The Creation of Isaac Asimov's 'Nightfall': A 1941 Science Fiction Masterpiece
In March 1941, Isaac Asimov, then a 21-year-old graduate student in chemistry, aimed to make a name for himself in writing. Inspired by editor John W. Campbell Jr., who quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson and posed a question about a total eclipse in a world of constant daylight, Asimov invented the planet Lagash, where an eclipse happens every 2,049 years, resulting in the collapse of civilization. He finished 'Nightfall' on April 9, 1941, which was featured in Astounding Science Fiction, granting him his first cover and a bonus. In 1968, it was recognized as the best science fiction short story. Asimov later collaborated with Robert Silverberg to expand it into a novel in 1990. In 1941, all Jews in Petrovichi, Asimov's hometown, were murdered by Nazis.
Key facts
- In March 1941, Isaac Asimov was 21 and had only three stories published in Astounding Science Fiction.
- Campbell proposed the idea inspired by an Emerson quote about stars appearing once every 1,000 years.
- Asimov created the planet Lagash with six suns, ensuring perpetual daylight.
- The eclipse occurs every 2,000 years, causing darkness for several hours.
- Asimov wrote 'Nightfall' in three weeks, finishing on April 9, 1941.
- The story was published in Astounding Science Fiction, earning Asimov his first cover and bonus.
- In 1968, 'Nightfall' was voted the best science fiction short story up to that time.
- In 1990, Asimov and Robert Silverberg expanded 'Nightfall' into a novel.
- Asimov was part of the 'Big Three' science fiction writers with Arthur C. Clarke and Robert Heinlein.
- In 1941, Nazis entered Petrovichi and killed all Jews; Asimov had already left.
Entities
Artists
- Isaac Asimov
- John W. Campbell Jr.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Arthur C. Clarke
- Robert Heinlein
- Robert Silverberg
- Miguel Macián
Institutions
- Astounding Science Fiction
- Bantam Doubleday
Locations
- Petrovichi
- New York
- United States
- Belarus
Sources
- El Hype —