Magic

Isaac Asimov was the Grand Master of the Science Fiction Writers of America, the founder of robot ethics, the world's most prolific author of fiction and non-fiction. The Good Doctor's fiction has been enjoyed by millions for more than half a century.

Another posthumous anthology from the science fiction grandmaster (1920-92), this time of previously uncollected stories and writings on fantasy - though Asimov uses examples from science fiction freely and makes no rigid distinction between fantasy and science fiction. Of the 11 stories, 8 belong to the familiar series featuring George and his tiny demons, Azazel, depending heavily on puns and jokes for their impact; in another, the Black Widowers interview Batman; while two are light, amusing fables. "On Fantasy," 13 pieces of mild criticism and commentary, includes introductions to books whose titles receive only passing mention and which remain un-footnoted by the publishers. Meanwhile, the nine pieces "On Writing Fantasy" incline toward general remarks rather than Asimov's usual prescriptive, avuncular how-tos aimed at wannabe fictioneers. Although Asimov fans will want to browse, this, like Gold (1994), a posthumous collection of writings on science fiction, is publishing at its laziest: Surely someone could have been induced to write something illuminating about the contents here. (Kirkus Reviews)