Like GOLD, the previous "final collection" of Asimov's work from HarperCollins, MAGIC is divided into three separate sections: The Final Fantasy Stories, On Fantasy, and Beyond Fantasy. As a compilation, I found this to be a decent, if not exactly exciting, read. Asimov usually isn't a spectacular writer, but he can be an interesting and engaging one. Even if I didn't fall in love with any of the short pieces presented here, I can't say that I hated any of them either.

The first section contains the fictional content, and is made up of eleven short stories relating to the fantasy genre. Unfortunately, a full eight of these are Asimov's George-and-Azazel tales, which are enjoyable enough, but they dominate the book and are rather formulaic. An entry from Asimov's Black Widowers mystery series (which certainly would certainly seem to fit more under the mystery genre rather than the fantasy) and a couple of delightful fairy tale stories complete this segment. The worst charge that could be leveled at any individual story is that it's a bit dull, and the best ones are fun entertainment. They're amusing diversions, but nothing much more.

The second section contains non-fiction, Asimov's thoughts on various aspects of the fantasy genre. There aren't any earth-shattering revelations, but Asimov had a very enjoyable prose style that quickly and carefully brings his point of view across. Here he writes about Tolkien, applies scientific knowledge to traditional fairy tales (there's a humorous section where he calculates the speed of Seven League Boots, which strongly reminded me of the "how fast does Santa travel on Christmas Eve?" email that now seems to be a holiday staple), and discusses the origins of the genre and many of its staples.

The third section is entitled "Beyond Fantasy", as presumably the title "Things That Have Nothing To Do With Fantasy But We Wanted To Include Anyway" wouldn't fit on the page. That alternate title fairly accurately describes the contents of this section, as it tackles subjects as far ranging as "Ignorance In America" to evolution to translating ancient texts from their various ancient tongues. They aren't exactly the sorts of essays that one might expect to find in a fantasy anthology, but they make for fascinating reading all the same. Asimov's philosophies and beliefs always come across as commonsensical notions that have been explained to you by an expert. There are only seven short entries in this final group, and I wish there had been more, as I found this to be the most interesting section. Of course, as mentioned, the majority of these were so unrelated to the main topic that one should probably just be grateful that they were included in the first place.

No Asimov-completist's library will be whole without this volume, and even people with little interest in fantasy will probably find a few things to enjoy here. I read this book while making a transatlantic journey, and it was a great way to fill those deadening hours of airplane travel. MAGIC isn't a book that demands much from the reader, but it makes for very enjoyable light reading that is still head and shoulders above the average work of most other writers.

Asimov was such a great writer. In this book, he will make you laugh, will make you think, will make you imagine. If you want to get started on SciFi, I think this is a good book to start with. One of the short stories I liked the most was the one telling the real BATMAN story. Overall: good book.

Isaac Asimov was always a pioneer in writing. Here is his foray into the then-new area of Fantasy. Azazel, the 2 inch extra-dimesional being, and the well-meaning George star in most of the stories. Like the proverbial genie, George helps his family and friends realize their dreams and wishes which they come to find aren't what they really wanted. Also contains a few of Isaac's witty essays on fantastic creatures and figures. A must read for fantasy readers.

This book really seemed promising, with a great title and a very fine first 50 pages or so. But then it sort of gets lost, meandering through a survey of all sorts of disconnected research material. It seems to be saying the same things over and over, pozing interesting questions along the way, but always just leaving them on the table and moving on. I had to fight to read the last 50 pages (I hate not finishing books). Good cover and publishing job.

In another lifetime, I would have studied neurobiology--and this book would have been what inspired me. I read this book a decade ago, and recently re-read it. It's still as good; and is enhanced by Asimov's forward. The book touches on the relationship between who we are physically, and what we think. There are chapters explaining the intricate link between our senses (visual perception and sound, for example--how sound can sometime produce 'colors').

The Three-Pound Universe discusses madness, heaven and hell, god, the neurobiology of madness, altered states of consciousness....it touches on a lot, without going too in depth. It was a great introduction, one that inspired me to read more on the subject. If this book had been published in the 1980's, and I had stumbled on it in high school, it could have changed my life.

This is one of those books that end up profoundly affecting your life and your world view. I changed the direction of my career because of things I read in here. Take a chance and read it. You will never view the world quite the same again. It led me to read at least ten more books that were mentioned in it and they were great too. Reading this book is really a worthwhile way to spend your time.

I was truly excited when I saw this book. Isaac Asimov was one of the first SF authors I discovered, and one who left a lasting impression on me; so to get a glimpse behind the fiction (and nonfiction) into the mind of the man who wrote so much stimulating, intelligent prose was a rare treat indeed.

Unfortunately, a glimpse is all that is offered. These are not the complete letters of Isaac Asimov, revealing his thoughts in the full context of his correspondence; rather, they are selected paragraphs excerpted from his letters. The book contains not the mind of Isaac Asimov as he wished to reveal it to his correspondents, but only a few sparkling facets carefully chosen by the editor (Asimov's brother).

Ironically, in one of the paragraphs selected, Asimov reveals that he elected not to write for television or movies because he dreaded the inevitable rewrites and editing of his creations, a decimation of his ideas perpetrated outside of his control. I cannot help but wonder if those words even registered upon his brother's consciousness as he dropped that paragraph, ripped from its surrounding context, into that book full of similar contextual decimations of Asimov's ideas.

To get even those brief glimpses into the mind of Asimov was undeniably enjoyable. However, I cannot but hope that, some day, someone will release a book that DOES contain the letters of Isaac Asimov, rather than mere brief excerpts therefrom.

I am only 1/4 of the way through this, and I am really enjoying it (to my surprise). Stanley Asimov did a great job pulling thousands of Isaac's letters together (from over many years), and editing them for presentation. This is a great book for any fan of Isaac's writing. You may not agree with every view he wrote in his many letters, but you will have a new found respect for his incredible work (in quality & quantity).

This was a wonderful book. I have read this compilation three times now and I enjoy it more each time I am lost in it. What a wonderful glimpse into one of the Great Grand Masters of Science Fiction. Isaac's brother Stanley finished compiling and editing the letters to and from Isaac, which make up this book, shortly before his own death in 1995. Stanley Asimov was a Vice President at Newsday before his retirement in I believe 1992 and you can sure tell the way his professionalism comes through. Stanley had done his brother proud and given the rest of us true treasure.

I loved and still love Isaac's science fiction work and some of his non-fiction work. Reading this book I came to the realization that I abhorred the good Doctors political views. You know what. It doesn't matter. I like Asimov more after reading this book then before. Asimov's candor, honesty and optimism surpass ideology.

This is a very similar book to Grumbles from the Grave by Heinlein. The Heinlein book was a failure for reasons outlined in a review at Amazon about the book by me. The Asimov book is great. The letters are categorized by type rather then year making it easy to read and follow. The commentary is light so as not to be distracting but very helpful and insightful when it was put there.

Thank you Stanley for a great piece of editing work.

I borrowed this book from a friend to read recently. I am a secondary school teacher of chemistry in England (11 to 18 year olds) and I was interested to see whether I could pick up any anecdotes or teaching tips from the book, as well as expand my general knowledge of chemistry.

I found the book to be very easy to read. The complexities of chemistry are largely demystified and the writing is both simple and full of enthusiasm for the subject. The key point that Asimov puts over is that highly complicated concepts can be broken down into a series of logical, simple steps that most students can understand. There are also lots of little anecdoates that can be used in class as throwaway lines to emphasise a point.

A final comment concerning the book: although it was written in the 1960's, much of what Asimov predicts has come true, whether it concern space travel, global warming, increased use of computers etc. It is clear that he has an excellent understanding of chemistry, and the capability to put this understanding and enthusisasm over in a easy-to-read manner.

This is a collection of 17 essays written between 1959 and 1966. It's an anecdotal approach to chemistry. Plenty of history (the whos and the hows) along with the facts and figures.

It makes a good booster for high school or college students looking to understand what they're learning in class. Provides a different perspective than the typical textbook. I bought this when I was in high school and just looking to round out my understanding of chemistry; I've kept it long past that because it's just plain a good book to have around. It's not comprehensive but it does an interesting job with the topics it does tackle. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.

i have enjoyed these books several times, several years apart. good reading that i enjoyed.

In the 1950's, Isaac Asimov, writing under the pseudonym Paul French (later the books were republished under the Asimov name), wrote six science fiction novels for teenagers about a young agent of the "Council of Science," an organization which has considerable power in a world in the distant future. The agent, David Starr, travels throughout the Solar System to combat crime and to protect Earth. Asimov was using these stories to teach the readers facts about the Solar System. Nevertheless, in an introduction written in 1978, Asimov apologizes for the science inaccuracies in this first volume that are now apparent after all of the space probes to Mars. But, as of 1952, it was accurate. (Actually, this introduction to a later reprinting of a science fiction novel is rather unique. I can not recall another author who makes an effort to point out the changes scientific investigation have provided since the original publication of a story. Asimov should be commended for this. In so doing, he continues to teach.) In this first story, David Starr must discover who is the cause of a series of fatal poisonings on Earth and who is blackmailing the farms on Mars. In so doing, he accidentally comes in contact with ancient Martians living beneath the surface.

En este libro Asimov analiza diferentes pasajes descritos en la Biblia desde el punto de vista histórico, tratando de establecer una relación, interpretación o explicación de lo que los escritores de la Biblia relatan frente a los hechos de los cuales existe información histórica. En los casos en los que no se cuenta con esta información, Asimov propone algunas conjeturas posibles. Por ejemplo, describe la ubicación probable de Edén en Mesopotamia, la causa probable de lo que se describió como el diluvio, etc. Escrito en el estilo característico de Asimov, este es un buen libro para las personas de mente abierta que gustan de buscar la verdad en base a los hechos disponibles y la razón.

Ciertamente he leído este libro al principio con placer y entusiasmo. Sin embargo, me di cuenta que es un libro más bien de referencia histórica, pero muy significativa, particularmente si fue escrita por un prestigioso escritor como Isaac Asimov, que tiene la habilidad de llamar atención al lector hacia temas poco explorados, a través de investigaciones históricas y arqueológicas que están a su disposición y las analiza muy bien. Además, las Biblias en que se basa el libro son en su mayoría de versiones inglesas, por lo que se pierde algo de la anterior originalidad (una labor difícil para los traductores). Pero ante todo, es un buen libro de referencia histórica, escrito por un escritor que conoce las intenciones del curioso lector.

This is a review of a book "How did we find about Pluto," by Isaac Asimov. Pluto was discovered by a poor farmer's son who only had a tenth grade education. Read this book to see how this surprising event took place. The book tells about Pluto's size, what led to its discovery, and why it needed investigation. An error in the observation of the orbit of Uranus caused the discovery of Pluto. This occurred because of another gravitational pull, which was not explained. Therefore it was believed that another planet existed. Eventually Neptune was found. Still a small error remained. This was when Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930.

You will be astonished by the reading experiences you will get from this book. Isaac Asimov's writing is captivating and full of amazing facts. Such as Pluto being named by a little girl. In a way Pluto was an appropriate name because Pluto means "The God of the Dark Underworld," in Greek myths. Pluto received little sunlight since, it was the outermost planet from the sun. However Pluto does cross Neptune's orbit and becomes the eighth planet from the sun.

I recommend this book to readers who have curiosity in astronomy, yet it would strike interest in anyone. This book provides you with amazing information about Pluto's orbit and its moons. It is written in a simple but extremely interesting style. This book might surprise you many times until you finish.

This is a review of a book "How did we find about Pluto," by Isaac Asimov. Pluto was discovered by a poor farmer's son who only had a tenth grade education. Read this book to see how this surprising event took place. The book tells about Pluto's size, what led to its discovery, and why it needed investigation. An error in the observation of the orbit of Uranus caused the discovery of Pluto. This occurred because of another gravitational pull, which was not explained. Therefore it was believed that another planet existed. Eventually Neptune was found. Still a small error remained. This was when Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930.

You will be astonished by the reading experiences you will get from this book. Isaac Asimov's writing is captivating and full of amazing facts. Such as Pluto being named by a little girl. In a way Pluto was an appropriate name because Pluto means "The God of the Dark Underworld," in Greek myths. Pluto received little sunlight since, it was the outermost planet from the sun. However Pluto does cross Neptune's orbit and becomes the eighth planet from the sun.

I recommend this book to readers who have curiosity in astronomy, yet it would strike interest in anyone. This book provides you with amazing information about Pluto's orbit and its moons. It is written in a simple but extremely interesting style. This book might surprise you many times until you finish.

This is the second volume of Asimov's interesting life, a bit scary when seeing the thickness of the volume, but well worth it to really inderstand this man. His writing style is orderly and and paragraphs small, you keep reading just one more quick page until you find a chapter has passed.

I did find it frustrating that he didn't include much insight into his family's personalites. He really valued their privacy, but it left me with a feeling of uncompleteness. It reads like diary entries that he knows someone will be reading. No gossip, just the facts.

Isaac does give you a lot of insight into his personality, and by reading "between the lines" you see the real Asimov. He truly was a wonderful entertaining writer as he made the most commonplace activities, good reading.

This companion volume to "In Memory Yet Green" is a must for anyone that truly appreciates the works of Isaac Asimov. If you can find it, read it. I humbly suggest that the publishers are crazy for letting it go out of print. While the contemporary autobiography (I.Asimov: A Memoir) is fine and provides details beyond 1978, the original two volumes allow you to know the man, his aspirations and accomplishments much more thoroughly. (See review for "In Memory Yet Green - the Autobiography of Isaac Asimov - 1920-1954")

Many of the stories were very good and certainly different takes on the traditional Arthurian legend. There were a couple that I really liked, like "The Dog's Story" (I think that's what it was called..something about a Dog) but most of them were, although well-written, a little too far-out for me.

This is one of those books that you wish you could read again for the first time; each story is so tightly wound and entertaining that every sense of the world around me fell away. One story in particular, by Esther M. Friesner called "The Three Queens" has stayed with me - partly because of the flow and imagery of her words, but also because she brings an entirely unique possibility into play in the Arthur/Mordred relationship that was extremely thought provoking. Then Friesner turns around and writes a very amusing tale about the very long wait for KA to wake up - (The Lady of the Lake is hilarious!) Most of the Arthurian short story anthologies which have come out recently are very good, but this book is one of my favorites. If you decide you like this one, try "An Invitation to Camelot", edited by Parke Godwin - one of my other favorites!

This is the fourth book in the humorous science fiction series for children about a young space cadet and his unusual robot Norby. In this story, beings from another planet have invaded a planet of friendly dragons and deactivated all of that planet's robots. Jeff and Norby attempt to thwart the invaders who, they discover, believe that technology is bad. They all learn that only misuse of technology is bad. This book and "Norby and the Lost Princess" (the third book in the series) were also published together as "Norby: Robot for Hire."

This book is very interesting for all ages. The story covers some extremely interesting sci-fi ideas.