by Sven » November 3rd, 2007, 12:14 pm
No, he intended to write under the pen name from the beginning. The "Issac Asimov writing as Paul French" was only on the later reprints, not on the originals. (The editor in question was Walt Bradbury of Doubleday.) When he wrote the first one, Space Ranger, the idea was that it would be developed into a TV series, and he didn't want his name associated with TV. After the first one came out, the TV idea was dropped, and he ceased trying to conceal that he was the author. Most of the errors in the stories reflected current (1950s) scientific beliefs, hence Mercury is described as having one face permanently towards the Sun. The other errors, like canals on Mars, were 'willing suspension of belief' in order to provide a background for the stories.
Rat! he found breath to whisper, shaking. Are you afraid?
Afraid? murmured the Rat, his eyes shining with unutterable love.
Afraid! Of Him? O, never, never! And yet -- and yet -- O, Mole, I am afraid!
Then the two animals, crouching to the earth, bowed their heads and did worship.