I, Robot (Paperback)

The "I, Robot" stories are arranged in a "chronological" order that traces the development of these robots from their primitive origins to their evolutionary destiny, where human beings may well end up being rendered obsolete. Asimov explores the possibilities of his three laws to present us robots that have gone insane, robots that can read minds, and robots that save humanity by taking over to run the world. If you are reading these stories for the second time, which is a fair possibility given that they are Science Fiction classics, then you should pay attention to the subtle differences between the Donovan & Powell stories with those featuring Susan Calvin; it basically comes down to whether Asimov wants to explain things in term of a dialogue or a lecture. Once you have read "I, Robot" be sure to check out the brilliant unproduced screenplay Harlan Ellison wrote from these stories as well as the Asimov robot novels, "The Caves of Steel," "The Naked Sun," and "Robots of Dawn."

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 the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3 - A robot must protect its own existence

We almost take these laws for granted, but their structure is brilliant, and they give rise to some great robot science fiction from the hand of one of sci-fi's most beloved authors.

Sad to say, despite creating a brilliant character in Susan Calvin, the iron-minded scientist who is central to the invention of the robot, Asimov's characters are typically cartoonish and cliche. Worse yet, he breaks the law of fiction whereby he uses the slang of the Fifties, thus dating the book immeasurably. If you grew up in the Fifties, reading this is a breath of nostalgia--not the best thing for futuristic fiction. If you are a Generation X'er, the style has the campiness of a comic book. Which is not helpful to the smart plots of the stories.

I have to say that "I, Robot" was one of my adolescent favorites and I still enjoy the stories. "Robbie" pits the big metal beast, beloved by a child, against the fears of the adults. Perfect showcase for the Laws. And the ideas in "Liar"--a mind-reading robot, are the nucleus for later novels by Asimov. These are worth reading, even though sadly dated.

Contents:

Robbie
Runaround
Reason
Catch That Rabbit
Liar!
Little Lost Robot
Escape!
Evidence
The Evitable Conflict

I have to say that "I, Robot" was one of my adolescent favorites and I still enjoy the stories. "Robbie" pits the big metal beast, beloved by a child, against the fears of the adults. Perfect showcase for the Laws. And the ideas in

Pretty well every robot in science fiction is somehow related to this book - either by being just like Asimov's robots (Star Treks's "Data" was openly acknowledged to be an Asimov robot) or by being deliberately unlike them. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of this novel - it created a precedent that could either be used or abused by subsequent writers.

Having said all that what is it like reading this ground breaking novel today 40 years later?

OK the style may be very 50's, the techno babble may no longer be credible but the stories are still good. Having set up the famous "3 laws of Robotics", Asimov then goes on to create a series of puzzles - each one is a mystery that can only be solved by understanding the rules he has created. The stories have the same appeal as whodunnits except the question is sometimes howdunnit, whydunnit, where or when dunnit. In general each of his stories poses the question " Considering the rules under which robots have to work how is it possible that ....?" Finding the answer is the fun.

It is a testament to Asimov that although the sci-fi, social, and stylistic elements of this book may now seem outdated, the stories are so good they still provide enjoyable reading.

Those seeking nano technology, alternative universes, worm holes etc may be dissapointed but those seeking a series of intriguing mysteries only solvable through logic will get a real kick out of this. Additionally, if you found Data's difficulties in coming to terms with the human view of the universe intriguing and entertaining, you will find lots to enjoy here.