The Skylark of Space

novel by Smith and Garby

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July 20, 2026

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The Skylark of Space is a foundational science fiction novel by E.E. "Doc" Smith and Lee Hawkins Garby, serialized in 1928. It is credited with pioneering the "space opera" subgenre, characterized by grand intergalactic adventures, advanced technology, and faster-than-light travel.12

The story follows chemist Richard Seaton, who discovers a new metal, X, that fuels a spaceship capable of faster-than-light travel. When his rival, Marc DuQuesne, kidnaps Seaton's fiancée to gain control of X, Seaton pursues him across the galaxy, encountering aliens and dangers. The novel's success led to sequels and cemented Smith's reputation as a master of cosmic-scale science fiction.1

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E.E. Smith
…what would become the novel The Skylark of Space with his neighbour, Lee Hawkins Garby, who wrote the romantic parts of the story that Smith felt he could not write. Smith continued to write while completing (1919) a doctoral degree in chemistry from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
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…what would become the novel The Skylark of Space with his neighbour, Lee Hawkins Garby, who wrote the romantic parts of the story that Smith felt he could not write. Smith continued to write while completing (1919) a doctoral degree in chemistry from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Read More