E. E. Smith
Edward Elmer Smith, born on May 1, 1890, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was a multifaceted individual known for his contributions to both science and literature. A chemical engineer by training, Smith earned his degree from the University of Idaho and later received a Ph.D. in food chemistry from George Washington University. His professional career included roles as a food technologist and as a chief inspector during his service with the U.S. Army in World War II, where he faced ethical dilemmas that would later inspire his writing.
Smith is perhaps best recognized as a pioneering figure in the science fiction genre, particularly for his creation of the space opera subgenre. His seminal work, "The Skylark of Space," co-written with his neighbor, was serialized in 1928 and laid the groundwork for many elements that would become staples in science fiction narratives, such as interstellar travel and epic confrontations. His subsequent "Lensman" series introduced innovative concepts, including telepathic warriors, which influenced later works in the genre, notably George Lucas's Jedi Knights in "Star Wars."
Throughout his life, Smith was also active in various community and artistic endeavors, reflecting his diverse interests and talents. He passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 1965, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be honored through awards and conventions named after him.
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E. E. Smith
Author
- Born: May 1, 1890
- Birthplace: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Died: August 31, 1965
- Place of death: Seaside, Oregon
Biography
Edward Elmer Smith was born on May 1, 1890, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His parents were Fred and Caroline Mills Smith. He grew up on a farm in Idaho and worked as a streetcar conductor, ranch hand, surveyor, railroad worker, and silver miner before attending the University of Idaho, where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1914. While attending, he became captain of the drill and rifle team, sang in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and was president of the mandolin and guitar club. He married Jeannie Craig MacDougall in 1915. They had one son, Roderick, and two daughters, Verna and Clarissa.
Smith received a Ph.D. in food chemistry from George Washington University in 1919. From 1936 onwards, he was employed as a food technologist by the Dawn Doughnut Company in Jackson, Michigan. He worked for the U.S. Army between 1941 and 1945. He was chief inspector of an ordnance plant, but was fired for refusing to pass substandard shells, an incident he later used in in the book version of Tri-Planetary. From 1945 to 1957, he was general manager of the general mix division of J. W. Allen and Co., and he pioneered the use of doughnut mixes.
Writing as E. E. Smith, Ph.D., and E. E. “Doc” Smith, he founded the space-opera subgenre of science fiction with his novel The Skylark of Space. Assisted by his neighbor, Mrs. Lee Dawkins Garby, in writing the dialogue, they wrote the book between 1915 and 1920, and it was serialized in Amazing Stories in 1928. Smith influenced Flash Gordon, Star Trek, Star Wars, and much of the rest of science fiction. (Armageddon—2419 A.D., the first Buck Rogers story, appeared in the same issue of Amazing.)
Some of the elements of space opera are larger-than-life heroes and villains, interstellar travel, events of galactic importance, foreign planets, and aliens. There are a total of four books in the Skylark series. Smith’s 1937 novel Galactic Patrol introduced another new concept: a select group of warriors with telepathic abilities. Wearing an enabling device called the Lens and having been trained by alien beings to use their psychic powers, these Lensmen keep peace and promote justice throughout the galaxy. George Lucas acknowledged the influence of the Lensmen on the concept of the Jedi Knights in the Star Wars movies. The series, which eventually came to six books, also featured strong female characters, rare in science fiction at the time.
Smith and his wife were living in Clearwater, Florida, when he unexpectantly died on August 31, 1965, in Seaside, Oregon. The New England Science Fiction Association named its annual Boskone convention after the evil empire in the Lensman series. Each year, NESFA presents the Skylark Award in Smith’s honor.