Isaac Asimov

American writer and professor of biochemistry (1920–1992)

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Asimov in 1965

Native name
Born	Isaak Yudovich Ozimov (1920-01-02)January 2, 1920 Petrovichi, Russian SFSR
Died	April 6, 1992(1992-04-06) (aged 72) New York City, New York, U.S.
Resting place
Pen name
Nickname
Occupation	Writer, professor of biochemistry
Language
Nationality	American

Isaac Asimov (born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov; January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. He was known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books. Asimov was a prolific writer, having written or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. His most famous works are the Foundation series, the Robot series, and the Galactic Empire series.

Early life and education

Isaac Asimov was born in Petrovichi, Russian SFSR, to a family of Jewish millers. The family immigrated to the United States when Asimov was three years old, settling in Brooklyn, New York City. Asimov taught himself to read at the age of five and developed a love for science fiction from an early age. He attended Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1939, followed by a Master of Arts in chemistry in 1941, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1948.

Career

Asimov began his writing career in 1939, selling his first story, "Marooned off Vesta," to the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories. He gained fame with his Foundation series, which began as a series of short stories published in Astounding Science Fiction magazine. The series was later collected into a trilogy: Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation.

In addition to his science fiction works, Asimov wrote numerous popular science books, covering topics such as astronomy, mathematics, history, and literature. His ability to explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner made him a popular science communicator.

Notable works

Asimov's most famous works include the Foundation series, the Robot series, and the Galactic Empire series. The Foundation series is set in a future where a scientist named Hari Seldon develops a mathematical method of predicting the future, known as psychohistory. The Robot series explores the ethical and moral implications of artificial intelligence and robotics, introducing the famous Three Laws of Robotics.

Personal life

Asimov married Gertrude Blugerman in 1942, and they had two children, David and Robyn. The couple divorced in 1973, and Asimov married Janet O. Jeppson later that year. Asimov was known for his prodigious output and disciplined work habits, often writing for hours each day.

Death

Isaac Asimov died on April 6, 1992, in New York City from heart and kidney failure, which were complications of HIV/AIDS contracted from a blood transfusion during heart surgery in 1983.

Legacy

Asimov's contributions to science fiction and popular science have left a lasting impact on both genres. His works continue to be read and studied, and his ideas about robotics and artificial intelligence have influenced both scientific research and popular culture.

See also

• List of science fiction authors
• List of biochemistry topics
• History of science fiction