Asimov, Isaac.

I, Robot (Presentation copy)

New York: Gnome Press, Inc., 1950. First edition. A lovely copy of the book, in Near Fine condition overall. A few small water spots to the top of the boards, with corresponding color transfer to the dust jacket, otherwise in excellent condition overall. Dust jacket unfaded at the spine and unrestored. Inscribed by Asimov on the front free end paper, "For Dave Speaker | It's a lucky thing I have readers - 12/3/50 Isaac Asimov." The book was published on Dec. 2nd in an initial print run of 5,000 copies. We have seen a handful of copies inscribed either on the 2nd or the 3rd (as this one) to friends and colleagues.

Throughout his career Asimov was interested in the collision of humanness with technology; and I, Robot's collection of short stories turned the science fiction genre on its head. Rather than depicting artificial intelligence as a danger to humanity, he suggested that the moment of cultural intersection between humans and humanoids could, in fact, rescue people from their worst natures. Through I, Robot, Asimov laid the foundations for his future fiction including his important Three Laws for robots. Adapted for several television and film programs, the most famous, I, Robot, starring Will Smith was loosely based on themes from the book and Asimov's Three Laws. It remains a work that is taught in literature and philosophy classes, raising key questions about human identity and ethics. Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. (Item #5536)