Isaac Asimov was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century: he produced hundreds of books that spanned science fiction, popular science, and mystery.
His work helped define modern science fiction, from the sweeping galactic history of the Foundation series to the robot stories that gave us the Three Laws of Robotics. Beyond fiction, he had a rare gift for making complex scientific ideas accessible to general readers.
This list highlights 82 of his most notable works, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a guide to his vast and varied output. Whether you're interested in space opera, robot ethics, or simply great storytelling, there's plenty here to explore.
This is a collection of seventeen science essays that cover a wide range of topics. Asimov delves into chemistry, physics, astronomy, and biology, explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner for the general reader. The "X" in the title refers to the unknown element in scientific discovery.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore various scientific topics. The essays cover chemistry, physics, and astronomy, with Asimov's characteristic clarity and enthusiasm for making complex subjects understandable to a lay audience.
This comprehensive reference work provides biographical sketches of over 1,500 scientists throughout history. The entries are arranged chronologically, allowing the reader to follow the development of science through the lives and discoveries of the individuals who shaped it.
A detailed timeline of world history from the Big Bang to 1945. Asimov presents a narrative history of the world, covering major events, civilizations, and scientific advancements in a chronological format.
A two-volume guide to the plays of William Shakespeare. Asimov provides historical, mythological, and geographical background for each play, scene by scene, to help the reader better understand the context and references within Shakespeare's works.
A collection of fourteen science fiction mystery stories. Each story presents a puzzle or a crime that is solved through scientific reasoning and deduction, often featuring the character of Dr. Wendell Urth, an armchair detective and expert in extraterrestrial sciences.
A non-fiction book that explains the history of the discovery of the atom and the development of atomic theory. Asimov guides the reader through the subatomic world, explaining concepts such as protons, neutrons, electrons, and quantum mechanics in an accessible way.
A collection of twelve mystery short stories featuring the Black Widowers, a club of men who meet for dinner and solve mysteries presented by their guests. Each story is a puzzle that is solved through logical deduction and brainstorming among the club's members.
Another collection of twelve mystery short stories featuring the Black Widowers club. As in the other books in the series, the members of the club use their collective intellect to solve a variety of puzzles and mysteries posed by their dinner guests.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore various aspects of time and the age of the universe. Asimov discusses topics such as radioactive dating, geological time scales, and the life cycles of stars, explaining how scientists measure vast stretches of time.
The first novel in the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science fiction novels. David "Lucky" Starr, a member of the Council of Science, investigates a mysterious plague of food poisoning on Mars. He uncovers a plot of sabotage and espionage, battling enemies and navigating the dangers of the Martian landscape.
A collection of fifteen science fiction short stories. The stories explore a variety of themes, from the humorous to the thought-provoking, and are united by their focus on Earth and the human condition, even in a future of space travel and advanced technology.
A non-fiction book that explores the probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the universe. Asimov discusses the Drake equation and considers the astronomical, biological, and sociological factors that might influence the development and detection of extraterrestrial civilizations.
A collection of seventeen science essays that blend scientific fact with imaginative speculation. Asimov covers a wide range of topics, from astronomy to the workings of the human mind, in his characteristic accessible and engaging style.
A novelization of the 1966 film of the same name. A team of scientists is miniaturized in a submarine and injected into the bloodstream of a brilliant but injured scientist to remove a blood clot in his brain. They must navigate the perils of the human body and complete their mission before they return to normal size.
A reimagining of the concept of miniaturization, not a direct sequel to the first novel. An American scientist is coerced into joining a Soviet mission to be miniaturized and enter the brain of a comatose Soviet scientist to retrieve his groundbreaking ideas. The novel explores the scientific and political implications of such a journey.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore the vastness of the universe and the limits of human perception. Asimov discusses topics such as cosmology, astronomy, and the nature of light, taking the reader on a journey from the subatomic to the cosmic scale.
The first novel in the Foundation series. The brilliant mathematician Hari Seldon has developed psychohistory, a science that allows him to predict the future in terms of probabilities. He foresees the fall of the Galactic Empire and a subsequent 30,000-year dark age. To shorten this dark age to a mere 1,000 years, he creates two Foundations at opposite ends of the galaxy to preserve science and civilization.
The fifth novel in the Foundation series, this story follows Councilman Golan Trevize, historian Janov Pelorat, and the Gaian Bliss as they search for Earth, the legendary lost home of humanity. Their quest takes them to forgotten Spacer worlds, where they uncover secrets about humanity's past and the nature of robots, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the ancient robot R. Daneel Olivaw.
The second novel in the Foundation series. The Foundation, now a rising power, faces two major threats: the decaying but still powerful Galactic Empire and a mysterious, powerful mutant known as the Mule, who possesses the ability to control emotions and conquer worlds through mental manipulation.
The fourth novel in the Foundation series. Two centuries after the events of the original trilogy, Golan Trevize, a councilman of the Foundation, is exiled for questioning the Seldon Plan. His journey leads him to discover the existence of a secret Second Foundation, the planet Gaia, and a long-hidden truth about the future of humanity.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a wide range of topics, from astronomy and the solar system to mythology and the history of science. Asimov's essays are known for their clarity, wit, and ability to connect seemingly disparate subjects.
A collection of nine interconnected short stories that explore the development of positronic robots and the Three Laws of Robotics. Through the reminiscences of robopsychologist Dr. Susan Calvin, the stories examine the ethical and philosophical dilemmas that arise from the increasing complexity and sophistication of artificial intelligence.
A non-fiction book that provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of atomic and nuclear physics. Asimov explains the structure of the atom, radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion, and the applications of atomic energy in a clear and accessible manner.
The sixth and final novel in the Lucky Starr series. David "Lucky" Starr investigates a series of sabotage incidents at a research project on Mercury. He uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only the project but also the security of the entire solar system.
The fifth novel in the Lucky Starr series. Lucky Starr is called to investigate a series of strange events and a potential threat to a top-secret research project on Jupiter's moon, Io. He must uncover the source of the danger while dealing with the challenges of the Jovian system.
The second novel in the Lucky Starr series. Lucky Starr travels to Venus to investigate a mysterious threat to the underwater cities of the planet. He discovers a hidden intelligence and must find a way to communicate with it to save the colonists and unravel the mystery.
The third novel in the Lucky Starr series. Lucky Starr must track down and stop a group of pirates who are raiding ships in the asteroid belt. He goes undercover to infiltrate their organization and bring them to justice.
The fourth novel in the Lucky Starr series. Lucky Starr travels to the Saturn system to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a top agent and a potential threat to the security of the solar system. He uncovers a secret base and a plot by a hostile alien race.
A collection of twelve more mystery short stories featuring the Black Widowers club. The members continue to gather for their monthly dinners, where they are presented with a variety of puzzles and enigmas by their guests, which they solve through logic and discussion.
A mystery novel in which a fictionalized version of Isaac Asimov is the main character. When a writer is murdered at the American Booksellers Association convention, "Asimov" becomes a suspect and must use his deductive reasoning to find the real killer among a cast of authors, editors, and publishers.
A standalone science fiction novel set in a future where humanity is on the verge of interstellar travel. The story follows the discovery of a rogue star, Nemesis, on a collision course with the solar system, and the efforts of a small group of people to warn a complacent Earth.
A collection of nine science fiction short stories and two poems. The stories explore a range of themes, including the future of technology, the nature of intelligence, and the human condition. It includes some of Asimov's most famous stories, such as "The Last Question" and "The Ugly Little Boy."
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a wide variety of scientific topics, from the very large to the very small. Asimov discusses everything from the universe and galaxies to atoms and subatomic particles, all with his trademark clarity and wit.
A collection of seventeen science essays that delve into the concepts of time, space, and other fundamental aspects of the universe. Asimov explores topics such as the speed of light, relativity, and the nature of infinity in a way that is accessible to the general reader.
A collection of ten science essays and three scientific spoof articles. This was Asimov's first collection of science essays, covering a diverse range of topics with his characteristic blend of humor and clarity. The title refers to the estimated number of atoms of astatine-215 in the top ten miles of the Earth's crust of North and South America.
A celebration of Asimov's 100th published book. The book is an anthology of selections from his first 99 books, both fiction and non-fiction, with autobiographical commentary from Asimov providing context and behind-the-scenes stories about his writing career.
Similar to Opus 100, this book marks Asimov's 200th published work. It is another anthology of excerpts from his books numbered 101 to 199, accompanied by his autobiographical notes and reflections on his prolific writing career.
Following the pattern of the previous "Opus" books, this volume celebrates Asimov's 300th book. It contains a collection of excerpts from his books numbered 201 to 299, with his own commentary and insights into his writing process and the subjects he covered.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a wide array of scientific topics, with a particular focus on the interconnectedness of different fields of science. Asimov demonstrates how discoveries in one area can have far-reaching implications in others.
A science fiction novel about a retired tailor from the 20th century who is accidentally transported tens of thousands of years into the future. He finds himself on a radioactive Earth that is a despised outcast of the Galactic Empire. He becomes a pawn in a political struggle that could determine the fate of humanity.
The first of two prequels to the Foundation series. The novel follows the early life of Hari Seldon, the creator of psychohistory. It details his development of the science, his flight from those who would use it for their own ends, and his initial efforts to set up the Foundation.
A collection of twelve more mystery short stories featuring the Black Widowers club. As with the other books in the series, the members of the club are presented with a variety of puzzles and mysteries by their dinner guests, which they solve through their combined powers of deduction.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore the frontiers of astronomy and physics. Asimov discusses topics such as quasars, black holes, and the origins of the universe, making complex cosmological concepts accessible to a general audience.
A collection of thirty-six short stories and sixteen essays about robots. The book includes some of Asimov's most famous robot stories, as well as essays in which he discusses the development of his robot stories, the Three Laws of Robotics, and his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence.
The fourth novel in the Robot series. Set two centuries after the events of The Robots of Dawn, the novel follows the ongoing conflict between the Spacers and the Settlers. The ancient robot R. Daneel Olivaw and the robot Giskard Reventlov must work together to prevent a galactic war and guide humanity towards a new future.
A collection of seventeen science essays that cover a broad range of scientific topics, with a particular emphasis on mathematics and the role of numbers in science. Asimov explores everything from the history of mathematics to the use of statistics in scientific research.
The third novel in the Foundation series, it is composed of two previously published novellas. The first part details the Mule's search for the elusive Second Foundation, while the second part focuses on the Foundation's own search for and conflict with the Second Foundation, a secretive group of mental scientists who are the true guardians of the Seldon Plan.
A collection of fifty of Asimov's science fiction and fantasy short stories, published to commemorate his fifty years as a writer. The stories are arranged chronologically and are accompanied by Asimov's autobiographical notes, providing a retrospective of his career.
A collection of thirty-one of Asimov's best mystery short stories, including several featuring the Black Widowers and Dr. Wendell Urth. The stories showcase Asimov's talent for combining science fiction and mystery, with puzzles that are solved through logic and scientific principles.
A collection of eleven science fiction short stories. The title story, "The Bicentennial Man," is a novella about a robot who strives to become human, exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the nature of humanity.
The first novel in the Robot series, this science fiction detective story introduces Earth detective Elijah Baley and his humanoid robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw. In a future, overpopulated Earth where humans live in vast underground cities, they must investigate the murder of a Spacer, a resident of one of the sparsely populated and robot-dependent outer worlds.
A collection of thirty-one of Asimov's robot short stories, published between 1940 and 1976. The book includes all of the stories from I, Robot and The Rest of the Robots, as well as other stories, providing a comprehensive overview of Asimov's development of the positronic robot and the Three Laws of Robotics.
A science fiction novel set in the Galactic Empire era. The story takes place on the planet Florina, whose economy is based on the production of a valuable fiber. An amnesiac "spacio-analyst" uncovers a deadly secret about the planet's sun that threatens the lives of its inhabitants and the political stability of the galaxy.
A mystery novel, later republished as A Whiff of Death. A university professor, Louis Brade, investigates the death of his graduate student, Ralph Neufeld, who is found dead in the chemistry lab. Brade suspects murder and must uncover the truth while navigating academic politics and the suspicions of the police.
A collection of five mystery short stories for young readers, featuring Larry, a boy who solves mysteries with his scientific knowledge. In the title story, Larry investigates the seemingly impossible disappearance of a man from a sealed room.
A collection of twenty-seven of Asimov's early science fiction short stories, written between 1939 and 1948. The stories are accompanied by Asimov's autobiographical commentary, providing insight into his development as a writer and the science fiction genre of the time.
A standalone science fiction novel about a secret organization called Eternity, whose members, the Eternals, can travel through time and make changes to reality to improve the course of human history. An Eternal named Andrew Harlan falls in love with a woman from a time period he is studying and begins to question the morality and purpose of Eternity.
A novel in three parts that explores contact between humans and aliens from a parallel universe. When scientists on Earth discover a limitless source of free energy through an exchange with this other universe, it seems like a miracle. However, a few individuals in both universes realize that this exchange is altering the laws of physics and will ultimately lead to the destruction of both the Earth's sun and their own.
A comprehensive overview of the state of scientific knowledge in the mid-20th century. In two volumes, Asimov covers the physical sciences and the biological sciences, explaining complex concepts in a way that is accessible to the intelligent layperson.
A collection of five mystery short stories for young readers, featuring the boy detective Larry. In each story, Larry uses his knowledge of science and his powers of observation to solve a variety of puzzles and crimes.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a wide range of scientific topics, with a particular focus on chemistry and the handedness (chirality) of molecules. Asimov also delves into astronomy, physics, and the history of science.
A collection of four science fiction novellas. The title story, "The Martian Way," explores the conflict between Earth and the Martian colonies over water resources. The other stories also deal with themes of resource scarcity, political conflict, and the challenges of space exploration.
The second novel in the Robot series, Earth detective Elijah Baley and his robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, are sent to the Spacer world of Solaria to investigate a murder. On a planet where personal contact is abhorred and robots outnumber humans ten thousand to one, Baley must overcome his own agoraphobia and navigate a bizarre culture to solve the crime.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore various astronomical and scientific mysteries. Asimov discusses topics such as the possibility of a tenth planet in our solar system, the nature of black holes, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
This is a collection of seventeen science essays. In the title essay, Asimov argues that "right" and "wrong" are not absolute concepts in science. He posits that scientific theories are not so much proven wrong as they are refined and shown to be incomplete, with each new theory being a less wrong approximation of reality than the one it replaced.
A collection of eight robot short stories and two robot novels (The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun). The short stories further explore the development of positronic robots and the complexities of the Three Laws of Robotics, often featuring the character of robopsychologist Dr. Susan Calvin.
A collection of twelve more mystery short stories featuring the Black Widowers club. The members of the club continue their tradition of solving mysteries presented by their dinner guests, using their diverse areas of expertise and their collective powers of deduction.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore the vastness and complexity of the universe. Asimov discusses topics such as the scale of the cosmos, the nature of time, and the search for the fundamental laws of physics.
The third novel in the Robot series. Elijah Baley is called to the Spacer world of Aurora to investigate the "roboticide" of a humanoid robot. He is once again partnered with R. Daneel Olivaw, and they must navigate a complex society where humans and robots have a very different relationship than on Earth.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Asimov discusses topics such as the origins of the universe, the nature of consciousness, and the search for a unified theory of physics, revealing the "secrets" that science is beginning to unravel.
A collection of seventeen science essays that take the reader on a tour of the solar system and beyond. Asimov discusses the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in our solar system, as well as the challenges and possibilities of space exploration.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a wide variety of astronomical topics. Asimov discusses everything from the life cycle of stars to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, all in his engaging and accessible style.
A science fiction novel set in the early days of the Galactic Empire. A young man from a rebellious planet is targeted for assassination by a powerful and tyrannical interstellar government. He must go on the run and uncover a conspiracy that could change the future of the galaxy.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore the world of particle physics. Asimov explains the discovery and properties of subatomic particles such as quarks, leptons, and bosons, and discusses the fundamental forces that govern the universe.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a variety of topics, with a particular focus on the sun and its importance to life on Earth. Asimov discusses solar energy, the life cycle of stars, and the history of our understanding of the sun.
The first collection of twelve mystery short stories featuring the Black Widowers, a club of men who meet for dinner and solve mysteries presented by their guests. The stories are puzzles that are solved through logical deduction and the diverse knowledge of the club's members.
A collection of seventeen science essays that explore a wide range of scientific topics, from the origins of the moon to the nature of life and the universe. Asimov's essays are known for their clarity, wit, and ability to make complex subjects understandable and entertaining.
A collection of thirty short mystery puzzles. The stories are told by a character named Griswold, who recounts mysteries that were solved at the Union Club. The reader is challenged to solve the puzzle before the solution is revealed at the end of each short tale.
A collection of four science fiction novellas that explore the theme of perception and reality. The stories examine how our understanding of the universe is shaped by our senses and our assumptions, and how new discoveries can shatter our old certainties.
A three-volume non-fiction work that provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the principles of physics. The volumes cover mechanics and thermodynamics; light, magnetism, and electricity; and the electron, proton, and neutron. Asimov explains the history and development of physics, from the ancient Greeks to the modern era.
A collection of seventeen science essays that offer a broad perspective on science and the universe. Asimov covers a wide range of topics, from astronomy and biology to chemistry and physics, all with his characteristic enthusiasm and clarity.
This list offers a starting point for exploring Isaac Asimov's remarkable body of work. Across hundreds of books, he demonstrated a rare ability to make complex ideas accessible while crafting stories that were both imaginative and intellectually engaging.
Whether you begin with his robot stories, his galactic epics, his mystery tales, or his science writing, you'll encounter a writer who fundamentally shaped modern science fiction and science communication. His legacy continues to influence how we think about technology, ethics, and humanity's future.
