Isaac Asimov: Foundation Series, Three Laws of Robotics & Polymath Legacy
Encyclopedia/4. Arts & Literature/1. Literature, Mythology & Folklore/01. Classical & Ancient Literature • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
Isaac Asimov was a prolific American author and biochemist, best known for his science fiction works, including the Foundation series and the Three Laws of Robotics. His career spanned over five decades, during which he wrote or edited more than 500 books.
Chronological Storyline (39 Milestones)
Jan 2, 1920 CE
Birth of Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov is born in Petrovichi, Russia, to Jewish parents. His family immigrates to the United States in 1923. #history #biography
Birth of Isaac Asimov By Phillip Leonian [1] from New York World-Telegram & Sun.[2] - United States Library of Congress. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection. Call number: NYWTS - BIOG--Asimov, Isaac, Dr. <item> [P&P]. Reproduction number: LC-USZ62-115121, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84073
1923 CE
Asimov Family Emigrates to US
The Asimov family arrives in New York City, settling in Brooklyn. Young Isaac teaches himself to read before starting school. #immigration #history
1931 CE
Asimov Begins Writing
At age 11, Asimov starts writing his own stories, heavily influenced by science fiction magazines like Amazing Stories. #writing #scifi
Mar 1, 1939 CE
First Published Story: 'Marooned off Vesta'
Asimov's first published story appears in Amazing Stories. It marks the beginning of his professional writing career. #scifi #firststory
First Published Story: 'Marooned off Vesta' By Joseph Wirt Tillotson - http://www.philsp.com/mags/amazing_stories.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43218870
Sep 1, 1940 CE
Publication of 'Robbie'
Asimov's first robot story, 'Robbie', is published in Super Science Stories. It introduces themes of robot-human interaction. #robots #scifi )
Sep 1, 1941 CE
'Nightfall' Published
Asimov's acclaimed short story 'Nightfall' appears in Astounding Science Fiction. It is later voted the best science fiction short story ever written. #scifi #classic )
Mar 1, 1942 CE
Three Laws of Robotics Introduced
The story 'Runaround' first explicitly states the Three Laws of Robotics, which become a cornerstone of Asimov's robot stories and influence real-world AI ethics. #robotics #ethics
May 1, 1942 CE
First Foundation Story Published
The first story of the Foundation series, 'Foundation', is published in Astounding Science Fiction. It introduces the concept of psychohistory. #scifi #foundation )
Jul 26, 1942 CE
Asimov Marries Gertrude Blugerman
Isaac Asimov marries Gertrude Blugerman. They have two children, David (born 1951) and Robyn (born 1955). #personal #marriage
1945 CE
Work at Naval Air Experimental Station
During World War II, Asimov works at the Naval Air Experimental Station in Philadelphia, contributing to military research. #war #science
1948 CE
Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University
Asimov earns his doctorate in biochemistry, later becoming a professor at Boston University School of Medicine. #education #science
Dec 2, 1950 CE
Publication of 'I, Robot'
Asimov's collection of robot stories, I, Robot, is published by Gnome Press. It solidifies his reputation as a master of robot fiction. #robots #scifi
1951 CE
Foundation (Book) Published
The first Foundation novel is published, collecting earlier stories. It becomes the foundation of the acclaimed trilogy. #scifi #classic )
1952 CE
Publication of 'Foundation and Empire'
The second novel in the Foundation series is released, continuing the saga of the Galactic Empire. #scifi #foundation
1953 CE
Second Foundation Published
The third original Foundation novel is published, completing the core trilogy. #scifi #foundation
1954 CE
Publication of 'The Caves of Steel'
Asimov's first robot-mystery novel featuring detective Elijah Baley and robot R. Daneel Olivaw. #mystery #robots
Publication of 'The Caves of Steel' By Galaxy Publishing/Ed Emshwiller - http://www.philsp.com/mags/galaxy.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44036957
Nov 1, 1956 CE
'The Last Question' Published
Asimov's favorite story, 'The Last Question', is published in Science Fiction Quarterly. It explores the ultimate fate of the universe. #scifi #philosophy
'The Last Question' Published By Columbia Publications / Ed Emshwiller - http://www.philsp.com/mags/science_fiction_quarterly.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45181762
1957 CE
Publication of 'The Naked Sun'
The second robot-mystery novel featuring Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw is released. #mystery #robots
1960 CE
'The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science' Published
Asimov begins his prolific output of science non-fiction with this comprehensive guide. #science #nonfiction
1963 CE
First Hugo Award (Special)
Asimov receives a special Hugo Award for his contributions to science fiction, specifically for his science articles in magazines. #award #scifi
First Hugo Award (Special) By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191307846
Sep 1, 1966 CE
Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series
The Foundation Trilogy wins the Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series, a unique category at the time. #award #foundation
1967 CE
Publication of 'Asimov's Guide to the Bible'
Asimov publishes a comprehensive guide to the Bible, showcasing his expertise in history and religion. #nonfiction #bible
1969 CE
First Autobiography: 'Opus 100'
Asimov publishes his first of three autobiographies, celebrating his 100th book. #autobiography #writing
1970 CE
Publication of 'Asimov's Guide to Shakespeare'
Asimov's guide to Shakespeare's works is released, demonstrating his wide-ranging knowledge. #literature #shakespeare
1972 CE
Publication of 'The Gods Themselves'
Asimov's novel 'The Gods Themselves' is published, winning both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel. #scifi #award
1973 CE
Asimov Marries Janet Jeppson
After divorcing his first wife in 1973, Asimov marries psychiatrist and science fiction writer Janet Jeppson. #personal #marriage
1976 CE
Publication of 'The Bicentennial Man'
Asimov's novella 'The Bicentennial Man' is published, winning the Hugo and Nebula Awards. It explores robot rights and humanity. #scifi #award
1977 CE
Launch of 'Asimov's Science Fiction' Magazine
Asimov's Science Fiction magazine begins publication, with Asimov as namesake and editorial contributor. #scifi #magazine
1980 CE
Second Autobiography: 'In Joy Still Felt'
Asimov publishes the second volume of his autobiography, covering his life from 1954 to 1978. #autobiography #writing
1982 CE
Publication of 'Foundation's Edge'
Asimov returns to the Foundation series after a long hiatus, publishing a new novel that wins the Hugo Award. #scifi #foundation
1983 CE
Publication of 'The Robots of Dawn'
The third robot-mystery novel featuring Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw is published. #mystery #robots
1985 CE
Publication of 'Robots and Empire'
Asimov's novel linking the Robot and Foundation series is published. #scifi #crossover
1986 CE
Publication of 'Foundation and Earth'
The final novel in the original Foundation sequence is published, tying together the Robot and Foundation universes. #scifi #foundation
1988 CE
Publication of 'Prelude to Foundation'
Asimov writes a prequel to the Foundation series, filling in the early life of Hari Seldon. #scifi #prequel
1989 CE
Publication of 'Nemesis'
A standalone science fiction novel about a rogue star approaching the Solar System. #scifi )
1991 CE
Publication of 'Gold'
Asimov's collection of short stories includes the award-winning 'Gold'. It wins the Hugo and Nebula Awards posthumously. #scifi #award )
Apr 6, 1992 CE
Death of Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov dies from complications of AIDS, contracted from a blood transfusion in 1983. His death is initially attributed to heart and kidney failure. #obituary #history
1993 CE
Posthumous Publication of 'Forward the Foundation'
Asimov's final Foundation novel is published posthumously, completing the prequel series. #scifi #foundation
1994 CE
Posthumous Publication of 'I, Asimov'
Asimov's third and final autobiography is published, covering his later years and reflections. #autobiography #memoir
