Isaac Asimov ​

Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. He was known for his works of science fiction and popular science. His most famous work is the Foundation Series, and his Robot series. He was prolific and wrote or edited more than 500 books.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote over 500 books.
• Translated into nine languages.
• His works are continued by a trusted friend after his death.
• Known for his prolific work in the Science Fiction genre.
• His works include the Foundation, Galactic Empire, and Robot series.
• Was the President of the American Humanist Association.

Background ​

Asimov was born in 1920 in Petrovichi, Smolensk Oblast, RSFSR to a family of Jewish millers. He moved to the United States with his family at a young age, settling in Brooklyn, New York. An early and avid reader, he began studying chemistry at Columbia University at the age of 15. He served in the Army during World War II and returned to Columbia after his discharge to complete his PhD. He later worked as a biochemistry professor at Boston University.

In 1939, he began publishing his science fiction works in magazines. He gained popularity in the 1950s with his Foundation series and alongside writing academic books, he was a prolific author of science fiction. Renowned for his science fiction works, he also wrote mystery and fantasy novels. His other famous works include I, Robot and the Robot series. He died in 1992.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Asimov is renowned for his rational and scientifically accurate approach to storytelling. His style often involves the artful combination of science and philosophy backed up by his knowledge in biochemistry. He popularized the science fiction genre with his series like "Foundation" and "Robot". His works had a significant impact on the way science fiction has evolved over the years, elevating it to the status of serious and important literature.

Notable Works ​

• Foundation series (1951-1993)
• I, Robot (1950)
• The Caves of Steel (1954)
• The End of Eternity (1955)
• The Gods Themselves (1972)
• Isaac Asimov's Book of Facts (1979)