In this collection, which spans the body of his fiction from the nineteen-forties to the mid-eighties, are all of the classic themes Asimovian, from the scientific puzzle, to the extraterrestrial thriller, to the psychological discourse, all introduced in an important essay written expressly for this collection.

"Robot Dreams," the title story, was a Locus poll winner and Hugo and Nebula Award finalist. The cover of this book and over a dozen black-and-white plates represent the book illustration debut of Ralph McQuarrie, known worldwide as the most influential designer of science fiction films. He has been responsible for the look of such movies as STAR WARS and STAR TREK IV.