First Lensman cover art

First Lensman

Lensman Series

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First Lensman

By: E. E. Doc Smith
Narrated by: Reed McColm
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About this listen

 In the not-too-distant future, while fleets of commercial space ships travel between the planets of numerous solar systems, a traveler named Virgil Samms visits the planet Arisia. There, he becomes the first wearer of the Lens, the almost-living symbol of the forces of law and order. As the first Lensman, Samms helps to form the Galactic Patrol, a battalion of Lensmen who are larger-than-life heroes. These soldiers are the best of the best, with incredible skill, stealth, and drive. They are dedicated and incorruptible fighters who are willing to die to protect the universe from the most horrific threat it has ever known.Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Lensman series.©2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. (P)2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. Adventure Science Fiction Space Opera

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Critic reviews

"The most towering figure in science fiction, thanks to the enormous scope of his novels." (Isaac Asimov)
"If you wish to understand the roots of modern science fiction, you have to read the Lensman saga." (Allen Steele)
"A finalist for a special Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series, 'Lensman' is considered by many sf heads to be the greatest of the space operas and clearly a source for such successors as Star Trek and Star Wars." ( Library Journal)
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As book 2 of the Lensman series it is an essential part of the overall story. It is an elegantly conceived tale with a plausible scientific background, that suffers little by virtue of how long ago it was written. It has been very well read with good characterisation of different individuals, and moves at sufficient pace to hold one’s attention whilst providing adequate scientific explanation.

Great story well told

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I read this book 30+ years ago and the narrator has dramatised this in a way that take's you to the action.

Brilliantly read and an invigorating narrative.

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Listening on 1.25 speed helps, but the airy-fairy floaty mental voices are beyond redemption. Someone must have told him the books are a space opera, because he started giving opera-like intonation to the aliens. It was tentative at first, then he got carried away and actually started singing and really enjoying himself. It was at this point that I was faced with a dilemma. Should I put up with the narration for the sake of the story, or return the book and end my suffering? My fifty year devotion to the Lensmen won. Laughing at the narration works for me for now, but some parts of this story are very dark and I am not looking forward to his attempts at those.

The narrator's not getting any better

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loved it ,excellent narrator great service series. on to remaing audible books Haven't enjoyed sfx audio as much!

awesome

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I can understand how G Lucas got most of the idea for Star Wars from these books. Brilliant 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️

A fantastic book two.

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now don't get me wrong, but the narration needs some working on, at least! and I appreciate classic early science fiction, and have always liked the Lensmen series, but somehow the narration really, really let's it down.
pity

er...well...read the originals, but

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Would you try another book written by E. E. 'Doc' Smith or narrated by Reed McColm?

A classic series of class Sci Fi books ruined by poor narration and interpretation

Would you be willing to try another one of Reed McColm’s performances?

No, he's terrible

Classic Sci-Fi ruined by poor narration

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As a lover of Isaac Asimovs paperback books, I was absolutely appalled to listen to this Audiobook, the narration is without a doubt the most awful I have listened to, very sad as I know the paperbacks are wonderful.



Such a disappointment :-(

Just awful!

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Narrator attempts too many laughable voices and fails totally. I can't go any further.

Ruined by Narrator

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