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I, Robot

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About this listen

 This classic science fiction masterwork by Isaac Asimov weaves stories about robots, humanity, and the deep questions of existence into a novel of shocking intelligence and heart.

“A must-read for science-fiction buffs and literature enjoyers alike.”—The Guardian

I, Robot, the first and most widely read book in Asimov’s Robot series, forever changed the world’s perception of artificial intelligence. Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-reading robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world—all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asimov’s trademark.

The Three Laws of Robotics:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov formulated the laws governing robots’ behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future—a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.

“Tremendously exciting and entertaining . . . Asimov dramatizes an interesting question: How can we live with machines that, generation by generation, grow more intelligent than their creators and not eventually clash with our own invention?”—The Chicago Tribune©1950, 1977 Isaac Asimov; (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc. Adventure Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Fantasy Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Short Stories
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Isaac Asimov's robot stories are among the classics of science-fiction, and are a must-read (or must-listen) for anyone with any interest in SF. "I, Robot" is a compilation of some of the best, from among the earliest to among the latest, strung together with a linking narrative that fits them into their "historic" order -- from the first pet-like robots to the handing over of human government to the all-but-omniscient Machines.

The stories themselves easily rate five stars. Unfortunately, I've had to deduct a star because of this audiobook's reader, who manages to be flat and melodramatic simultaneously. He has little sense of dramatic tension, consistently emphasises the wrong words, and is unable to differentiate characters by giving them different voices. I suggest that prospective buyers listen carefully to the audio sample before making a decision.

Overall, though, I'm happy I bought this one.

Excellent stories, shame about the reader

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I see it more as a collection of short mystery stories than one whole book. Each chapter poses a problem, which requires working out what the problem is before a solution can be formed. Each time the solution is revealed it always makes sense. The movie version of this book, picks elements from in and around the book and merges them to form a single story that does not feature in the book.

A collection of exercises in logic

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Great stories, immaculately read. A rare combination!

Excellent

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Really enjoyed listening to this book. I'd read an 80s ish printing of a book with the title I robot before and couldn't wait to listen to this. I enjoyed the reading. some voices could be similar at times but they were still different. it's lost a star for me though because this is not by any means a complete collection of I Isaac Asimov's robot stories as I'd been expecting. the 80s ish printing if read was and is just thought this cover was a reprint. I was more than a little disappointed when the book ended and I realised i was wrong. don't get me wrong it has most of my favourites and all the stories in this book have aspects that were taken to create the film, and I'm just about to start listening to it again.... it's just a shame it's not a complete collection.

Really Enjoyable with a side of disappointment

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A collection of short stories with recurring characters based around Asimov's three laws of robotics. Very thought provoking and enjoyable.

Phenomenal sci fi

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