Caves of Steel

Caves of Steel was written by Issac Asimov and published in 1953.  The Caves of Steel are the protective domes that cover major cities in this vision of the future, and this novel investigates how humanity might be affected by dome conditions, psychologically and physically.  It also investigates how humanity will be impacted living in a world where the existence of robots is widespread.  Some questions the book raises are:  What makes an authentic human being?  What is friendship?  What and where is the frontier?  R. Daneel Olivaw and Lije Baley are great characters (they are downright lovable), and Asimov has crafted a book that is as provocative as it is charming. I've been told that the sequels to this book The Naked Sun and Robots of Dawn are even better; I can't wait to find out...

Bonus:  Asimov solves our energy problem: "Petroleum had long since gone, but oil-rich strains of yeast were an adequate substitute..."   Neat!