In 1951, Asimov was approached about writing some science fiction books that could be adapted for a television series. The lead character was to be a space ranger, something of an update on the Lone Ranger. Asimov liked the idea of writing books for younger people, but had a low opinion of television. He was convinced his stories would be turned into the junk he saw on his small screen (and this was the golden age of TV... Imagine what he would think of it today). Asimov created the Lucky Starr character, and item 13 is a first edition of the first book in this six-book series, David Starr, Space Ranger, published in 1952. However, to protect himself from what appeared on TV, he chose to use a pseudonym in place of his name, so he would not be associated with the trash he feared would soon appear. The name he used for the series was “Paul French.” Ultimately, the plan for the television series fell through, and by the last of the books Asimov had inserted his three rules for robots, a giveaway that “Paul French” was actually Isaac Asimov. $750.

Asimov frequently deviated from his primary topics of science fiction and science (real), particularly after the 1950s. Item 51 is far afield even for the prolific Asimov: Isaac Asimov's Treasury of Humor: A Lifetime Collection of Favorite Jokes, Anecdotes, and Limericks with Copious Notes on How to Tell Them and Why. It includes 640 jokes and, typical of Asimov, commentaries on them. Perhaps the book shouldn't be all that surprising. Asimov was a skilled public speaker, and he used humor to put his audience at ease. Published in 1971. $50.

Item 159 is sort of a retrospective on Asimov's career. Published in 1989, it is The Asimov Chronicles: Fifty Years of Isaac Asimov. It contains a collection of the writer's stories, one from each year of his career. It is bound in leather with gilt lettering, and has been signed by Asimov and the book's two illustrators. He would continue to add to his bibliography after this fifty-year collection, but Asimov's health was deteriorating. His career ended in his 53^rd year of writing. $1,250.

Eureka Books may be reached at 707-444-9593 or info@eurekabooksellers.com. Their website is found at www.eurekabooksellers.com.