March 24, 2011

Science Fiction: Isaac Asimov

I am usually not much into books under normal circumstances - as its difficult to finish them within a few days, and the long delays make me lose the context. However, I do try to read different books, from a different set of authors, just to get an idea about their style of writing. So that, whenever there are any intellectual discussions (real or show-off), I'm not at sea, and can appreciate the same (or call the bluff). 

There are a lot of writers about whom I have heard a lot of praises, and one of them is Isaac Asimov. The science fiction writer is a must-read, as per a lot of my friends. And finally, I did get to finish my first Asimov novel. In fact, this was my first science fiction, and even though have passed the age, liked it. It was part of the robotics series by the author, and book was named 'Robots and Empire'.

The story revolved around the tussle between earthmen and spacers (an advanced breed of earthmen settled in far off planets, who had longer life span). It involves space travel, deals with inter-galactic wars, and robots - everything that a science fiction deems to have. I am really amazed at how writers can imagine a consistent world (very much like Harry Potter as well) - whenever you are writing about fantasy world, you start by imagining a whole new world, with different set of rules. And it has to be a consistent world, and you define the boundaries of possibilities. In case of Asimov, he decided on the state of universe, the advancement in science, the time period, and what would be the limitations in that age. 

I have ordered another set of his books - the Foundation series. Its the most famous of his set of books, and its a trilogy (originally a trilogy, which was later extended to 7 books). Hopefully will get to read it some time soon.

4 comments:

Nightflier said...

Foundation series \m/ !!
It was one of the best fiction reads of my 2010.
Loved it not only for the another world out there but his underlying deep diagnosis of the species.

SK said...

@nightflier: Yes, exactly what I liked about the book I read - about creating a parallel universe, and deep analysis of rules/facts in it..

Chandana said...

I read the first two books in the Foundation series...It was good so i really dont remember why i stopped! He's a brilliant writer.. one of his best works!

SK said...

@Chandana: Yes, I liked his universe, and even after so many years, it hardly seems far fetched. And may be there lies the true genius.