Asimov is best known for his science fiction, particularly the Foundation series, which won the one-time Hugo Award for “Best All-Time Series” in 1966. He also created the Robot series, introducing the Three Laws of Robotics.

Early Life and Education

Isaac Asimov was born between October 4, 1919, and January 2, 1920, in Petrovichi, Russian SFSR. His exact birth date remains uncertain, though he celebrated it on January 2. His parents, Anna Rachel and Judah Asimov, were Jewish millers who immigrated to the United States in 1923 when Asimov was three years old. The family settled in Brooklyn, New York, where they owned a series of candy stores. Asimov quickly developed a love for reading, teaching himself to read by the age of five. He was an exceptional student, graduating from Boys High School in Brooklyn at just 15 years old.

He briefly attended City College of New York before transferring to Seth Low Junior College, a Columbia University affiliate. He initially majored in zoology but switched to chemistry due to his discomfort with dissection. He earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1939 and later pursued graduate studies at Columbia, receiving his Master’s degree in 1941 and a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1948.

Career and Contributions to Science Fiction

The Early Years

Asimov’s passion for writing emerged in his teenage years. He sold his first science fiction story, “Marooned Off Vesta,” to Amazing Stories in 1938. His breakthrough came in 1941 with “Nightfall,” a short story that was later voted the best science fiction short story of all time.

The Foundation Series

During the 1940s, Asimov developed what would become his most famous work: the Foundation series. Originally published as short stories in Astounding Science Fiction, the stories were later compiled into the Foundation trilogy: Foundation (1951), Foundation and Empire (1952), and Second Foundation (1953). The series explored the decline and eventual rebirth of a vast interstellar empire, with themes inspired by Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. In 1966, the trilogy won a special Hugo Award for “Best All-Time Series.”

The Robot Series and the Three Laws of Robotics

Asimov also made significant contributions to the concept of artificial intelligence with his Robot series. His 1950 collection I, Robot introduced the Three Laws of Robotics, which became foundational principles in AI ethics and robotics. The laws aimed to prevent robots from harming humans and have influenced both real-world AI development and fictional portrayals of robots.

Later Works and Expansion of His Universe

After a hiatus from science fiction in the late 1950s and 1960s, Asimov returned in the 1980s to expand his Foundation and Robot series, linking them into a single grand narrative. Foundation’s Edge (1982) and Foundation and Earth (1986) extended the original trilogy, while Prelude to Foundation (1988) and Forward the Foundation (1992) served as prequels.

Non-Fiction Writing and Popular Science

Asimov was a prolific writer beyond fiction. He published over 490 books, covering a wide range of topics including chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, history, and literature. His works aimed to make complex scientific ideas accessible to the general public. His Guide to Science and Understanding Physics are still regarded as seminal popular science books.

Essays and Magazine Contributions

For over 30 years, Asimov wrote a monthly science column for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, covering topics from physics to history. These essays were later compiled into multiple books, further cementing his reputation as an educator.

Personal Life and Views

Asimov married Gertrude Blugerman in 1942, and they had two children, David and Robyn. The couple separated in 1970, and Asimov later married Janet Jeppson, a psychiatrist and science fiction writer, in 1973.

A self-proclaimed humanist and atheist, Asimov was vocal about his rationalist views. He served as the president of the American Humanist Association and was a signatory of the Humanist Manifesto.

Asimov’s influence extended beyond literature. His ideas on robotics, AI, and space exploration inspired real-world scientists and engineers. His works influenced the naming of the humanoid robot ASIMO and several scientific terms, including “robotics.”

Isaac Asimov’s works continue to be adapted into films and TV series, ensuring his legacy as one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time.

Illness and Death

In 1977, Asimov suffered a heart attack, and in 1983, he underwent triple bypass surgery. During this procedure, he contracted HIV from a blood transfusion, leading to complications that contributed to his death on April 6, 1992. The cause of death was officially reported as heart and kidney failure, though his HIV status was only revealed publicly years later.

Timeline of Isaac Asimov’s Life and Career

1920 – Isaac Asimov is born in Petrovichi, Russia, though his exact birth date is uncertain. He later chooses January 2 as his birthday.

1923 – Immigrates with his family to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York.

1925–1935 – Develops a passion for reading and science fiction, influenced by pulp magazines sold in his family’s candy store.

1935 – Graduates from Boys High School in Brooklyn at the age of 15.

1939 – Earns a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Columbia University.

1939 – Publishes his first professional story, “Marooned Off Vesta,” in Amazing Stories.

1941 – Writes “Nightfall,” later voted the best science fiction short story of all time.

1942–1945 – Works as a chemist at the Philadelphia Navy Yard during World War II.

1948 – Earns a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University.

1950 – Publishes his first novel, Pebble in the Sky.

1951 – Releases Foundation, the first book in his seminal Foundation series.

1957 – Becomes a full-time writer after leaving his teaching position at Boston University.

1966 – The Foundation trilogy wins a special Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series.

1972 – Publishes The Gods Themselves, which wins both the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

1977 – Suffers a heart attack but continues writing prolifically.

1982 – Publishes Foundation’s Edge, revitalizing the series.

1984 – Named Humanist of the Year.

1992 – Dies on April 6 from heart and kidney failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books did Isaac Asimov write?

He wrote or edited over 490 books and more than 380 short stories, covering science fiction, popular science, history, and more.

What is his contribution to robotics?

He coined the term “robotics” and developed the Three Laws of Robotics, which have influenced AI and robot ethics in literature and technology.

Did Asimov write non-fiction?

Yes, he was a prolific science writer, explaining scientific concepts through books like The Intelligent Man’s Guide to Science and Understanding Physics.

How did Asimov unify his science fiction universes?

He linked the Robot, Galactic Empire, and Foundation series into a single future history with Foundation and Earth (1986).

What was his background in science?

Asimov earned a PhD in chemistry and was a professor at Boston University before becoming a full-time writer.

How did Isaac Asimov die?

He died in 1992 from heart and kidney failure, later revealed to be complications from HIV contracted during a blood transfusion.

What honors did Asimov receive?

He was named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by SFWA, had an asteroid and a Mars crater named after him, and inspired the name of Honda’s ASIMO robot.