Isaac Asimov (January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was a Russian-born American author and professor of biochemistry, a highly successful writer, best known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books.
Easton Press Isaac Asimov books
The Gods Themselves - Masterpieces of Science Fiction - 1986
Prelude To Foundation - Signed First Edition of Science Fiction - 1988
The Foundation Trilogy - Masterpieces of Science Fiction - 1988
I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay - Signed by co-author Harlan Ellison - 1994
Asimov's Chronology of Science & Discovery - 1994
I, Robot Set - 2004 - including the following four books:
I, Robot
The Caves of Steel
The Naked Sun
The Robots of Dawn
Foundations Series - 2005 - including the following five books:
Prelude to Foundation
The Foundation Trilogy
Forward the Foundation
Foundation's Edge
Foundation and Earth
Pebble In The Sky - 2013
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Author Isaac Asimov
Professor Asimov was one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards, and he has works published in nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System (all except the 100s, Philosophy).
Asimov is widely considered a master of the science-fiction genre and, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the "Big Three" science-fiction writers during his lifetime. Asimov's most famous work is the Foundation Series; his other major series are the Galactic Empire series and the Robot series, both of which he later tied into the same fictional universe as the Foundation Series to create a unified "future history" for his stories much like those pioneered by Robert A. Heinlein and previously produced by Cordwainer Smith and Poul Anderson. He penned numerous short stories, among them "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted by the Science Fiction Writers of America the best short science fiction story of all time, a title many still honor. He also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as a great amount of nonfiction. Asimov wrote the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels using the pen name Paul French.
Most of Asimov's popularized science books explain scientific concepts in a historical way, going as far back as possible to a time when the science in question was at its simplest stage. He often provides nationalities, birth dates, and death dates for the scientists he mentions, as well as etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms. Examples include his Guide to Science, the three volume set Understanding Physics, and Asimov's Chronology of Science and Discovery.
Asimov was a long-time member and Vice President of Mensa International, albeit reluctantly; he described some members of that organization as "brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs" He took more joy in being president of the American Humanist Association. The asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov's Science Fiction, a Brooklyn, NY elementary school, and two different Isaac Asimov Awards are named in his honor.
Early Life
Asimov was born sometime between October 4, 1919 and January 2, 1920 in Petrovichi shtetl of Smolensk Oblast, RSFSR (now Mahilyow Province, Republic of Belarus) to Anna Rachel Berman Asimov and Judah Asimov, a Jewish family of millers. His date of birth is uncertain due to differences in the Gregorian and Hebrew calendars and because of a lack of records. Asimov himself always celebrated it on 2 January. The family name derives from озимые (ozimiye), a Russian word for a winter grain in which his great-grandfather dealt, to which a patronymic suffix was added. His family immigrated to the United States when he was three years old. Since his parents always spoke Yiddish and English with him, he never learned Russian. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Asimov taught himself to read at the age of five, and remained fluent in Yiddish as well as English. His parents owned a succession of candy stores, and everyone in the family was expected to work in them. Science fiction pulp magazines were sold in the stores, and he began reading them. Around the age of eleven he began to write his own stories, and by age nineteen, having discovered science fiction fandom, he was selling them to the science fiction magazines. John W. Campbell, then editor of Astounding Science Fiction, was a strong formative influence and eventually became a personal friend.
Education
Asimov attended New York City Public Schools, including Boys' High School, in Brooklyn, New York. From there he went on to Columbia University, from which he graduated in 1939, later returning to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1948. In between, he spent three years during World War II working as a civilian at the Philadelphia Navy Yard's Naval Air Experimental Station. After the war ended, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving for just under nine months before receiving an honorable discharge. In the course of his brief military career, he rose to the rank of corporal on the basis of his typing skills, and narrowly avoided participating in the 1946 atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll.
After completing his doctorate, Asimov joined the faculty of the Boston University School of Medicine, with which he remained associated thereafter. From 1958, this was in a non-teaching capacity, as he turned to writing full-time (his writing income had already exceeded his academic salary). Being tenured meant that he retained the title of associate professor, and in 1979 the university honored his writing by promoting him to full professor of biochemistry. Asimov's personal papers from 1965 on are archived at the university's Mugar Memorial Library, to which he donated them at the request of curator Howard Gottlieb. The collection fills 464 boxes, on seventy-one metres of shelf space.
Personal Life
Asimov married Gertrude Blugerman (1917, Canada–1990, Boston) on July 26, 1942. They had two children, David (b. 1951) and Robyn Joan (b. 1955). After a separation in 1970, he and Gertrude divorced in 1973, and Asimov married Janet O. Jeppson later that year.
Asimov was a claustrophile; he enjoyed small, enclosed spaces. In the first volume of his autobiography, he recalls a childhood desire to own a magazine stand in a New York City Subway station, within which he could enclose himself and listen to the rumble of passing trains while reading.
Asimov was afraid of flying, only doing so twice in his entire life (once in the course of his work at the Naval Air Experimental Station, and once returning home from the army base in Oahu in 1946). He seldom traveled great distances, partly because his aversion to aircraft complicated the logistics of long-distance travel. This phobia influenced several of his fiction works, such as the Wendell Urth mystery stories and the Robot novels featuring Elijah Baley. In his later years, he found he enjoyed traveling on cruise ships, and on several occasions he became part of the cruises' "entertainment," giving science-themed talks on ships such as the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2. Asimov was an enormously entertaining, prolific, and sought-after public speaker. His sense of timing was exquisite; he never looked at a clock, but invariably spoke for precisely the time allocated[citation needed].
Asimov was a frequent fixture at science fiction conventions, where he remained friendly and approachable. As noted above, he patiently answered tens of thousands of questions and other mail with postcards, and was pleased to give autographs.
He was of medium height, stocky, with muttonchop whiskers and a distinct Brooklyn-Yiddish accent. His physical dexterity was very poor. He never learned how to swim or ride a bicycle; however, he did learn to drive a car after he moved to Boston. In his humor book Asimov Laughs Again, he describes Boston driving as "anarchy on wheels." He demonstrated his love of driving in his science fiction short story, 'Sally', about robot cars. An observant reader will notice that he gives a detailed description of only one of the cars within the story, which he calls 'Giuseppe' from Milan - which means that Giuseppe was an Alfa Romeo. None of the other vehicles , not even the titular vehicle of that story receive as specific a description. Asimov did not otherwise mention in any detail any other type of vehicle in any of his works, which has led many fans to speculate that perhaps this brand of automobile was a personal favourite.
Asimov's wide interests included his participation in his later years in organizations devoted to the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan and in The Wolfe Pack, a group of devotees of the Nero Wolfe mysteries written by Rex Stout. He was a prominent member of the Baker Street Irregulars, the leading Sherlock Holmes society. From 1985 until his death in 1992, he was president of the American Humanist Association; his successor was his friend and fellow writer Kurt Vonnegut. He was also a close friend of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and earned a screen credit on Star Trek: The Motion Picture for advice he gave during production (generally, confirming to Paramount Pictures that Roddenberry's ideas were legitimate science-fictional extrapolation).
Illness and Death
Asimov died on April 6, 1992. He was survived by his second wife, Janet, and his children from his first marriage. Ten years after his death, Janet Asimov's edition of Asimov's autobiography, It's Been a Good Life, revealed that his death was caused by AIDS; he had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion received during a heart bypass operation in December 1983. The specific cause of death was heart and renal failure as complications of HIV infection. Janet Asimov wrote in the epilogue of It's Been a Good Life that Asimov had wanted to "go public," but his doctors convinced him to remain silent, warning that anti-AIDS prejudice would extend to his family members. Asimov's family considered disclosing his condition after he died, but the controversy which erupted when Arthur Ashe announced that he had AIDS convinced them otherwise. Ten years later, after Asimov's doctors had died, Janet and Robyn agreed that the AIDS story could be made public.
Writing
Asimov's career can be divided into several time periods. His early career, dominated by science fiction, began with short stories in 1939 and novels in 1950. This lasted until about 1958, all but ending after publication of The Naked Sun. He began publishing nonfiction in 1952, co-authoring a college-level textbook called Biochemistry and Human Metabolism. Following the brief orbit of the first man-made satellite Sputnik I by the USSR in 1957, his production of nonfiction, particularly popular science books, greatly increased, with a consequent drop in his science fiction output. Over the next quarter century, he wrote only four science fiction novels. Starting in 1982, the second half of his science fiction career began with the publication of Foundation's Edge. From then until his death, Asimov published several more sequels and prequels to his existing novels, tying them together in a way he had not originally anticipated, making a unified series. There are however many inconsistencies in this unification, especially in his earlier stories.Asimov believed that his most enduring contributions would be his "Three Laws of Robotics" and the Foundation Series (see Yours, Isaac Asimov, p. 329). Furthermore, the Oxford English Dictionary credits his science fiction for introducing the words positronic (an entirely fictional technology), psychohistory (frequently used in a different sense than the imaginary one Asimov employed) and robotics into the English language. Asimov coined the term robotics without suspecting that it might be an original word; at the time, he believed it was simply the natural analogue of mechanics, hydraulics, and so forth. (The original word robot derives from the Czech word for "forced labor", robotovat, robota and was first employed by the playwright Karel Čapek in R.U.R. [Rossum's Universal Robots].) Unlike his word psychohistory, the word robotics continues in mainstream technical use with Asimov's original definition. Star Trek: The Next Generation featured androids with "positronic brains", namely Data, Lore, and B-4 , giving Asimov full credit for 'inventing' this fictional technology. Ironically (or, given Asimov's sense of humor, perhaps not so ironically), Asimov disliked the word "positron" as the term for the electron's antiparticle. As he explained in the nonfiction work "Atom: Journey across the Subatomic Cosmos," the proper suffix is "-on," as in proton and muon, not "-ron," as in electron and neutron, these two terms inheriting their r's from their root words.
Science fiction
Asimov first began reading the science fiction pulp magazines sold in his family's candy store in 1929. He came into contact with science fiction fandom in the mid-1930s, particularly the circle which became the Futurians. He began writing his first science fiction story, "Cosmic Corkscrew", in 1937, but failed to finish it until the spring of 1938, when he was inspired to do so after a visit to the offices of Astounding Science Fiction. He finished "Cosmic Corkscrew" on 19 June, and submitted the story in person to Astounding editor John W. Campbell two days later. Campbell rejected "Cosmic Corkscrew", but encouraged Asimov to keep trying, and Asimov did so. Asimov sold his third story, "Marooned Off Vesta", to Amazing Stories magazine in October, and it appeared in the March 1939 issue. He continued writing and sometimes selling stories to the science fiction pulps.In 1941, he published his 32nd story, "Nightfall", which has been described as one of "the most famous science-fiction stories of all time". In 1968 the Science Fiction Writers of America voted "Nightfall" the best science fiction short story ever written. In his short story collection Nightfall and Other Stories he wrote, "The writing of 'Nightfall' was a watershed in my professional career ... I was suddenly taken seriously and the world of science fiction became aware that I existed. As the years passed, in fact, it became evident that I had written a 'classic'".
"Nightfall" is an archetypical example of social science fiction, a term coined by Asimov to describe a new trend in the 1940s, led by authors including Asimov and Heinlein, away from gadgets and space opera and toward speculation about the human condition.
By 1941 Asimov began selling regularly to Astounding, which was then the field's leading magazine. From 1943 to 1949, all of his published science fiction appeared in Astounding.
In 1942 he published the first of his Foundation stories—later collected in the Foundation Trilogy: Foundation (1951), Foundation and Empire (1952), and Second Foundation (1953)—which recount the collapse and rebirth of a vast interstellar empire in a universe of the future. Taken together, they are his most famous work of science fiction, along with the Robot Series. Many years later, he continued the series with Foundation's Edge (1982) and Foundation and Earth (1986), and then went back to before the original trilogy with Prelude to Foundation (1988) and Forward the Foundation (1992). The series features his fictional science of Psychohistory in which the future course of the history of large populations can be predicted.
His positronic robot stories—many of which were collected in I, Robot (1950)—were begun at about the same time. They promulgated a set of rules of ethics for robots (see Three Laws of Robotics) and intelligent machines that greatly influenced other writers and thinkers in their treatment of the subject. One such short story, "The Bicentennial Man", was made into a film starring Robin Williams.
The 2004 film I, Robot, starring Will Smith, was based on a script by Jeff Vintar entitled Hardwired, with Asimov's ideas incorporated later after acquiring the rights to the I, Robot title. It is not related to the I, Robot script by Harlan Ellison, who collaborated with Asimov himself to create a version that captured the spirit of the original. Asimov is quoted as saying that Ellison's screenplay would lead to "the first really adult, complex, worthwhile science fiction movie ever made". The screenplay was published in book form in 1994, after hopes of seeing it in film form were becoming slim.
Besides movies, his Foundation and Robot stories have inspired other derivative works of science fiction literature, many by well-known and established authors such as Roger MacBride Allen, Greg Bear, Gregory Benford and David Brin. These appear to have been done with the blessing, and often at the request of, Asimov's widow Janet Asimov.
In 1948 he also wrote a spoof science article, "The Endochronic Properties of Resublimated Thiotimoline". At the time, Asimov was preparing for his own doctoral dissertation. Fearing a prejudicial reaction from his Ph.D. evaluation board, he asked his editor that it be released under a pseudonym, yet it appeared under his own name. During his oral examination shortly thereafter, Asimov grew concerned at the scrutiny he received. At the end of the examination, one evaluator turned to him, smiling, and said "Mr. Asimov, tell us something about the thermodynamic properties of the compound thiotimoline". After a 20-minute wait, he was summoned back into the Examination Room and congratulated as "Dr. Asimov."
In 1949, book publisher Doubleday's science fiction editor Walter I. Bradbury accepted Asimov's unpublished novel "Grow Old Along With Me" for publication, and it appeared under the Doubleday imprint in January 1950 as Pebble in the Sky. Doubleday went on to publish four more original science fiction novels by Asimov in the 1950s, along with the six juvenile Lucky Starr novels under the pseudonym Paul French. Doubleday also published collections of Asimov's short stories, beginning with The Martian Way and Other Stories in 1955. The early 1950s also saw Gnome Press publish Asimov's positronic robot stories as I, Robot and his Foundation stories as the three books of the Foundation Trilogy.
When new science fiction magazines, notably Galaxy Magazine and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, appeared in the 1950s, Asimov began publishing short stories in them as well. He would later refer to the 1950s as his "golden decade". A number of these stories are included in his Best of anthology, including "The Last Question" (1956), on the ability of humankind to cope with and potentially reverse the process of entropy. It was his personal favorite and considered by many to be equal to "Nightfall". Asimov wrote of it in 1973:
Why is it my favorite? For one thing I got the idea all at once and didn't have to fiddle with it; and I wrote it in white-heat and scarcely had to change a word. This sort of thing endears any story to any writer.
Then, too, it has had the strangest effect on my readers. Frequently someone writes to ask me if I can give them the name of a story, which they think I may have written, and tell them where to find it. They don't remember the title but when they describe the story it is invariably "The Last Question". This has reached the point where I recently received a long-distance phone call from a desperate man who began, "Dr. Asimov, there's a story I think you wrote, whose title I can't remember—" at which point I interrupted to tell him it was "The Last Question" and when I described the plot it proved to be indeed the story he was after. I left him convinced I could read minds at a distance of a thousand miles.
In December 1974, the former Beatle Paul McCartney approached Asimov and asked him if he could write the screenplay for a science-fiction movie musical. McCartney had a vague idea for the plot and a small scrap of dialogue; he wished to make a film about a rock band whose members discover they are being impersonated by a group of extraterrestrials. The band and their impostors would likely be played by McCartney's group Wings, then at the height of their career. Intrigued by the idea, although he was not generally a fan of rock music, Asimov quickly produced a "treatment" or brief outline of the story. He adhered to McCartney's overall idea, producing a story he felt to be moving and dramatic. However, he did not make use of McCartney's brief scrap of dialogue, and probably in consequence, McCartney rejected the story. The treatment now exists only in Boston University's archives.
Beginning in 1977, he lent his name to Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine (now Asimov's Science Fiction) and penned an editorial for each issue. There was also a short-lived Asimov's SF Adventure Magazine and a companion Asimov's Science Fiction Anthology reprint series, published as magazines (in the same manner as stablemates Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine's "anthologies").
Popular science
During the late 1950s and 1960s, Asimov shifted gears somewhat, and substantially decreased his fiction output (he published only four adult novels between 1957's The Naked Sun and 1982's Foundation's Edge, two of which were mysteries). At the same time, he greatly increased his non-fiction production, writing mostly on science topics; the launch of Sputnik in 1957 engendered public concern over a "science gap", which Asimov's publishers were eager to fill with as much material as he could write.Meanwhile, the monthly Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction invited him to continue his regular non-fiction column, begun in the now-folded bimonthly companion magazine Venture Science Fiction Magazine, ostensibly dedicated to popular science, but with Asimov having complete editorial freedom. The first of the F&SF columns appeared in November of 1958, and they followed uninterrupted thereafter, with 399 entries, until Asimov's terminal illness. These columns, periodically collected into books by his principal publisher, Doubleday, helped make Asimov's reputation as a "Great Explainer" of science, and were referred to by him as his only pop-science writing in which he never had to assume complete ignorance of the subjects at hand on the part of his readers. The popularity of his first wide-ranging reference work, The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science, also allowed him to give up most of his academic responsibilities and become essentially a full-time freelance writer.
Asimov wrote several essays on the social contentions of his time, including "Thinking About Thinking" and "Science: Knock Plastic" (1967).
The great variety of information covered in Asimov's writings once prompted Kurt Vonnegut to ask, "How does it feel to know everything?" Asimov replied that he only knew how it felt to have the reputation of omniscience—"Uneasy". (See In Joy Still Felt, chapter 30.) In the introduction to his story collection Slow Learner, Thomas Pynchon admitted that he relied upon Asimov's science popularizations (and the Oxford English Dictionary) to provide his knowledge of entropy.
It is a mark of the friendship and respect accorded Asimov by Arthur C. Clarke that the so-called "Asimov-Clarke Treaty of Park Avenue", put together as they shared a cab ride along Park Avenue in New York, stated that Asimov was required to insist that Clarke was the best science fiction writer in the world (reserving second best for himself), while Clarke was required to insist that Asimov was the best science writer in the world (reserving second best for himself). Thus the dedication in Clarke's book Report on Planet Three (1972) reads: "In accordance with the terms of the Clarke-Asimov treaty, the second-best science writer dedicates this book to the second-best science-fiction writer."
Literary themes
Much of Asimov's fiction dealt with themes of paternalism. His first robot story, "Robbie", concerned a robotic nanny. "Lenny" deals with the capacity of robopsychologist Susan Calvin to feel maternal love towards a robot whose positronic brain capacities are those of a 3-year-old. As the robots grew more sophisticated, their interventions became more wide-reaching and subtle. In "Evidence", the story revolves around a candidate who successfully runs for office who may be a robot masquerading as a human. In "The Evitable Conflict", the robots run humanity from behind the scenes, acting as nannies to the whole species.Later, in The Robots of Dawn and Robots and Empire, a robot develops what he calls the Zeroth Law of Robotics, which states that: "A robot may not injure humanity, nor, through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm". He also decides that robotic presence is stifling humanity's freedom, and that the best course of action is for the robots to phase themselves out. A non-robot, time travel novel, The End of Eternity, features a similar conflict and resolution. The significance of the Zeroth Law is that it outweighs and supersedes all other Laws of Robotics: if a robot finds himself in a situation whereby he must murder one or more humans (a direct violation of the First Law of Robotics) in order to protect all of humanity (and preserve the Zeroth Law), then the robot's positronic programming will require him to commit murder for humanity's sake. Only highly advanced robots (such as Daneel and Giskard) could comprehend this law.
In The Foundation Series (which did not originally have robots), a scientist implements a semi-secret plan to create a new galactic empire over the course of 1,000 years. This series has its version of Platonic guardians, called the Second Foundation, to perfect and protect the plan. When Asimov stopped writing the series in the 1950s, the Second Foundation was depicted as benign protectors of humanity. When he revisited the series in the 1980s, he made the paternalistic themes even more explicit.
Foundation's Edge introduced the planet Gaia, obviously based on the Gaia hypothesis. Every animal, plant, and mineral on Gaia participated in a shared consciousness, forming a single super-mind working together for the greater good. In Foundation and Earth, the protagonist starts searching for the Earth, thinking that there he could find the answer of why he decided, in Foundation's Edge, that Galaxia was the right choice to take. Gaia is one of Asimov's best attempts at exploring the possibility of a collective awareness, and is compounded further in Nemesis, in which the planet Erythro composed primarily of prokaryotic life has a mind of its own and seeks communion with human beings.
Foundation and Earth introduces robots to the Foundation universe. Two of Asimov's last novels, Prelude to Foundation and Forward the Foundation, explore their behavior in fuller detail. The robots are depicted as covert operatives, acting for the benefit of humanity.
Another frequent theme, perhaps the reverse of paternalism, is social oppression. The Currents of Space takes place on a planet where a unique plant fiber is grown; the agricultural workers there are exploited by the aristocrats of a nearby planet. In The Stars, Like Dust, the hero helps a planet that is oppressed by an arrogant interplanetary empire, the Tyranni.
Often the victims of oppression are either Earth people (as opposed to colonists on other planets) or robots. In "The Bicentennial Man", a robot fights prejudice to be accepted as a human. In The Caves of Steel, the people of Earth resent the wealthier "Spacers" and in turn treat robots (associated with the Spacers) in ways reminiscent of how whites treated blacks, such as addressing robots as "boy". Pebble in the Sky shows an analogous situation: the Galactic Empire rules Earth and its people use such terms as "Earthie-squaw", but Earth is a theocratic dictatorship that enforces euthanasia of anyone older than 60. One hero is Bel Arvardan, an upper-class Galactic archaeologist who must overcome his prejudices. The other is Joseph Schwartz, a 62-year-old 20th century American who had emigrated from Europe, where his people were persecuted (he is quite possibly Jewish), and is accidentally transported forward in time to Arvardan's period. He must decide whether to help a downtrodden society that thinks he should be dead.
Yet another frequent theme in Asimov is rational thought. He invented the science-fiction mystery with the novel The Caves of Steel and the stories in Asimov's Mysteries, usually playing fair with the reader by introducing early in the story any science or technology involved in the solution. Later, he produced non-SF mysteries, including the novel Murder at the ABA (1976) and the "Black Widowers" and "Union Club" short stories, in which he followed the same rule. In his fiction, important scenes are often essentially debates, with the more rational, humane—or persuasive—side winning.
Isaac Asimov short stories
Isaac Asimov penned numerous short stories over his career. Among his short stories the following are some of Isaac Asimov's best books. I, Robot (1950) A collection of interconnected short stories that explore the relationship between humans and intelligent robots. The stories introduce Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. Nightfall and Other Stories (1969) This collection includes the famous story Nightfall, which is set on a planet with six suns and explores the consequences of a rare event where darkness falls. The Bicentennial Man and Other Stories (1976) The titular story in this collection, The Bicentennial Man, is about a robot's quest to become more human over a span of 200 years. The Complete Robot (1982) This anthology brings together Asimov's robot-related short stories, including those from I, Robot, as well as additional stories exploring the theme of robotics. Robot Dreams (1986) Another collection of robot-themed stories, including some that were not included in The Complete Robot. Gold (1995) This collection gathers Asimov's stories that earned Hugo and Nebula Awards, showcasing his mastery in the science fiction genre. The Martian Way and Other Stories (1955) This collection includes various stories with different themes, showcasing Asimov's versatility as a writer. Nine Tomorrows (1959) A collection of nine science fiction stories that explore various futuristic scenarios.
The
Last Question is one of Asimov's most famous and widely anthologized
short stories. It was first published in 1956 and has since become a
classic in the science fiction genre. The story explores themes of
technology, the universe, and the ultimate fate of humanity. The
narrative follows the evolution of a computer system called Multivac and
its interactions with humans across vast spans of time. As the story
unfolds, it raises profound questions about the nature of existence, the
limits of technology, and the potential destiny of the universe. The
Last Question is celebrated for its thought-provoking concepts and its
ability to encapsulate grand ideas within a relatively short narrative.
It remains a favorite among science fiction enthusiasts and is often
cited as one of Isaac Asimov's best books. If you enjoy speculative and
philosophical explorations in science fiction, The Last Question is
definitely worth a read.
Isaac
Asimov's literary legacy includes over 500 published books and
countless short stories, making him one of the most prolific and
influential authors in history. His impact extends beyond the world of
literature, as his enthusiasm for science and learning inspired
generations of readers to engage with the wonders of the universe. Isaac
Asimov passed away on April 6, 1992, leaving behind an enduring legacy
as a master storyteller, scientist, and educator. His influence on
science fiction, popular science writing, and the broader cultural
understanding of science remains immeasurable.
Prelude to Foundation
Prelude
to Foundation stands as a pivotal installment in the expansive universe
of the Foundation series. Published in 1988, it serves as a prequel to
the original Foundation trilogy, delving into the early life and
adventures of the eminent mathematician and psychohistorian, Hari
Seldon. Set against the backdrop of a galactic empire spanning countless
worlds, Prelude to Foundation unveils a universe on the brink of
significant change. The story unfolds on the bustling planet of Trantor,
the administrative center of the Galactic Empire and a hub of
intellectual pursuits. Here, amidst towering spires and bustling crowds,
Hari Seldon embarks on a journey that will shape the destiny of
civilizations.
Asimov introduces readers to Hari Seldon as a
brilliant but relatively unknown mathematician, whose groundbreaking
theories in psychohistory – a discipline combining mathematics and
sociology to predict the future of large populations – attract the
attention of both admirers and adversaries. The narrative unfurls with
Hari Seldon being pursued by shadowy forces intent on thwarting his
revolutionary ideas. Faced with imminent danger, Seldon embarks on a
quest, seeking refuge in the furthest corners of the galaxy while
striving to refine his theories and establish a sanctuary for the
preservation of knowledge – the legendary Foundation. Throughout his
journey, Seldon encounters a diverse array of characters, each offering
unique insights into the intricacies of the Galactic Empire and the
human condition itself. From encounters with cunning politicians to
interactions with enigmatic scholars, Seldon navigates a complex web of
alliances and betrayals, all while striving to unlock the secrets of
psychohistory.
Prelude to Foundation serves as a captivating
exploration of themes such as the nature of power, the trajectory of
civilizations, and the quest for knowledge amidst uncertainty. Asimov's
masterful storytelling intertwines elements of political intrigue,
philosophical inquiry, and scientific speculation, inviting readers to
ponder the myriad possibilities of the future. In this prelude to the
epic saga of the Foundation, Asimov lays the groundwork for the
monumental events that will shape the fate of the galaxy for millennia
to come. Through the lens of Hari Seldon's journey, readers embark on a
captivating odyssey through the vast expanse of space and time,
propelled by the enduring allure of discovery and the quest for
understanding.
The Foundation Trilogy
The
Foundation Trilogy, an iconic work of science fiction, stands as a
cornerstone of the genre and a testament to the visionary imagination of
Isaac Asimov. Comprising three seminal novels – Foundation (1951),
Foundation and Empire (1952), and Second Foundation (1953) – the trilogy
captivates readers with its grand scope, intricate plotting, and
profound exploration of humanity's future amidst the vast expanse of
space. Born from the fertile mind of Asimov, The Foundation Trilogy
unfolds against the backdrop of a sprawling galactic empire in decline,
where the certainties of the present collide with the uncertainties of
the future. At the heart of the narrative lies the concept of
psychohistory, a revolutionary science developed by the brilliant
mathematician Hari Seldon. Psychohistory enables Seldon to predict the
course of history on a grand scale, foreseeing the inevitable collapse
of the Galactic Empire and the ensuing dark age that threatens to engulf
humanity.
As the empire teeters on the brink of collapse, Seldon
conceives a daring plan to mitigate the impending chaos and shorten the
ensuing dark age from thousands of years to a mere millennium. He
establishes the Foundation, a secluded outpost at the edge of the
galaxy, tasked with preserving and advancing human knowledge to guide
civilization through the trials ahead. Across the trilogy, readers are
treated to a captivating tapestry of interwoven narratives, spanning
generations and galaxies, as the Foundation navigates the tumultuous
currents of history. From the machinations of ambitious warlords to the
enigmatic influence of the Second Foundation, Asimov masterfully crafts a
saga brimming with political intrigue, technological marvels, and
profound philosophical insights.
At its core, The Foundation
Trilogy explores timeless themes of power, governance, and the
resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through a cast
of compelling characters – from the visionary leaders of the Foundation
to the enigmatic figures shaping the destiny of worlds – Asimov invites
readers to ponder the complexities of history and the role of
individuals in shaping its course. Published over half a century ago,
The Foundation Trilogy continues to captivate readers with its timeless
appeal and enduring relevance. Its influence reverberates throughout the
landscape of science fiction, inspiring generations of writers and
thinkers to explore the boundless possibilities of the human
imagination. In literary history, The Foundation Trilogy stands as a
towering achievement, a testament to Asimov's prodigious talent and his
enduring legacy as one of the preeminent storytellers of the modern age.
As readers embark on a journey through the depths of space and time,
they are reminded of the enduring power of ideas and the indomitable
spirit of humanity's quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
Forward the Foundation
Published
in 1993, this novel serves as both a prequel and a fitting conclusion
to Asimov's monumental Foundation series, tracing the final years of the
legendary mathematician and psychohistorian, Hari Seldon. Set against
the backdrop of a galaxy in flux, Forward the Foundation delves into the
twilight years of Hari Seldon's life as he grapples with the inexorable
march of time and the weight of his own legacy. As the Galactic Empire
teeters on the brink of collapse, Seldon's groundbreaking theories in
psychohistory become increasingly vital, offering a beacon of hope
amidst the encroaching shadows of uncertainty. Asimov deftly weaves
together threads of political intrigue, scientific discovery, and
personal introspection, crafting a multifaceted tapestry that
illuminates the complexities of human nature and the inexorable tide of
history. From Seldon's encounters with ambitious proteges to his
confrontations with formidable adversaries, "Forward the Foundation"
offers readers a glimpse into the inner workings of a brilliant mind
wrestling with the existential dilemmas of existence.
As Seldon
navigates the tumultuous currents of his final years, readers are
treated to a poignant exploration of themes such as mortality, legacy,
and the enduring quest for knowledge. Through the lens of Seldon's
experiences, Asimov invites readers to ponder the timeless mysteries of
the universe and the profound significance of individual actions in
shaping the course of history. Forward the Foundation serves as a
testament to Asimov's unparalleled storytelling prowess and his
unparalleled ability to captivate readers with his boundless imagination
and keen insight into the human condition. As readers embark on a
journey through the vast expanse of space and time, they are reminded of
the enduring power of ideas and the indomitable spirit of humanity's
quest for enlightenment.
Forward the Foundation stands as a
fitting conclusion to Asimov's magnum opus, a testament to his enduring
legacy as one of the preeminent voices in science fiction literature. As
readers bid farewell to Hari Seldon and the universe he helped to
shape, they are left with a profound sense of awe and wonder at the
boundless possibilities of the human imagination.
Foundation's Edge
Released
in 1982, Foundation's Edge marks a triumphant return to the sprawling
universe of the Galactic Empire and the enigmatic Foundation,
captivating readers with its intricate plotlines and profound
philosophical musings. Foundation's Edge picks up the narrative
centuries after the events of the original Foundation trilogy, as the
tenuous equilibrium between the Foundation and the remnants of the
Galactic Empire threatens to unravel. At the heart of the story lies the
quest for knowledge and understanding, as protagonists Golan Trevize
and Janov Pelorat embark on a journey across the far reaches of space in
search of the elusive planet of origin for humanity – Earth.
Asimov
masterfully intertwines elements of political intrigue, technological
innovation, and existential introspection, crafting a narrative that
transcends the boundaries of traditional science fiction. Through
encounters with enigmatic aliens, encounters with ancient artifacts, and
confrontations with shadowy conspiracies, Trevize and Pelorat grapple
with questions of identity, purpose, and the nature of reality itself.
Foundation's Edge serves as a thought-provoking exploration of themes
such as the quest for knowledge, the nature of power, and the evolution
of societies in the face of change. Asimov challenges readers to
contemplate the interplay between individual agency and larger forces
shaping the destiny of civilizations, inviting them to ponder the
timeless mysteries of existence and the infinite possibilities of the
cosmos. The book exemplifies Asimov's unparalleled ability to blend
scientific speculation with philosophical inquiry, offering readers a
captivating odyssey through the depths of space and time. As Trevize and
Pelorat navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the galaxy, they are
confronted with the profound complexities of the human condition,
reminding readers of the enduring power of curiosity and the unyielding
spirit of exploration.
Foundation and Earth
Foundation
and Earth, published in 1986. follows the protagonist, Golan Trevize,
as he embarks on a quest across the galaxy with companions Janov Pelorat
and Bliss in search of humanity's mythical planet of origin, Earth.
Along the way, they encounter ancient civilizations, enigmatic aliens,
and shadowy conspiracies, grappling with questions of identity, purpose,
and the nature of existence. The novel blends elements of science
fiction, mystery, and philosophical inquiry, offering readers a
captivating exploration of themes such as consciousness, societal
evolution, and the quest for meaning. As Trevize and his companions
journey closer to Earth, they confront their own fears and desires,
ultimately coming to terms with the interconnectedness of all life in
the universe. Foundation and Earth exemplifies Asimov's ability to
combine scientific speculation with philosophical insight, delivering a
thought-provoking odyssey through the cosmos.
I, Robot Series by Isaac Asimov
The
I, Robot series by Isaac Asimov is a collection of science fiction
stories that revolve around the interactions between humans and robots,
exploring themes of artificial intelligence, ethics, and the
implications of technological advancement. The series is comprised of
several short stories and novels, all set within Asimov's fictional
universe known as the Robot series. The cornerstone of the series is the
collection of short stories titled I, Robot, published in 1950. These
stories introduce the Three Laws of Robotics, fundamental rules
programmed into robots to ensure their behavior aligns with human values
and safety. The stories feature recurring characters such as Susan
Calvin, a roboticist, and explore various scenarios in which the Three
Laws are tested and interpreted, highlighting the complexities of
human-robot interactions.
Following the success of I, Robot,
Asimov expanded the series with additional novels and short stories,
including The Caves of Steel (1954), The Naked Sun (1957), and Robots of
Dawn (1983). These novels feature the detective duo of Elijah Baley, a
human detective, and R. Daneel Olivaw, a humanoid robot, as they
investigate crimes and mysteries in a future where robots play integral
roles in society. Asimov further expanded the universe with prequels and
sequels, such as Robots and Empire (1985), which explores the origins
of the Three Laws and the relationship between humans and robots in a
galactic context.
Throughout the series, Asimov delves into
profound questions about the nature of consciousness, free will, and the
ethical responsibilities inherent in creating artificial intelligence.
His exploration of these themes has had a lasting impact on the science
fiction genre and continues to inspire readers and writers alike to
contemplate the implications of humanity's relationship with technology.
I, Robot
I,
Robot, first published in 1950, consists of nine interconnected short
stories that explore the relationships between humans and robots in a
future society where robots are an integral part of daily life. The
stories are framed by the narrative of Dr. Susan Calvin, a roboticist
and psychologist employed by U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men Corporation,
as she reflects on her experiences with robots over several decades.
Through her recollections, readers are introduced to the Three Laws of
Robotics:
A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Each
story in I, Robot presents a different scenario in which these laws are
tested, either through unforeseen circumstances, conflicts of interest,
or philosophical debates. From robots developing unexpected behaviors
to complex ethical dilemmas involving human safety, Asimov's tales delve
into the nuances of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
I, Robot is considered a seminal work in the science fiction genre for
its exploration of themes such as ethics, technology, and humanity's
relationship with machines. Asimov's vision of a future where robots
coexist with humans, governed by strict ethical guidelines, has
influenced countless works of literature, film, and television. The
collection remains a classic, captivating readers with its
thought-provoking narratives and enduring relevance in the age of
advancing technology.
The Caves of Steel
In The Caves of Steel, Isaac Asimov crafts a riveting fusion of science fiction and detective thriller, plunging readers into a future Earth where humans and robots coexist in uneasy harmony. Detective Elijah Baley is thrust into a high-stakes investigation when a prominent Spacer (a human from the outer colonies) is murdered on Earth—a crime seemingly impossible for a robot to commit. Teaming up with the humanoid robot R. Daneel Olivaw, Baley navigates a labyrinth of political intrigue, societal tensions, and personal biases as he races against time to unravel the truth. Asimov's masterful blend of futuristic world-building, gripping suspense, and probing philosophical inquiry makes The Caves of Steel a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its exploration of humanity's complex relationship with technology and each other.
The Naked Sun
The Naked Sun is a captivating science fiction novel set in a distant future where humans have colonized other planets. Detective Elijah Baley is once again called upon to solve a perplexing murder case, this time on the planet Solaria, where humanoid robots vastly outnumber the human population. Baley's investigation leads him to confront the deeply ingrained prejudices and social customs of Solarian society, where humans live isolated lives in expansive estates and rely heavily on robot servants. Teaming up with the robot partner R. Daneel Olivaw, Baley navigates a web of deceit, suspicion, and political intrigue to uncover the truth behind the murder and expose the dark secrets lurking beneath the planet's idyllic surface. Asimov expertly weaves together elements of mystery, social commentary, and speculative science, delivering a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of isolation, technology, and the nature of humanity.
The Robots of Dawn
In The Robots of Dawn, Asimov transports readers to a future where the interactions between humans and robots are fraught with tension and intrigue. Detective Elijah Baley is once again tasked with solving a perplexing crime, this time on the planet Aurora, where robotic technology is at its zenith. With the help of his humanoid robot partner R. Daneel Olivaw, Baley delves into the intricacies of Aurora's society, uncovering layers of deception and political machinations. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, Baley must navigate a landscape of shifting allegiances and moral dilemmas to uncover the truth behind the murder and prevent a catastrophe that could shake the very foundations of human-robot relations. Asimov's masterful storytelling and exploration of complex ethical questions make The Robots of Dawn a gripping tale that will leave readers pondering the nature of consciousness, free will, and the future of humanity.
Other books by Isaac Asimov
The Gods Themselves
Published
in 1972, this Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel represents a
departure from Asimov's more traditional science fiction narratives,
offering readers a provocative exploration of themes such as human
nature, morality, and the consequences of scientific discovery. Set
against the backdrop of a future Earth and a parallel universe known as
the para-Universe, The Gods Themselves unfolds across three
interconnected storylines, each offering a unique perspective on the
challenges facing humanity. The narrative begins with the discovery of a
revolutionary new energy source, the Electron Pump, which promises to
solve Earth's energy crisis but comes with unforeseen consequences.
Through
the perspectives of characters such as physicist Frederick Hallam,
lunar scientist Peter Lamont, and para-Universe inhabitant Dua, Asimov
navigates a complex web of intrigue, deception, and moral ambiguity. As
humanity grapples with the ethical implications of harnessing the
Electron Pump, tensions escalate between Earth and the para-Universe,
leading to a climactic confrontation with far-reaching consequences. The
Gods Themselves stands out for its bold exploration of unconventional
narrative structures and thought-provoking themes. Asimov challenges
readers to confront the limitations of human knowledge and the hubris of
scientific progress, urging them to consider the ethical implications
of technological advancement and the interconnectedness of all life in
the universe.
The Gods Themselves serves as a powerful meditation
on the nature of existence and the eternal quest for understanding that
defines the human condition. As readers journey through the intricacies
of Asimov's imagined worlds, they are invited to ponder the
complexities of morality, the inevitability of change, and the enduring
mysteries of the cosmos.
Asimov's Chronology of Science & Discovery
Asimov's
Chronology of Science & Discovery is a captivating exploration of
the history of science and technology, masterfully compiled by the
renowned science fiction author Isaac Asimov. Published in 1989, this
comprehensive reference book provides readers with a chronological
journey through the milestones of human knowledge, from ancient
civilizations to the cutting-edge discoveries of the modern era. With
meticulous detail and engaging prose, Asimov traces the evolution of
scientific thought and innovation, illuminating the interconnectedness
of disciplines such as astronomy, physics, biology, and chemistry. From
the invention of the wheel to the exploration of space, each entry in
the chronology offers insights into the individuals, events, and
breakthroughs that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Asimov's
encyclopedic knowledge and passion for science shine through in this
invaluable resource, making it an essential addition to the library of
anyone curious about the wonders of the natural world. Whether you're a
seasoned science enthusiast or a novice explorer, Asimov's Chronology of
Science & Discovery is sure to inspire awe and wonder at the
remarkable achievements of humanity throughout history
Isaac Asimov quotes
"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom."
"The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...'"
"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent."
"The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing."
"Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is."
"The saddest words in the English language are 'What might have been.'"
"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them."
"Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."
Source and additional information: Isaac Asimov