I, Robot

5b Isaac Asimov. London: Grayson & Grayson, Ltd., 1952. First UK Edition.

Notes

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov is a groundbreaking collection of interconnected science fiction stories first published in 1950. The book explores the evolving relationship between humans and robots through nine stories, each framed by Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist at U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men, Inc. Central to the collection are Asimov’s famous Three Laws of Robotics, which guide robot behavior and pose complex ethical dilemmas. Far from simple tales of machines gone rogue, the stories delve into themes of logic, morality, autonomy, and the unintended consequences of technological advancement. Asimov’s nuanced portrayal of robots helped shift science fiction from pulp adventure toward more sophisticated philosophical inquiry.

The first UK edition of I, Robot was published in 1952 by Grayson & Grayson, two years after its American debut by Gnome Press. This edition marked the introduction of Asimov’s visionary work to British readers and helped cement his reputation as a leading figure in science fiction. The Grayson & Grayson printing is now considered a rare and valuable collector’s item, particularly in its original dust jacket. It featured a distinctive cover design and was released in a relatively small print run, contributing to its scarcity today. This edition played a key role in expanding Asimov’s influence beyond the U.S. and contributed to the global appreciation of speculative fiction that addresses deep technological and ethical questions.

Description

Green canvas boards with black lettering on the spine. Original dust jacket. Chipping to dust jackets head and foot of spine and creasing to the upper edge. Very slight flaring to boards. Very good condition overall.