I have to object here: Asimov did indeed write “anything he wanted” and got it published. He’s got a grand total of 515 books to his name. In addition to the science fiction novels and anthologies he wrote and edited, his books include include such things as two non-SF mystery novels, lots and lots of “popular science” nonfiction, five books of limericks, and the two-volume Asimov’s Guide to Shakespeare.
Additionally, according to his autobiography, the driving force behind Asimov returning to his old science fiction themes was his publishers’ insistence. So blame them. ;)
Fair enough. Still, as far as I know, no literary fiction of note. Does he have any fiction as well-received as the Foundation trilogy or The Caves of Steel from the mid-60s onward?
I have to object here: Asimov did indeed write “anything he wanted” and got it published. He’s got a grand total of 515 books to his name. In addition to the science fiction novels and anthologies he wrote and edited, his books include include such things as two non-SF mystery novels, lots and lots of “popular science” nonfiction, five books of limericks, and the two-volume Asimov’s Guide to Shakespeare.
Additionally, according to his autobiography, the driving force behind Asimov returning to his old science fiction themes was his publishers’ insistence. So blame them. ;)
As I recall, Asimov said in an essay written near the end of his life that he regretted not writing historical fiction.
Fair enough. Still, as far as I know, no literary fiction of note. Does he have any fiction as well-received as the Foundation trilogy or The Caves of Steel from the mid-60s onward?