E.E. Smith's 'First Lensman' is the second book in the classic Lensman series, but it works perfectly as a starting point. It picks up the story of Virgil Samms, the first human to receive the Lens—a telepathic jewel from the ancient Arisians that marks its wearer as utterly honest and trustworthy.

The Story

The Galactic Patrol is forming, an interstellar police force led by Lensmen. Their mission is simple: fight crime and corruption across the stars. But they quickly discover a massive problem. An entity called Boskone isn't just another crime syndicate. It's a hidden empire that has been pulling the strings of every pirate gang and corrupt official for generations. Their goal is total control of all civilized worlds.

Virgil Samms and his fellow Lensmen, including the tough spaceman Kimball Kinnison, are the only ones who can't be bribed or turned because of their Lenses. The book follows their desperate investigation as they realize Boskone's agents are everywhere. The conflict builds from tense undercover missions on alien worlds to massive space battles, all while Samms races to prove the Patrol's worth before Boskone can destroy it from within.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast from science fiction's past, but it feels surprisingly modern in its core idea. The Lens isn't just a cool gadget; it's a symbol of absolute integrity in a universe full of lies. Watching Samms build something good in a galaxy that doesn't believe it's possible is genuinely inspiring. Smith's imagination is huge—he invented the idea of an interstellar police force, power armor, and epic fleet battles long before they became sci-fi staples.

Yes, some of the dialogue is dated and the technology is described in a way that feels old-fashioned (think slide rules in space!). But the central thriller—a hunt for a hidden enemy with unlimited resources—still crackles with energy. You're constantly guessing who's really on which side.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who loves the roots of modern sci-fi. If you enjoy the world-building of Asimov's Foundation or the clear-cut heroes and grand scale of early Star Trek, you'll feel right at home. It's also perfect for readers who like their adventures straightforward: good guys versus bad guys, with the fate of the galaxy on the line. Don't go in expecting deep psychological drama. Go in for pure, optimistic, galaxy-spanning adventure with a heart of gold. It's a fun, fast-paced reminder of why we look to the stars in the first place.