Skylark of Space

by

Read by Phil Chenevert

English · 1928 · 8h 59m · Science Fiction, Action & Adventure

4.4 (453 reviews)

When scientist Richard Seaton discovers a way to harness a powerful new source of energy, his breakthrough opens the possibility of travel beyond Earth. But the discovery also draws the attention of a ruthless rival, turning a scientific achievement into a contest that reaches across space.

First published in 1928, The Skylark of Space is an early space opera, built around bold invention, interstellar journeys, and a clear-cut struggle between heroic scientists and their enemies. Its vision of spaceflight reflects the adventurous spirit of early pulp science fiction.

Listeners can expect a fast-moving tale of scientific discovery and cosmic-scale conflict, rather than the psychological realism or moral ambiguity of later science fiction. The novel’s place in the genre makes it a useful choice for anyone curious about the roots of the space-adventure story.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

The Occurrence of the Impossible 6:24 Read by Phil Chenevert
Steel Becomes Interested 22:13 Read by Phil Chenevert
Seaton Solves the Problem of Power 32:48 Read by Phil Chenevert
Steel Liberates Energy—Unexpectedly 27:32 Read by Phil Chenevert
Direct Action 25:07 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Object-Compass at Work 28:37 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Trial Voyage 29:17 Read by Phil Chenevert
Indirect Action 17:43 Read by Phil Chenevert
Lost In Space 42:17 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Rescue 28:49 Read by Phil Chenevert
Through Space Into the Carboniferous 43:58 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Mastery of Mind Over Matter 22:35 Read by Phil Chenevert
Nalboon of Mardonale 34:48 Read by Phil Chenevert
Nalboon Unmasked 31:49 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Escape from Mardonale 36:26 Read by Phil Chenevert
An Osnomian Marriage 40:13 Read by Phil Chenevert
Bird, Beast, or Fish? 28:29 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Invasion 28:46 Read by Phil Chenevert
The Return to Earth 11:42 Read by Phil Chenevert

Reviews

Of course it's a classic. Wonderful snap shot of a golden age .


(5 stars)

It's a wonderful story and while it may suffer from the test of time for some. It's a wonderful snapshot of a golden age in SciFi. I found an enjoyable listen, solid story and solid narration, Chenevert as usual does an excellent job.

3rd LISTEN and several reads and still 5 STARS!


(5 stars)

I Find something new each Listen! I started reading SF in the mid 1950's and still read and now also listen. l have mixed old and new SF ever since. This novel was older even then and the new ones I read then are 60+ years older now. I read and reread new and old still. The new for the latest SF ideas with special interest on Natural and Man Made Genetic Evolution of Humanity. The best older ones for story. I never compare the science of the new with the science of the old AND therefore ENJOY BOTH!!! PS: My Vocation is the Physical Science where the disciplines of Math, Physics, Chemistry and Biology all OVERLAP = Medicine with a focus on the Molecular Biology of Generics with it's Probable and Possible Results. My Advocation's are the Arts of SF especially Speculative SF, all the General Knowledge I can acquire and Music especially the Violin and it's attempted but never obtained Mastery.

So, So Different from other early works about space travel !


(4.5 stars)

I'm actually giving a book more than 4 stars. It is so very much a first step or foundation block into a totally new writing genre ! This book only mildly asks us to put aside our hard realities and to simply take a gentle stroll into a place less traveled.

Good story


(4 stars)

I would not have chosen to read this book, except for the fact that it was read by Phil C. I was pleasantly surprised by the story. The reading was excellent.

Skylark of Space


(3 stars)

Classic sci-fi. A little to much on the over explanation. Excellent narrative by one of the two best narrator's in Librivox, thank you Phil

Not bad


(3 stars)

Definitely a bit simplistic and juvenile, but the story line was good to listen to while walking the dogs or driving.

Uncomplicated adventures in space. strange adventures in love.


(4 stars)

I enjoyed this story a lot, its a fairly simple tale, it is paced well for a casual listener to enjoy. the reader has a great voice for this kind of work, giving it a real charm. The author's portrayal of relationships between men and women made me howl though. Not sure if that was meant to be ironic, or if we really do have such different views these days, funny as anything though.

Way better than I expected


(4 stars)

I've been putting off listening to this book because I figured it would be a little too "hokie" by it's description, I finally have it a try and was pleasantly surprised how good it actually was. It' still "dated" which is to be expected and there's some pretty outlandish moments but all in all is very entertaining and of course expertly read by one of LibriVox's best readers, Phil Chenevert.