E.E. Doc Smith

Edward Elmer 'Doc' Smith was an influential American author, best known for his contributions to the science fiction genre. Born on May 2, 1890, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Smith was given the nickname 'Doc' in 1928 by Hugo Gernsback, the publisher of Amazing Stories, in recognition of his notable contributions to the field. Smith's parents, Fred Jay Smith and Caroline Mills Smith, raised him in a family that encouraged intellectual pursuits.

Before becoming a successful author, Smith pursued a career as a food engineer, specializing in doughnut and pastry mixes. He attended the University of Idaho, where he received two degrees in chemical engineering. It was during his time at the university that Smith developed an interest in interstellar travel and other science fiction themes, which would later become the focus of his literary work.

Smith is often referred to as the "father of space opera," a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes action, adventure, and romance in a space-based setting. His most famous works include the Lensman and Skylark series, which are characterized by their imaginative use of technology and thrilling storylines. Smith's approach to writing was to use technologies that were feasible, but not yet realized, saying 'the more highly improbable a concept is — short of being contrary to mathematics whose fundamental operations involve no neglect of infinitesimals — the better I like it'. This unique approach to storytelling helped to establish Smith as a leading voice in the science fiction genre and inspired countless other authors. Smith passed away on August 31, 1965, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative and groundbreaking literature.