Title: Pebble in the Sky
Author: Isaac Asimov
First published January 1, 1950
308 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553293425 (ISBN10: 0553293427)
Rating: 3.89
Overview
In the bustling city of Chicago, Joseph Schwartz enjoyed a peaceful retirement. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself transported to a distant planet during the reign of the first Galactic Empire.
But Earth, his home planet, is seen as nothing more than a mere pebble in the vast expanse of the universe. The inhabitants of the other 200 million planets in the empire despise Earth for its claims of being the original home of mankind.
Worse still, Earth is plagued with poverty and radiation, leading to the death sentence of all its inhabitants at the age of sixty. Schwartz finds himself in a dire predicament, as he is already sixty-two.
Pebble in the Sky is the first novel of young Isaac Asimov, bursting with wondrous ideas that launched the novels of the Galactic Empire, culminating in the iconic Foundation books. This science fiction classic has captured the imagination of teenagers since the early 1950s and continues to be a shining example of Golden Age SF.
About the Author
Isaac Asimov was a highly successful American author who was born in Russia and was also a professor of biochemistry. He is best known for his works of science fiction and popular science books.
Asimov is widely considered one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited over 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. He has works published in nine out of ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System, only lacking an entry in the 100s category of Philosophy.
Asimov is regarded as a master of the science-fiction genre and was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C.
Clarke. His most famous work is the Foundation Series, and he also wrote the Galactic Empire series and the Robot series, which he later tied into the same fictional universe as the Foundation Series to create a unified “future history” for his stories.
He penned numerous short stories, one of them being “Nightfall”, which was voted by the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1964 as the best short science fiction story of all time. Asimov wrote mysteries, fantasy, and a great amount of nonfiction.
He also wrote the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels under the pen name Paul French.
Asimov’s popularized science books explain scientific concepts in a historical way, going back as far as possible to a time when the science in question was at its simplest stage. He often provides nationalities, birth dates, and death dates for the scientists he mentions, as well as etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms.
Some examples include his Guide to Science, the three-volume set Understanding Physics, and Asimov’s Chronology of Science and Discovery.
Asimov was a long-time member and Vice President of Mensa International, although he described some members of that organization as “brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs”. He took more joy in being president of the American Humanist Association.
Many things have been named in his honor, such as the asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov’s Science Fiction, a Brooklyn, NY elementary school, and two different Isaac Asimov Awards.
Editoral Review
Isaac Asimov’s Pebble in the Sky, first published in 1950, is a classic work of science fiction that has stood the test of time. Asimov, known as one of the “Big Three” of science fiction writers, along with Robert A.
Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, is recognized for works that showcase his scientific knowledge and curiosity.
Pebble in the Sky is no exception, as it explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the nature of humanity. The story is set in a future universe where Earth is no longer the center of the human world, and in fact has been reduced to a planet of ignorance and prejudice.
Joseph Schwartz, a retired Chicago tailor, is accidentally transported to this future universe, where he discovers that he is the key to saving Earth from annihilation. Schwartz must navigate through a complex web of politics and power struggles, while also coming to terms with his new reality and the strange powers he seems to have acquired.
Asimov’s writing is crisp and precise, with a focus on plot and character development. The pacing of the story is excellent, with the plot unfolding at a steady and engaging pace.
The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with Schwartz in particular standing out as a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. One of the strengths of the book is the way it explores issues of prejudice and identity, using the conflict between Earth and the rest of the universe as a backdrop.
Asimov raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the role of technology in shaping our world, while also commenting on the dangers of groupthink and the power of individual agency. While the book is overall an enjoyable and thought-provoking read, it does have some weaknesses.
The balance between action and exposition can at times be uneven, with long periods of exposition interrupting the flow of the story. Additionally, some aspects of the plot are predictable and may be familiar to readers of science fiction.
Overall, Pebble in the Sky is a classic work of science fiction worthy of its reputation. Asimov’s writing is sharp and engaging, and his exploration of important themes continues to resonate today.
For fans of sci-fi or anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, Pebble in the Sky is highly recommended. Rating: 4/5 stars.
