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Page 227
Chronology
1920
Isaac Asimov is born in Petrovichi, U.S.S.R., on January 2 (the
date may have been as early as October 4, 1919), first child of
Judah Asimov and Anna Rachel Asimov, née Berman.
1923The Asimovs emigrate to the United States and settle in
Brooklyn.
1925Teaches himself to read and begins his career as a child prodigy.
1926His father buys the first of a series of candy stores in Brooklyn.
His life begins to be shaped by the demands of the store.
1928Becomes a U.S. citizen.
1929Discovers science-fiction magazines and becomes a fan.
1931Attempts his first fiction.
1932Enters high school.
1935Enters Seth Low Junior College. His writing increases. Writes a
letter to Astounding that is published.
1936Continues his college education at Columbia University.
1937Begins writing letters to Astounding again.
1938Begins to keep a diary and joins the Futurians. Takes his first
story to John W. Campbell, Jr., new editor of Astounding.
1939First published story, "Marooned Off Vesta," appears in Amazing
Stories,
"Trends," in Astounding. Earns his B.S. degree from
Columbia and enters graduate school there, majoring in chemistry.
1940Begins writing robot stories.
1941Writes "Nightfall."
1942Begins the Foundation series with "Foundation." Suspends his
graduate studies to serve as a chemist at the U.S. Navy Yard in
Philadelphia. Marries Gertrude Blugerman.
1945Is drafted after V-J Day (and released less than a year later).
1946Returns to his studies at Columbia.
1948Earns his Ph.D. and takes up post-doctorate work at Columbia.

 
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