Ben Bova on Isaac Asimov

 

In an introduction to his 1977 anthology Exiles, editor Ben Bova shares an insight into one of his contributors: the esteemed author Isaac Asimov. The two writers met at a science fiction convention in the late 1950s. Early on in their friendship, Isaac Asimov began throwing work Bova's way. 

When editors came to Asimov for articles, and the writer of The Foundation Trilogy and I, Robot didn't have the time to write them, he recommended Ben Bova to the editors. Then he told Bova, "Don't worry. Whatever I know, you'll know. All you have to do is ask."

According to Ben Bova, Asimov sent so many opportunities his way over the years that he often considered giving him an agent's fee of ten percent of his earnings. Throughout the decades, Asimov always helped him out with his writing assignments. All Bova had to do was ask.

One evening, the friends were walking through Manhattan when they passed an apartment where Asimov once lived. 

Looking up at his old window, he said, with a tear in his voice, "It wasn't such a bad place. I was there fifty-six months and I wrote fifty-six books."

 

Isaac Asimov

 

While Ben Bova was working on his introduction to Exiles, Isaac Asimov was writing his two hundredth book. Asimov would go on to write or edit over five hundred. Yet despite all that:

Isaac often belittles his literary achievements. "I couldn't write good," he's said many times, "so I've written a lot."

Bova sums up his introduction by describing Asimov as a true gentleman, and the warmest-hearted man I know.

Persistence. Generosity. Humility. Loyalty. That's how Ben Bova, respected author, editor, and leader in the science fiction community, introduced Issac Asimov for his anthology Exiles. 

As a reader who grew up reading Isaac Asimov, and only knew him through his stories, I am indebted to Ben Bova for this insight into a writer I will always admire.

Dragon Dave

P.S. Ben Bova, who died of Covid-19 last year, wrote or edited over a hundred books in various genres during his own prolific writing career. Like Asimov, he won numerous awards, and was a bestselling author.

Norwich Cathedral Receives A Historic Visitor

 

 

Norwich Cathedral made a lasting impression on me. While staying in Cromer, I learned much of its fascinating history during a day-trip back in 2017. Later on during that vacation, when we had moved base-camp and were staying much farther away, I found I yearned for a second visit. 

So my wife and I made the long drive back to Norwich, and experienced the Cathedral's wonder one more time.

 

Dippy the Dinosaur (from Twitter)

Currently, the cathedral is displaying an entirely different form of history. A traveling exhibit, called Dippy The Dinosaur, is now on display inside Norwich Cathedral. As a Diplodocus, Dippy is a friendly dinosaur with a congenial temperament.

Just as important, Dippy is a herbivore, and never eats people.

 

Dippy the Dinosaur (from Twitter)

While learning about the history of a building that dates back nearly a thousand years, visitors can learn about an animal that lived millions of years ago. While learning about the religious and cultural issues that worshipers and civic leaders faced in bygone eras, visitors can learn about a Diplodocus that lived in an entirely different period.

The Jurassic Period, to be specific.

As you would expect of the gracious folks at Norwich Cathedral, they are not charging admission to see Dippy the Dinosaur. I believe you just need to book your visit in advance. That way, Dippy can eat her meals undisturbed at regular intervals, and tantalized tourists won't get between her and her food.

 

With Covid-19 still making travel (and travel plans) difficult, it's unlikely you'll see me there. Thankfully, folks who can't make it to Norwich Cathedral by the time Dippy leaves in October can follow Dippy's tour progress on Twitter, or read the latest Dippy news on the Cathedral website. As a cathedral-and-dinosaur loved, that sounds like a win-win to me.

Or, to paraphrase George on the TV series Peppa Pig: "Cathedral. Dinosaur. Grrr!"

 

Now, only only question remains. What will Dippy use as for a water bowl? I wonder if it will be as beautiful, or as shiny, as the Cathedral baptismal font that was once used in a local chocolate factory?

I guess I'll have to check in regularly on the cathedral website and Twitter to find out.

Dragon Dave

Related Links

Dippy on Twitter

Norwich Cathedral website