Galactic Patrol

Lensman Series

By: E. E. Doc Smith

Narrated by: Reed McColm

Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

The Galactic Patrol's Lensmen are the most feared peacekeepers in the galaxy. The "Lens", a telepathic jewel matched to the ego of its wearer, is the ultimate weapon in the war against the merciless pirate Boskone and his forces of lawlessness. The only problem is the Galactic Patrol isn't sure how to capitalize on the Lens' incredible powers. But new graduate Kimball Kinnison is determined to learn. Taking command of the experimental fighting ship the Brittania, Kinnison and his crew set off on a journey of harrowing adventures, coming face to face with deadly space creatures and the evil pirate Helmuth...who may be the dreaded Boskone himself.

Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Lensman series.

©2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. (P)2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most towering figure in science fiction, thanks to the enormous scope of his novels." (Isaac Asimov)
"If you wish to understand the roots of modern science fiction, you have to read the Lensman saga." (Allen Steele)
"A finalist for a special Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series, 'Lensman' is considered by many sf heads to be the greatest of the space operas and clearly a source for such successors as Star Trek and Star Wars." ( Library Journal)

Not the movie but I still enjoyed it.

I love the premise of this but the voice choice for Van Buskirk wasn't it.

Memories of my childhood

I loved it then and I loved it now. Very original idea of the Lens giving expanded mental powers to the very few who merit one. The narrator is excellent, creating unusual accents that are none the less easily understandable.

good story poor performance

Odd cadences with strange pauses at times when they made no sence. mr. McColm would do better to be reading to children till he perfects his trade.

Fun listen

If you're looking for some intellectual stimulation, don't bother with this book. It's pure, unadulterated escapism. I don't remember how many times I've read this series or listened to it, but my fascination with the Lensman started about 50years ago. It's still one of my favorites.

Great book, narration is god-awful

Any additional comments?

Galactic Patrol (and the rest of the Lensman series) is one of the classics of pulp Science-fi, which I have read many times and love. However, Reed McColm's narration is truly awful. I couldn't even make it past the third chapter, due to his absolutely dreadful Van Buskirk voice - how can a 400 lb Dutch Valerian warrior have a high, fluting voice? Skip the audio book and read the series instead.

I agree about the poor narration.

Just started listening and already the authors style grates. Mostly that many times he has thrown out one of the jargon phrases, and when he does, many times he acts like he is checking a sheet somewhere on the table, the phrase comes out with a slight hesitation as if he has no idea what he is about to say. Kind of jarring.

There is also a general lack of affect, he seems perfectly willing to just chill out and let the words fall out without the right kind of emphasis or inflection. Like listening to a long book report in class.

Good story, bad narration

I was intrigued about the Lensman series of novels ever since I saw some of the books in a bookstore, but they are now out of print. When Audible had their half-price sale, I jumped at the chance and bought Galactic Patrol, which according to Wikipedia is the first of the published novels (Triplanetary and First Lensman being backstory volumes published after Children of the Lens). The story seems a little anachronistic since it was written even before the first computer was invented, but it still holds its own in a retro sort of way. The narrator, Reed McColm, however, does not do the story justice with his performance. His dry delivery and characterizations of some characters like Van Buskirk and Worzel become more and more annoying as you hear them, and by the time the first part of the story is over, you will feel like you want to stop listening and pick up the books instead. Given the fact that he reads the other Lensman novels, and assuming his performance is the same throughout, I cannot recommend the series in Audiobook format. You are better served finding the books and reading them yourself.