Masters of Space

"Masters of Space" by E. E. Smith, along with E. Everett Evans, involves the last bits of a civilization formerly governed by the Masters, who hold great power; they are now gone, and a fresh race struggles to survive against an old foe. The plot centers on Jarvis Hilton, a young leader in charge of a huge space mission, and his varied crew of scientists and officers on the Perseus. The book begins with the crew tense with anticipation, preparing for a trip that could bring back the mysterious Masters. The early parts of the story show the power fight between Jarvis Hilton and Captain Sawtelle, explain the relationships between crew members, and show the Omans. As the Perseus travels into space, the things found on far-off planets suggest big changes for people and the Omans, starting a journey filled with mystery, conflict, and a search for knowledge.