A fascinating archive of correspondence and signed documents by Isaac Asimov (1920–1992), one of the most prolific and celebrated science fiction writers in the history of the genre, best known for the Foundation series and the Robot stories.
The collection comprises six typed letters signed on the author’s letterhead, a typed questionnaire with autograph inscriptions, a typed note signed, a postcard signed, an autograph document on postcard, and one signed photograph. Two original envelopes are included.
Typed Letters Signed:
1. 26 Aug, 1979 — to Siv Lind. In which he complains about signing books, which takes too much time: “long since decided no longer to fulfil these tasks. I’m sorry, but I grow old and must concentrate on my work.”
2. 8 Nov, 1984 — to publisher Rolando Pieraccini. Discussing foreign rights: “I have no control over them whatever and you must deal with Doubleday.”
3. 8 Nov, 1984 — to publisher Rolando Pieraccini. Listing his favourite short stories and agreeing to sign title pages: “as my contribution to making the book more available to my Finnish readers.”
4. 19 Dec, 1984 — to Renata Mattioli. On translations and sales: “I haven’t got the least idea…I suspect the FOUNDATION SERIES has been the most translated and most sold…I think I have been translated into at least forty languages…”
5. 11 Feb, 1985 — to Peter Michielsen. Refusing an interview, having “developed a severe allergy to the whole thing”, adding: “I don’t have a ‘few hours’ even to speak with my wife, let alone be interviewed…”
6. 10 Feb, 1986 — to publisher Rolando Pieraccini. Asking for instructions about how and where to sign material being sent to him.
Typed Questionnaire with Autograph Inscriptions
A pre-drafted letter with three questions, answered in short autograph inscriptions and signed.
Typed Note Signed
“Here is my autograph.”
Postcard Signed
Inscribed “Best Wishes”.
Autograph Document on Postcard, Signed
Thirteen hand-written lines on the back of a postcard in which Asimov describes the Foundation series character Gaal Dornick — a remarkable piece for any Foundation collector.
Signed Photograph
Black and white head-shot, approximately 8 x 10 inches, signed by Isaac Asimov.
While Asimov was a prodigious letter-writer, few examples of his correspondence are currently available on the market, making this collection particularly significant. High-resolution images are provided and give further detail on content and condition.
