even less, but I thoroughly enjoyed this classic. It follows a group of four young people, two men and two women, as they find themselves caught in space in a vehicle designed to travel through the universe, known as the Skylark. On the way they must fight dangerous people who want to steal the invention and aliens. It's just such a fun, light read, and one I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did.
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