03-31-2004, 12:35 AM | #1 |
Fowl Administrator
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 53,420
|
Isaac Asimov
I finally started I, Robot after years of claiming to be a sci-fi fan without actually having read it.
I don't know if any of you get the same sense, but here's the thing: while Asimov's ideas were certainly critical to the development of both sci-fi and how we generally perceive robotics today, and while he expresses those ideas very well in how he uses his own Laws of Robotics in his stories, I don't much like his prosaic style. Maybe it's because it has been a long time since I read anything so straightforward and simple when it comes to prose, aside from whimsy pieces like Artemis Fowl, but Asimov seems to have a lot of writing habits similar to the ones I've tried to break out of since junior high. Is this my problem, or his?
__________________
All of IronParrot's posts are guaranteed to be 100% intelligent and/or sarcastic, comprising no genetically modified content and tested on no cute furry little animals unless the SPCA is looking elsewhere. If you observe a failure to uphold this warranty, please contact a forum administrator immediately to receive a full refund on your Entmoot registration. Blog: Nick's Café Canadien |
03-31-2004, 12:53 AM | #2 |
Word Santa Claus
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 2,922
|
I have read a lot of Asimov over the years, and I have to say that his writing style fits itself much much much much (did I have enough muches?) better to his scientific expository writing than to his science-fiction. That said, I think that I, Robot is one of his weaker works in terms of prosaic style, so trying another (say, Foundation) of his would probably be better.
__________________
Sufficient to have stood, yet free to fall. |
03-31-2004, 01:24 AM | #3 |
the Shrike
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA <3
Posts: 10,647
|
I haven't read I, Robot, but I have read most of the foundation series. The first foundation book was quite hard for me to get into for much the same reason you list I-Parrot, however, the series progresses and proposes quite an interesting slant to the usual sci-fi genre. Having said that, I wouldn't bother much with the extended foundation books - the original trilogy is outstanding though.
__________________
"Binary solo! 0000001! 00000011! 0000001! 00000011!" ~ The Humans are Dead, Flight of the Conchords |
04-09-2004, 07:04 AM | #4 |
Hobbit
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 15
|
I thought the Foundation Series was highly enjoyable, I've read it a few times over the years, although some long time back it got crowded out by the (you know what) triology. I have 6 of the series and now I suddenly find out there are 9 in all, two written by other authors.
Anyway I was fascinated by the idea of psychohistory and the Seldon crises. I really liked how the story spanned 1000 years, covering so many different generations. I'm kind of partial to books that come out as a series, anyway, although I view Asimov's writing style as a bit quaint in comparison to modern writers. But what I particularly like about his books is that he treats the subject of space travel as a challenge that has already been met. Much in the vogue of many writers, you might say - but he started earlier than most of them.
__________________
Esswen |
04-09-2004, 09:07 AM | #5 |
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Reality
Posts: 3,767
|
i'd say Something Wicked This Way Comes is probably my favorite Asimov... i also love many of his short stories, but there are probably just as many i simply don't get into because they tend to be more idea than story
he also has a very interesting series of books on the bible... from somewhat of a scholarly, and admittedly athiestic pov... whether one agrees with his conclusions or not, he put a lot of thought into it and they give an interesting alternate perspective on the history
__________________
Your reality, sir, is lies and balderdash and I'm delighted to say that I have no grasp of it whatsoever. |
04-18-2004, 09:36 AM | #6 | |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ilha Formosa
Posts: 2,068
|
Quote:
Which is probably why you enjoyed it- very diferent style from Asimov. But , yeah, IP, Asimov's writing style is pretty elementary.
__________________
Glendower: I can call spirits from the vasty deep. Hotspur: Why, so can I, or so can any man; But will they come when you do call for them? "I like pigs. Dogs look up to us, cats look down on us, but pigs treat us as equals."- Winston Churchill |
|
04-19-2004, 06:01 PM | #7 | |
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Reality
Posts: 3,767
|
Quote:
i guess i don't have a favorite by asimov (sorry isaac), the bible stuff was interesting though... and i think it was you
__________________
Your reality, sir, is lies and balderdash and I'm delighted to say that I have no grasp of it whatsoever. |
|
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Who here read the Foundation series by Isaac Azimov? | Elvellon | Fantasy and Sci-Fi Novels | 11 | 04-24-2003 07:49 PM |
Isaac and Ishmael | Darth Tater | Entertainment Forum | 3 | 10-07-2001 10:03 AM |
Asimov VS Tolkien | Niffiwan | Fantasy and Sci-Fi Novels | 20 | 09-24-2000 08:36 PM |