Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry who is regarded as one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century. He is best known for his science fiction, and in particular for the Foundation series and for the Robot series.
Early Life
Asimov was born in 1920 in Petrovichi, Russia, and his family emigrated to the United States when he was three. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
He read science fiction magazines and began to write stories as a teenager. He studied chemistry at Columbia University and took a doctorate in biochemistry.
He worked as a professor at Boston University and wrote on science and on science fiction. He was a member of the faculty for many years.
The Robot Stories
Asimov's robot stories introduced the Three Laws of Robotics. The laws govern the behaviour of intelligent robots and have become a reference point in the discussion of artificial intelligence.
The stories were collected in I, Robot and other volumes. The novels The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun are robot mysteries.
The stories explore the logic and the limitations of the laws. They are regarded as classics of the genre.
The Foundation Series
The Foundation series describes the decline and fall of a galactic empire. The stories were inspired by the history of the Roman Empire.
The series includes Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation. The novels were later expanded into a larger series.
The series is one of the most influential works of science fiction. It has been adapted for television.
The Non-Fiction
Asimov wrote more than five hundred books, including works on science, on history, and on literature. He wrote the three-volume guide to Shakespeare and a guide to the Bible.
He wrote a series of science books for general readers. He was known for his clear and accessible style.
He also wrote mysteries and books for young readers. He was a prolific author in many genres.
The Later Life
Asimov was a member of the Baker Street Irregulars and a fan of Sherlock Holmes. He wrote a number of mystery stories.
He was a humanist and a critic of organised religion. He served as the president of the American Humanist Association.
He died in 1992 from heart and kidney failure. His health had declined after a heart bypass operation.
Legacy
Asimov is regarded as one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. His work has influenced the development of the genre and of the discussion of robotics.
He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo and the Nebula awards. He has been honoured by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
He is remembered for his imagination and for his clarity. His work continues to be read and to be studied.
The Robot Stories
Asimov's robot stories introduced the Three Laws of Robotics. The laws govern the behaviour of intelligent robots and have become a reference point in the discussion of artificial intelligence.
The stories were collected in I, Robot and other volumes. The novels The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun are robot mysteries.
The stories explore the logic and the limitations of the laws. They are regarded as classics of the genre.
The Foundation Series
The Foundation series describes the decline and fall of a galactic empire. The stories were inspired by the history of the Roman Empire.
The series includes Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation. The novels were later expanded into a larger series.
The series is one of the most influential works of science fiction. It has been adapted for television.
The Non-Fiction
Asimov wrote more than five hundred books, including works on science, on history, and on literature. He wrote the three-volume guide to Shakespeare and a guide to the Bible.
He wrote a series of science books for general readers. He was known for his clear and accessible style.
He also wrote mysteries and books for young readers. He was a prolific author in many genres.
The Editing and the Fandom
Asimov edited a number of anthologies of science fiction. He was a member of the Futurians, a group of science fiction fans and writers.
He was a founding member of the Science Fiction Writers of America. He was involved in the promotion of the genre.
He was a member of the Baker Street Irregulars and a fan of Sherlock Holmes. He wrote a number of mystery stories.
The Later Life
Asimov was a humanist and a critic of organised religion. He served as the president of the American Humanist Association.
He died in 1992 from heart and kidney failure. His health had declined after a heart bypass operation.
He was married twice and had two children. His wife Janet Asimov was also a writer.
The Legacy
Asimov is regarded as one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. His work has influenced the development of the genre and of the discussion of robotics.
He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo and the Nebula awards. He has been honoured by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
He is remembered for his imagination and for his clarity. His work continues to be read and to be studied.
See also
- Science fiction
- Three Laws of Robotics