BookPath
Gold
Isaac Asimov

Gold

Quick Answer

Read "Gold" as the 7th book in the Standalone Novels and Collections sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Nemesis" (Book 6)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 7th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2009420 pp
The final collection of fiction and essays by the most celebrated science fiction author of all time—including the Hugo Award–winning story "Gold." Isaac Asimov is widely considered both the inventor of science fiction as well as the genre's greatest practitioner. This wide-ranging collection is the final and crowning achievement of his fifty-year career as a writer. It includes an introduction by the renowned science fiction author Orson Scott Card. The first section contains stories that range from the humorous to the profound, at the heart of which is the title story, "Gold," a moving and revealing drama about a writer who gambles everything on a chance at immortality: a gamble Asimov himself made—and won. The second section contains the grand master's ruminations on the SF genre itself. And the final section is comprised of Asimov's thoughts on the craft and writing of science fiction.

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels and Collections conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Gold?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Gold before Nemesis?

No. We recommend reading Nemesis first. Gold is the 7th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Gold required reading for the Standalone Novels and Collections?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Gold in the reading order?

Currently, Gold is the latest entry listed in our database for this series guide.