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E. E. Smith

An American food engineer and science-fiction author, E. E. Smith is widely regarded as the father of space opera for his influential Lensman and Skylark series.

Lived
1890–1965
Nationality
American
Language
English
Notable works
Skylark series · Lensman series

Edward Elmer Smith was an American food engineer and science-fiction author who played a foundational role in shaping the landscape of speculative fiction. Professionally, Smith worked as a food engineer, specializing in the formulation of doughnut and pastry mixes.

In his literary career, Smith became best known for his highly influential Skylark and Lensman series. His expansive, adventure-filled interstellar narratives earned him the title of the "father of space opera," marking him as a key figure in the history of science fiction.