The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Isaac Asimov |
| Products | Science reference book |
| Parent | Basic Books |
The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science is an extensive science reference authored by American writer and scientist Isaac Asimov, initially released in 1960 through Basic Books. Subsequent revised versions were issued under the titles The New Intelligent Man's Guide to Science (1965), Asimov's Guide to Science (1972), and Asimov's New Guide to Science (1984). The work was acclaimed for its lucid and captivating explanation of scientific subjects.
Background and publication history
In 1957, Leon Svirsky from Basic Books invited Asimov to compose a comprehensive overview of science. After negotiations and receiving an advance of $1500, Asimov—who had recently shifted from his teaching role at Boston University to focus entirely on writing—agreed to the assignment. Although initially uncertain about covering the entirety of science, he moved forward encouraged by his future spouse, Janet Jeppson.
The book’s title, selected by Svirsky as a tribute to George Bernard Shaw's The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Socialism and Capitalism, raised concerns for Asimov regarding potential elitism. He suggested the alternative Everyone's Guide to Science, but Svirsky insisted on retaining the original. Asimov later explained that the phrase "intelligent man" referred to himself, which led to the title being revised under his name in later editions. While Svirsky preferred emphasizing scientific progress primarily from the 20th century, Asimov chose a historical narrative starting with ancient Greek thinkers or Galileo Galilei, structuring the content from cosmic phenomena down to human cognition.
Beginning on October 2, Asimov wrote with remarkable productivity, generating between 6,000 and 10,000 words daily. By January 1958, half of the manuscript was completed and submitted. When Svirsky proposed condensing the work into a single volume, Asimov temporarily halted writing near completion but resumed after confirming it would be published as two volumes. Additionally, Svirsky requested an introduction penned by geneticist George Beadle, which Asimov considered elegant but unnecessary. The final chapters were delivered by April 21, followed by appendices submitted on May 4.
Upon reviewing the proofs, Asimov noticed that roughly 30% of his text had been excised. He restored much of this material but remained dissatisfied with the finished edition.
The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science became an influential work in science communication, prompting several updated editions that broadened its scope and refreshed its content.
Reception
The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science garnered favorable critiques from physicist Derek J. de Solla Price in Science and Floyd C. Gale in Galaxy Science Fiction, while John Pfeiffer’s review in The New York Times was more mixed.
Price lauded Asimov for his comprehensive survey of contemporary science, whereas Gale praised his clear prose and skill in demystifying complex ideas. Pfeiffer observed that the book attempted to cover too many subjects within limited space, resulting in compressed explanations and weak transitions; nonetheless, he recognized it as a strong introductory resource on modern scientific investigation.
The book was shortlisted for a National Book Award in nonfiction but ultimately lost to William L. Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (1960). Asimov credited this publication with cementing his status as a foremost science author.
John Cheney reviewed Asimov's Guide to Science in Contemporary Physics. The edition titled Asimov's New Guide to Science received positive evaluations from Paul Stuewe in Quill & Quire, Margrett J. McFadden in Voice of Youth Advocates, and Robert H. Bell in Science Books & Films, alongside a more nuanced critique from E. L. Williams in Choice. Further assessments appeared in Chemical Engineer by Jim Pirie and in The Quarterly Review of Biology by geneticist H. Bentley Glass.
Stuewe commended the book’s inclusion of technological advancements since earlier editions. McFadden emphasized its engaging treatment of diverse subjects such as dinosaurs, robotics, and emerging physics discoveries. Bell acknowledged Asimov’s encyclopedic expertise spanning astronomy, geology, physics, chemistry, biology, and evolution, highlighting helpful illustrations and maps. Williams appreciated updates on topics including artificial intelligence, computing technology, cancer research, the solar system, quasars, black holes, evolutionary biology, and energy challenges but noted a lack of new material on genetic engineering. He also pointed out that this edition contained fewer photographs of lower quality compared to the 1972 version but valued enhanced subheadings for quick navigation and improved indexes.
See also
- Isaac Asimov bibliography
- Isaac Asimov bibliography (alphabetical)
- Isaac Asimov bibliography (chronological)
Bibliography
- Books
- Journals