Much of [In Joy Still Felt] is fascinating. In addition to chronicling his personal and professional lives, Asimov offers intelligent perceptions of such varied topics as aging and mortality, politics and politicians, and fan clubs as sub-cultures. His several anti-Nixon diatribes are particularly biting and he claims his pro-feminist ideas ante-date the Women's Liberation movement by several years. Especially touching are the emotions he displays toward his daughter.

But Asimov is most enlightening when he deals with writing. He explores, in part, his writing, his methods and techniques, his ability to work on two, three, or more projects simultaneously. Quite convincingly, he defends his generalist approach to writing and attacks parochialism. His relationships with editors offer additional insights into Asimov the writer and Asimov the man.

I have some criticisms. Often, just when he begins to expound on a topic of import or interest, Asimov drops it, lapsing...