by E. E. “Doc” Smith
About this book
Triplanetary, the first novel in E. E. "Doc" Smith's legendary Lensman series, expands a classic 1934 serial into an epic science fiction adventure spanning millennia. Behind humanity's greatest historical upheavals—the fall of Atlantis, the reign of Nero, and the devastating World Wars—lies an extraordinary secret: an ages-long genetic engineering project orchestrated by the godlike Arisia, who are breeding two perfect human bloodlines as weapons in their cosmic war against the sinister Eddore.
Smith weaves together thrilling episodes across history, introducing the noble Kinnison line while building toward humanity's explosive entry into interstellar conflict. The narrative culminates in a desperate space battle where Patrolman Conway Costigan confronts the pirate Gray Roger, only to face a shocking new threat: the technologically superior Nevians from beyond Earth's solar system. This encounter sparks the first interstellar war involving humankind.
Among the chaos emerges Virgil Samms, a man who uncovers the staggering truth behind human civilization itself. His discovery sets him on a collision course with destiny and the ultimate struggle for universal dominance.
Perfect for fans of classic science fiction and space opera, Triplanetary delivers imagination on a cosmic scale—a tale where individual human lives become vital moves in a universe-wide chess game. Experience the foundation that launched one of science fiction's most influential series.