Life Stage Asimov's Autobiography Ups and Downs: Asimov's Autobiography

Author: Isaac Asimov
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: The world-renowned science popularizer and science fiction master Isaac Asimov wrote three volumes of autobiography: Reminiscences, I. Asimov: A Memoir, and this one, Asimov: A Life in Science. The first two volumes were published in 1979 and 1980, respectively, and tell the author's story from birth until 1978. The book strictly follows chronological order, focusing on accurate narration of events with little purely discursive text. The third volume, Asimov: A Life in Science, began to take shape in early 1990 when Asimov was seriously ill and hospitalized. It took 125 days to complete, and was finished on May 30 of the same year. Less than two years later, the author passed away. Asimov: A Life in Science is not a sequel to the first two volumes, and its style is also quite different. It does not adhere strictly to chronological order but follows the author's train of thought, moving from one topic to the next. It discusses his family, childhood, school, principal, romance, marriage, illness, setbacks, achievements, loved ones, rivals, and even his insights on major issues such as writing, faith, morality, friendship, war, and life and death. The book is written with honesty and simplicity, yet it is full of wisdom and philosophy. Reading it not only allows one to understand the brilliant life of this extraordinary genius, but also helps readers gain a deeper appreciation of the essence of life's stage.