The Classic collection of Isaac Asimov. Twenty One Short Stories. Illustrated: Time Pussy, Half-Breed, Ring Around the Sun, Homo Sol, Not Final! and others

by Isaac Asimov

The Classic Collection of Isaac Twenty-One Short Stories is a captivating anthology that showcases the brilliant mind of one of science fiction's most influential authors. This illustrated collection features a diverse range of stories, each reflecting Asimov's unique ability to blend intricate scientific concepts with compelling narratives. From the thought-provoking "Time Pussy," which explores the nature of time and reality, to "Homo Sol," a story that delves into the future of humanity, Asimov's work challenges readers to ponder the implications of scientific advancements.

The collection also includes "Ring Around the Sun," where the boundaries of space and personal identity are tested, and "Not Final!," which examines the nature of creativity and authorship in a world of infinite possibilities. With a total of twenty-one stories, this anthology not only highlights Asimov's innovative storytelling but also his keen foresight into the ethical dilemmas posed by technology and science.

Ideal for both long-time fans and newcomers to Asimov's work, this collection serves as a testament to his legacy in the genre of science fiction. Each story invites readers on a journey through time, space, and the human condition, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and literature.

• Marooned Off Vesta
• The Weapon Too Dreadful to Use
• Trends
• Half-Breed
• Ring Around the Sun
• The Callistan Menace
• The Magnificent Possession
• Robbie
• Homo Sol
• Half-Breeds on Venus
• History
• The Secret Sense
• Heredity
• Reason
• Liar!
• Super-Neutron
• Not Final!
• Christmas On Ganymede
• Robot AL-76 Goes Astray
• Runaround
• Black Friar of the Flame
• Time Pussy

543 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Works of prolific Russian-American writer Isaac Asimov include popular explanations of scientific principles, The Foundation Trilogy (1951-1953), and other volumes of fiction.

Isaac Asimov, a professor of biochemistry, wrote as a highly successful author, best known for his books.

Asimov, professor, generally considered of all time, edited more than five hundred books and ninety thousand letters and postcards. He published in nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey decimal classification but lacked only an entry in the category of philosophy (100).

People widely considered Asimov, a master of the genre alongside Robert Anson Heinlein and Arthur Charles Clarke as the "big three" during his lifetime. He later tied Galactic Empire and the Robot into the same universe as his most famous series to create a unified "future history" for his stories much like those that Heinlein pioneered and Cordwainer Smith and Poul Anderson previously produced. He penned "Nightfall," voted in 1964 as the best short story of all time; many persons still honor this title. He also produced well mysteries, fantasy, and a great quantity of nonfiction. Asimov used Paul French, the pen name, for the Lucky Starr, series of juvenile novels.

Most books of Asimov in a historical way go as far back to a time with possible question or concept at its simplest stage. He often provides and mentions well nationalities, birth, and death dates for persons and etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms. Guide to Science, the tripartite set Understanding Physics, and Chronology of Science and Discovery exemplify these books.

Asimov, a long-time member, reluctantly served as vice president of Mensa international and described some members of that organization as "brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs." He took more pleasure as president of the humanist association. The asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov's Science Fiction, an elementary school in Brooklyn in New York, and two different awards honor his name.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_As...

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good collection of what seem to be early Isaac Asimov short stories. And there is quite a range of subjects, robots interplanetary politics, even a ghost story and a humourous story. The writing is pretty good for someone who was just starting out, but as Asimov fans know there are two things that he has difficulty with, swearing and romance, so when we encounter these in his writing it's a bit...uneven. Overall, all but a few of these were enjoyable, and those few were not awful, just disappointing. For those not Asimov fans it is worth a read.

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Stories are always hard to rate and SF from 1939 yea.
Mr. Asimov said it best Thank Goodness College was only $400 a semester as you don't make a lot of money selling to magazines, and I was not planning on becoming a full-time author.
Look closely and you can see both were the author padded the word count and were the editor cut words out. A few of the stories are in other books. Some new to me but all a reminder of reading Asimov in the 60's and re-reading in the 80's
enjoy

[Ross T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of Sci-Fi

You have to wonder about the future of Earth as you read these stories. The possibilities are numerous. Future realities begin as ideas fiction. But who can say what will be here and where we would have gone in 1,000 years even. Exciting to contemplate as you read Azimov.