I, Robot: 1 (The Robot Series) - Softcover

Asimov, Isaac

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0553294385 ISBN 13: 9780553294385

Publisher: Bantam Books Inc, 1991

Synopsis

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.

"Tremendously exciting and entertaining . . . Asimov dramatizes an interesting question: How can we live with machines that, generation by generation, grow more intelligent than their creators and not eventually clash with our own invention?"--The Chicago Tribune

About this title

Review:

‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age...It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’
Carl Sagan

‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’
Daily Telegraph

‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’
The Times

From the Back Cover:

Isaac Asimov ushered in the Robot Age with these stories. Far removed from the metal monsters of pulp sf, his positronic robots gave him the scope to examine the minefield of human psychology by exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence.

When Earth is ruled by master-machines, when robots often seem more human than mankind, the Three Laws of Robotics ensure that humans remain superior and the robots are kept in their rightful place. But an insane telepathic robot results from a production error; a robot assembled in space logically deduces its superiority to non-rational humanity; and when machines serve mankind rather than individual humans, the machine's idea of what is good for society may itself contravene the sacred Three Laws.

These timeless stories from the Grand Master of science fiction provide a fascinating insight into how robot and humans might coexist. Asimov's questioning of definitions of humanity and human behaviour continues to capture the imagination in these brilliantly inventive and thought-provoking tales.

'Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction'
DAILY TELEGRAPH

About this edition

• Publisher: Bantam Books Inc
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0553294385
• ISBN 13: 9780553294385
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 304