Israeli, Isaac

Isaac Asimov (c. 1920–1992) was a highly productive American author and university professor known for his extensive body of work across various genres. He is most recognized as one of the prominent science fiction writers of his era, alongside Robert Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. Asimov authored or edited over 500 books and penned an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards.

His literary output spanned hard science fiction, mysteries, fantasy, and popular science. Asimov also delved into non-fiction subjects, including interpretations of the Bible and works by Shakespeare. His scientific writings often explored concepts by tracing them back to their earliest and simplest forms. Asimov's contributions to literature and science have been recognized with numerous honors, including several entities named in his memory.

Asimov is most celebrated for his science fiction, particularly his Foundation series, which reimagined Edward Gibbon's historical work in a futuristic setting. His other significant series include the Galactic Empire and Robot series, which he later interconnected to form a unified 'future history.' Beyond novels, he wrote over 380 short stories, including the acclaimed 'Nightfall.' Asimov also penned juvenile science fiction under the pseudonym Paul French. His non-fiction works often explained scientific principles through historical context, covering topics from physics and chemistry to astronomy and mathematics. He also engaged with biblical exegesis and literary criticism, demonstrating a broad intellectual scope.

Born in Russia between October 1919 and January 1920, Isaac Asimov's family emigrated to the United States in 1923. His parents, Russian Jews, spoke Yiddish and English, with Russian used as a private family language. Asimov taught himself to read at age five and entered school early, eventually correcting his birthdate to January 2nd. Growing up in Brooklyn, he worked in his family's candy stores, which also sold magazines. This access to reading material, including early science fiction, fostered his lifelong passion for writing. He became a U.S. citizen in 1928.

Asimov attended New York City public schools and later pursued higher education, earning degrees from Columbia University. He initially studied zoology before switching to chemistry, completing his Bachelor of Science in 1939, Master of Arts in 1941, and Doctor of Philosophy in 1948. During World War II, he worked as a civilian chemist at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. After his doctorate, he accepted a position at Boston University School of Medicine, initially as an instructor of biochemistry. While he eventually focused more on writing, which became more lucrative than his university salary, he maintained a connection with the university, eventually being promoted to full professor of biochemistry in 1979. His personal papers are archived at the university's Mugar Memorial Library.