Asimov's Galaxy

by Isaac Asimov

Discusses components of science-fiction writing, including satire, irony, symbolism, and fantasy, the relationship between science and science fiction, and the author's own work in this genre

Genres: Science Fiction, Writing, Fantasy, Essays

318 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

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

[Stationery Social Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asimov’s Galaxy was my first real encounter with Isaac Asimov, and I came away feeling somehow better for having read him. Though it is a collection of essays, it often reads like a memoir—a guided tour through Asimov’s mind, interests, and temperament. He comes across as vain, sharp-witted, absent-minded, and highly charismatic: something like Captain Louis Renault from Casablanca if Renault had devoted himself to science fiction. Asimov’s intelligence, humor, and love for the genre carry the book from beginning to end. I finished it feeling more acquainted with science fiction and with the peculiar force of Asimov himself.

[SaraKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asimov writes about his rules for writing and lists of books he recommends. I loved it.

[Michael Alligood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asimov’s Galaxy was my first real encounter with Isaac Asimov, and I came away feeling somehow better for having read him. Though it is a collection of essays, it often reads like a memoir—a guided tour through Asimov’s mind, interests, and temperament. He comes across as vain, sharp-witted, absent-minded, and highly charismatic: something like Captain Louis Renault from Casablanca if Renault had devoted himself to science fiction. Asimov’s intelligence, humor, and love for the genre carry the book from beginning to end. I finished it feeling more acquainted with science fiction and with the peculiar force of Asimov himself.

[Anthony Faber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asimov's editorials for IASFM. A little repetitive at times, but mostly amusing.

[Liedzeit Liedzeit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of the editorials that Asimov wrote for Asimov’s his S.F. magazine. The subject matter is rather limited to S.F. and Asimov mainly. Most of the essays do not tell us anything new. I am nearly going so far as to say I could have written them. He tells us, for example, things about Campbell that he told a million times before.
But, I hasten to add, they are enjoyable. What I found interesting is that he was bitter about people, asking for autographs e.g. do not thank him. Of course, it is only for hard-core Asimov fans.

[Juliana Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could possibly be the one non-fiction book (in English) that I love very much. With Asimov's good writing, plus his wit and wisdom, no wonder he has a HUGE number of fans.