The Skylark of Space

"Doc" Smith does it again. Pure escapism and improbable science, but don't let that detract from a great read. After you've read "The Skylark of Space" check out the other three stories in this series; "Skylark Three", "Skylark of Valeron" and lastly, "Skylark DuQuesne". Epic space battles, swooning girls and fierce loyalties. Space opera at its best.

(1928) Sci-fi (Space opera) / Adventure (Alien races/worlds) / Pulp / Thriller (Techno)


Prequel to 'Skylark Three'


R: * * * * *


Plot bullets

• Dick Seaton has accidentally discovered a great power source, based on the atomic deterioration of copper, in the presence of an element, he can only call 'X'. He and his friend, Martin Crane, develop this product into a method of powering a spaceship.


• Their quest to build a spaceship, powered by their inventions, is made harder by the criminal actions of The World Steel Corporation and a master scientist and criminal Marc /DuQuesne. They both want his secrets.


• The head of the corporation, Brookings, has no qualms of making profit for his company and himself, by any means necessary. His attempts at getting the formulas from Seaton are too much mussel and too little mental.


• DuQuesne, however, tries other means. The corporation already has one girl captive, Margret, in hopes of obtaining another manufacturing secret. After the corporations failures, DuQuesne,, kidnaps Margret and Seaton's fiance, Dorothy Vaneman.


• DuQuesne has found enough of the secret to build a spaceship of his own, and on that ship, out in space, he intends to hold the girls until Seaton reveals all of his secrets.


• Seaton and Martin Crane have flown a prototype and completed The Skylark, his own ship, equipped with all his discoveries and devices. They are off on a chase through space to free the girls and obtain more of the mineral 'X'.


• DuQuesne is captured, but Seaton and he have to hold a temporary truce as the Skylark is destined to visit other worlds before returning to Earth. Their most significant visit is to the Green System and it's two major warring powers, the Mardonale and Osnomian nations.


• The Skylark is retooled as the Skylark II after applying all of the wonderful science of the new world. In particular it's powerful, invisible 'Arenak' shields. The fate of the travlers and the entire Green System lies in the ship and crew of 'The Skylark of Space'.

Really a fun read. What's surprising, with our knowledge of string theory these days .. is that his intra-atomic energy is similar to quantum particle charges in some neat ways.
In any event, its a great adventure. Can't wait to read some more of this series.!

An excellent read for an afternoon when you want pure escapism without having to think too hard. The entire series of four books covers the adventures of scientist Richard Seaton and his friends as they combat Earth and Space villains.

The skylark series has always been one of my favorites. The technology is pie in the sky but very fun read. Get all four in the series if you can.