title: A Choice of Catastrophes: The Disasters That Threaten Our World
author:  Isaac Asimov 
description: <b>Isaac Asimov</b>&#160;began his Foundation series at the age of 21, not realizing that it would one day be considered a cornerstone of science fiction. During his legendary career, Asimov penned over 470 books on subjects ranging from science to Shakespeare to history, though he was most loved for his award-winning science fiction sagas, which include the Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. Named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Asimov entertained and educated readers of all ages for close to five decades. He died, at the age 72, in April 1992.
zlib_text: Published by
  
  
  Dell Publishing Co., Inc.
  
  
  
  
  
  1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza •'
  
  
  New York, New York 10017
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © 1979 by Isaac Asimov
  
  
  
  
  
  All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in
  any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
  recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without
  permission in writing from the publisher. For information address Houghton
  Miffim Company, Boston, Massachusetts.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dell ® TM 681510, Dell Publishing Co., Inc.
  
  
  ISBN: 0-440-16666-7
  
  
  
  
  
  Reprinted by arrangement with Houghton Miffiin Company Printed in the United
  States of America
  
  
  First Dell printing—December 1980
  
  
  
  
  
  The author wishes to thank the following for permission to quote selections
  from the works listed:
  
  
  
  
  
  **Page 1**
  
  
  
  
  
  Apocalypse: Good Taste. Copyright © 1976 by Isaac Asimov.
  
  
  Atonic Energy Commission: Worlds Within Worlds.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas Y. Crowell: Earth: Our Crowded Spaceship. Copyright © 1974 by Isaa