I, Robot

This classic science fiction masterwork by Isaac Asimov weaves stories about robots, humanity, and the deep questions of existence into a novel of shocking intelligence and heart.

“A must-read for science-fiction buffs and literature enjoyers alike.”— The Guardian I, Robot , the first and most widely read book in Asimov’s Robot series, forever changed the world’s perception of artificial intelligence. Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-reading robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world—all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asimov’s trademark. The Three Laws of Robotics: 1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov formulated the laws governing robots’ behavior. In I, Robot , Asimov chronicles the development of the robot from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future—a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.

I, Robot is a fixup novel of science fiction short stories or essays by American writer Isaac Asimov. The stories originally appeared in the American magazines Super Science Stories and Astounding Science Fiction between 1940 and 1950 and were then compiled into a book for stand-alone publication by Gnome Press in 1950, in an initial edition of 5,000 copies. The stories are woven together by a framing narrative in which the fictional Dr. Susan Calvin tells each story to a reporter (who serves as the narrator) in the 21st century. Although the stories can be read separately, they share a theme of the interaction of humans, robots, and morality, and when combined they tell a larger story of Asimov's fictional history of robotics.

Contains: "Introduction" (the initial portion of the framing story or linking text) "Robbie" (1940, 1950) "Runaround" (1942) "Reason" (1941) "Catch That Rabbit" (1944) "Liar!" (1941) "Little Lost Robot" (1947) "Escape!" (1945) "Evidence" (1946) "The Evitable Conflict" (1950)

First published in 1940, I, Robot has remained relevant for over 86 years — a mark of lasting literary value that few books achieve.

It sits at the crossroads of Science Fiction, Fiction, and Short Stories, making it appealing to readers with varied tastes who enjoy stories that defy easy classification.

Available on Bookble for readers looking to explore Isaac Asimov's work and build a focused reading list.

If you enjoy Isaac Asimov's voice, explore Foundation from the same author to continue in a familiar style.

Within Science Fiction, readers who liked I, Robot often gravitate toward A Storm of Swords, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Flowers for Algernon — each sharing thematic DNA while offering a different perspective.