Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov (Jan. 2 1920,—April 6, 1992) was an American author and scientist. Asimov was a prolific writer, his book of memoirs lists 469 books. Many, but not all, of his books concern science, both fictional and non fictional His output would ultimately extend to cover almost the entire range of human knowledge, covering every subject in the Dewey Decimal System except philosophy. Asimov's writing received five Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. In 1987 he was recognized as as one of the Grand Masters of Science Fiction

Early life

Isaac Asimov was born January 2, 1920, Petrovichi, Russia. Asimov's family emigrated to the United States when he was three, settling in Brooklyn New York. his family operated a series of candy stores. Young Isaac received his introduction to literature through a library card, provided by his father and, to his father's disapproval, from the stock of pulp fiction which his family stocked

Education

Asimov advanced rapidly through the school system, graduating from high school in 1935. He received a bachelor of science degree from Columbia and, after war-time interruptions, his Ph.D. in 1948.

Academic career

In 1949 Asimov accepted a position as an instructor in biochemistry at Boston University. He described himself as a mediocre experimental chemist and academic researcher; his talents did not run to producing the type of formal academic papers which brought grants in to the university. By this time, however, he was an excellent lecturer and writer of general science books.In 1958, having achieved tenure, he left the university to become a full time writer.