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* BaldBlackLeaderGuy: Admiral Boris Yobo is head of Space Command, which puts him in charge of Space Academy, where SpaceCadet Jeff Wells is in training. Initially it appeared that Fargo had left the service, but the first book reveals that he'd actually become a secret agent working with Yobo to discover the secret identity of the first book's villain. So aside from being the highest-ranked person that we meet in the Solar Federation, he takes a personal interest in the Wells family and is directly responsible for Jeff having [[WeWillSpendCreditsInTheFuture enough credits to purchase Norby]] in the first place. The novels tend to describe him as the descendant of African kings, emphasizing his skin-tone and leadership skills at the same time. His baldness is emphasized in ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester'' because the planet Izz insists on everyone wearing braids, and since his natural baldness prevents him from having any other hair, he has to grow a mustache and braid that instead.
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* BaldBlackLeaderGuy: BaldOfAuthority: Admiral Boris Yobo is head of Space Command, which puts him in charge of Space Academy, where SpaceCadet Jeff Wells is in training. Initially it appeared that Fargo had left the service, but the first book reveals that he'd actually become a secret agent working with Yobo to discover the secret identity of the first book's villain. So aside from being the highest-ranked person that we meet in the Solar Federation, he takes a personal interest in the Wells family and is directly responsible for Jeff having [[WeWillSpendCreditsInTheFuture enough credits to purchase Norby]] in the first place. The novels tend to describe him as the descendant of African kings, emphasizing his skin-tone and leadership skills at the same time. His baldness is emphasized in ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester'' because the planet Izz insists on everyone wearing braids, and since his natural baldness prevents him from having any other hair, he has to grow a mustache and braid that instead.
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* BioAugmentation: The planet Jamyn is where [[NeglectfulPrecursors the Others left instructions for genetic experiments]]. The Mentor robots [[UpliftedAnimal turned the dominant lifeforms from sub-sentient brutes into a civilization]] and First created a brand-new lifeform, which he named the "All-Purpose Pet" due to its EmpathicShapeshifting abilities.
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* BioAugmentation: The planet Jamyn is where [[NeglectfulPrecursors the Others left instructions for genetic experiments]]. The Mentor robots [[UpliftedAnimal turned the dominant lifeforms from sub-sentient brutes into a civilization]] and First created a brand-new lifeform, which he named the "All-Purpose Pet" due to its EmpathicShapeshifting {{Empathic Shapeshift|er}}ing abilities.
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The series name is taken from the {{Omnibus}} of the first two books, published in 1986, which was followed by an omnibus of the third/fourth and fifth/sixth. CreatorAceBooks published the omnibuses, with an agreement from Creator/WalkerAndCompany, who holds the original publisher rights to the novels.
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The series name is taken from the {{Omnibus}} of the first two books, published in 1986, which was followed by an omnibus of the third/fourth and fifth/sixth. CreatorAceBooks Creator/AceBooks published the omnibuses, with an agreement from Creator/WalkerAndCompany, who holds the original publisher rights to the novels.{{novel}}s.
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* RobotBuddy: ''Literature/TheNorbyChronicles'': A series of novels by [[Creator/JanetAsimov Janet]] and [[Creator/IsaacAsimov Isaac]] Asimov. The titular Norby is partner/friend/property of Jefferson Wells, built [[TinCanRobot inside of a stainless steel barrel]], with TouchTelepathy, [[SubspaceOrHyperspace Hyperdrive]], TimeTravel, and other assorted abilities. Incidentally, as it was written in 1983, he may be the first of the DeadpanSnarker bots.
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* RobotBuddy: ''Literature/TheNorbyChronicles'': A series of novels by [[Creator/JanetAsimov Janet]] and [[Creator/IsaacAsimov Isaac]] Asimov. The titular Norby is partner/friend/property of Jefferson Wells, built [[TinCanRobot inside of a stainless steel barrel]], with TouchTelepathy, [[SubspaceOrHyperspace Hyperdrive]], TimeTravel, and other assorted abilities. Incidentally, as it was written in 1983, he may be the first of the DeadpanSnarker bots.
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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/norbyo1.jpg]]
%% [[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
A [[MiddleGradeLiterature middle grade]] ScienceFiction series begun by Creator/JanetAsimov, and her husband Creator/IsaacAsimov, in 1983. Based on Isaac's [[WordOfGod commentary]] in several places, the series is primarily her work, while he just did a bit of editing and lent his fame to increase the books' popularity. The last novel, ''Norby and the Terrified Taxi'', was written after his death, so is purely Janet's work.
The series stars teenaged SpaceCadet, Jefferson Wells, has a robot, built by a [[AsteroidMiners lone spacer]] from a scavenged alien spaceship, who is both the cause of, and the solution to, a myriad of problems. Norby is often mixed-up because he was assembled from human, Mentor, and Other technology. He is [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup completely unique]] and is [[InferioritySuperiorityComplex ready to remind you of that at any opportunity]]. Together, they have adventures by way of Norby's [[NewPowersAsThePlotDemands amazing]], but [[PowerIncontinence uncontrolled]], talents for traveling in time, space, and even to different dimensions.
The series name is taken from the {{Omnibus}} of the first two books, published in 1986, which was followed by an omnibus of the third/fourth and fifth/sixth. CreatorAceBooks published the omnibuses, with an agreement from Creator/WalkerAndCompany, who holds the original publisher rights to the novels.
----
!!Books in ''The Norby Chronicles'':
[[index]]
* ''Literature/NorbyTheMixedUpRobot''
* ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheLostPrincess''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheInvaders''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace''
* ''Literature/NorbyFindsAVillain''
* ''Literature/NorbyDownToEarth''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndYobosGreatAdventure''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheOldestDragon''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheTerrifiedTaxi''
[[/index]]
----
!!''The Norby Chronicles'' provides examples of:
* AdvertisingByAssociation:
** The cover of the first {{Omnibus}} edition, ''The Norby Chronicles'', mentions that Dr Asimov is also the author of ''Literature/TheRobotsOfDawn''.
** The cover of the second {{Omnibus}} edition, ''Norby, Robot for Hire'', mentions that Dr Asimov is also the author of ''Literature/RobotsAndEmpire''.
** The cover of the third {{Omnibus}} edition, ''Norby Through Time and Space'', mentions that Dr Asimov is also the author of ''Literature/PreludeToFoundation''.
** The back cover of all three {{Omnibus}}es mention that Creator/JanetAsimov wrote ''Literature/TheSecondExperiment'' and ''Literature/TheLastImmortal'' while Creator/IsaacAsimov wrote ''Literature/TheRobotsOfDawn'' and ''Literature/FoundationsEdge''.
* AffectionateNickname:
** [=McGillicuddy=], the [[AsteroidMiners lone spacer/prospector]] who assembled Norby from a wrecked (alien) spaceship found on an asteroid, preferred to be called Mac, so Norby usually refers to him that way.
** Mentor First, an alien robot, built Searcher, the alien spacecraft that ended up wrecked in the Solar System's asteroid belt. After helping him refuel, Norby calls him "Father".
* ArtificialGravity: Antigrav was invented fifty years ago and the generators are now small enough to fit [[FlyingCar in your car, providing the ability to float in the air]]. The titular Norby has one built into his small [[TinCanRobot barrel-like body]].
* BaldBlackLeaderGuy: Admiral Boris Yobo is head of Space Command, which puts him in charge of Space Academy, where SpaceCadet Jeff Wells is in training. Initially it appeared that Fargo had left the service, but the first book reveals that he'd actually become a secret agent working with Yobo to discover the secret identity of the first book's villain. So aside from being the highest-ranked person that we meet in the Solar Federation, he takes a personal interest in the Wells family and is directly responsible for Jeff having [[WeWillSpendCreditsInTheFuture enough credits to purchase Norby]] in the first place. The novels tend to describe him as the descendant of African kings, emphasizing his skin-tone and leadership skills at the same time. His baldness is emphasized in ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester'' because the planet Izz insists on everyone wearing braids, and since his natural baldness prevents him from having any other hair, he has to grow a mustache and braid that instead.
* BilledAboveTheTitle: All three {{omnibus}}es fit Janet and Isaac Asimov at the top of the cover, then [[AdvertisingByAssociation mention another book]] by Creator/IsaacAsimov before including the title.
* BioAugmentation: The planet Jamyn is where [[NeglectfulPrecursors the Others left instructions for genetic experiments]]. The Mentor robots [[UpliftedAnimal turned the dominant lifeforms from sub-sentient brutes into a civilization]] and First created a brand-new lifeform, which he named the "All-Purpose Pet" due to its EmpathicShapeshifting abilities.
* CartoonCreature: The "All-Purpose Pet" is described as [[ShapeshifterDefaultForm normally looking like a cat]], but is capable of [[EmpathicShapeshifter shifting shapes]] to appear more "cute" to their owner. She is essentially a pet that is [[BioAugmentation designed]] to [[ShapedLikeItself look like a pet]], no matter who the "owner" is.
* TheCharmer: Fargo Wells is Jeff's much more handsome and much older brother. He's not as disciplined and tends to flirt/harass women, although he tries to rein it in now that he's gotten engaged to Albany Jones (the cop who wrote down his address while arresting him). It's almost inadvertent how he charms even non-human women, proving he's still as charming as ever.
* ChildOfTwoWorlds: Norby is a robot built by a [[HumansByAnyOtherName Terran spacer]] from his scraps and the wrecked computer of a Jamyn spacecraft. The process has left him [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup quite mixed up]], and he initially is uncertain exactly where he belongs, but chooses to stay with Jeff because of their [[RobotBuddy friendship]].
* ColonizedSolarSystem: The Solar Federation (alternatively, the [[HumansByAnyOtherName Terran Federation]]) has colonized the Lunar State, Mars, and built at least one space station for Space Command. Travel between colonies is [[CasualInterplanetaryTravel relatively quick]], facilitated by [[CrewofOne scoutships]] that can make the trip in one week and [[{{Teleportation}} matter transmitters]] that can make it in less than a day. They are trying to crack FTL with the invention of a [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperdrive]].
* DeflectorShields: Personal shields create a protective bubble around the wearer that prevents attacks. They are rather expensive and can contain even large people within the sphere. There are also shield-equipped [[FlyingCar hovercars]] and presumably they're on the space ships as well. Norby [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup discovers he has one built-in]], and it's necessary for hyperspace travel.
* EmpathicShapeshifter: The "All-Purpose Pet" is an animal/species [[BioAugmentation created by]] Mentor First, from genetic samples across multiple planets. Only two are ever mentioned; the original Pet (who Fargo named Oola), and [[OneGenderRace her child]], which was given to Jeff. Both animals look somewhat like a cat [[ShapeshifterDefaultForm normally]], but are sensitive to the minds of those around them. The reason why they're an "All-Purpose" pet is that they adapt to be the sort of pet you'd like. If you prefer dogs, then she'll bark and turn into a beagle. If you prefer cats, then she'll purr and become a miniature simoladon. If you want a nununiy, then she'll grow sixteen legs and tentacles at each end. They'll take whatever shape ''you'' want them to, if your thoughts are strong enough.
* FairCop: Albany Jones is introduced in the first book, acting on a report of a public disturbance. While Fargo Wells [[TheCharmer is known to attract women]], Albany is the first one he decides to try settling down with. She is also the only member of the cast shown to fight, having learned karate and taught some of it to Jeff off-screen.
* FantasyCounterpartReligion: The Wells brothers are Solarists, which involves meditations on the belief that everything in the world (more accurately, everything everywhere) is connected. They have a religious observance that is supposed to happen at sunrise on the Equinox, but their attempt to do so in the first book is disrupted when they’re attacked by terrorists. Aside from those two points, religion doesn't impact the story.
* FlyingCar: The flying police cars, taxis, and other vehicles have [[ArtificialGravity antigrav motors]].
* HumansByAnyOtherName: Rather than being introduced as Earthlings, human characters tend to introduce themselves as Terrans, and they speak [[CommonTongue Terran Basic]]. There is a small impact on the plot with this; AncientAstronauts came and visited Earth in the distant past and brought a community to colonize the planet Izz, so there are technically two planets of human beings and Terrans would distinguish ''which'' race of humans are meant.
* ImplausibleDeniability: Norby is easily embarrassed and inclined to [[BlatantLies outrageous claims]] to defend himself against accusations. The fact that he ends up in unbelievable situations means that his honesty is often called into question, even when he ''isn't'' making up stories about winning walking contests and dignity being upside-down dancing. "I didn't intend to bring a lion from a Roman coliseum" is not a good excuse when the Admiral had to sacrifice his dinner to tame it.
* InSeriesNickname: Farley Gordon Wells insists on shortening his name to Fargo Wells. His brother, Jefferson Wells, is usually just called "Jeff", but isn't as insistent on the nickname.
* TheMagnificent: Ing likes to add adjectives to his aliases, starting with Ing the Ingrate (he's actually [[spoiler:Gridlow in the first book]]). Other characters add other [[AlliterativeName alliterative epithets]], from mocking to respectful, such as "Ing the Incomparable" and "Ing the Intriguer".
* {{Matriarchy}}: The planet of Izz has been ruled by (mostly) women since paleolithic times. However, since there are very few labour-intensive jobs, society as a whole is fairly egalitarian, with almost everyone spending more time inventing games and hobbies than real work. There are a few biases that act like a flipped patriarchy, most notably in the sense that women are expected to be brave, combat-focused, and leaders, while men are expected to submissively defer to them.
* MultiArmedAndDangerous: The Others, NeglectfulPrecursors of the galaxy, have a head with [[ExtraEyes three eyes]], four arms, and two legs. The Mentor robots they left on Jamyn are built in imitation of them, much like humans tend to envision robots built in their own form.
* NeglectfulPrecursors: The Others are an alien race that intentionally minimize the evidence of their existence. The Others are responsible for creating the robotic Mentors of Jamyn, leaving instructions to [[UpliftedAnimal uplift]] the native species of [[OurDragonsAreDifferent fire-breathing lizards]]. They also transported the original colony of humans to the planet Izz and established a [[MasterComputer Computer General]] on the planet [[ParadisePlanet Garden]]. They have [[ExtraEyes three eyes]] and [[MultiArmedAndDangerous four limbs]], but are otherwise humanoid. During the "present", they have become dedicated space travellers, and won't revisit the people that they've helped.
* NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup: Norby was (re)assembled by [=McGillicuddy=] from a wrecked (alien) spaceship found on an asteroid. Unfortunately, [[AffectionateNickname Mac]] died before he told Norby everything he did, so Norby and Jeff have to [[PowerIncontinence discover]] his [[ArtificialGravity antigrav]], [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperdrive]], and other unusual talents on their own.
* {{Omnibus}}: Creator/AceBooks began releasing omnibuses for the ''Norby'' books in 1986, starting with ''The Norby Chronicles'' (containing ''Literature/NorbyTheMixedUpRobot'' and ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret''), then ''Norby: Robot for Hire'' (containing ''Literature/NorbyAndTheLostPrincess'' and ''Literature/NorbyAndTheInvaders''), and ending with ''Norby Through Time and Space'' (containing ''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace'' and ''Literature/NorbyFindsAVillain'') in 1988.
* OneGenderRace:
** The Jamyn dragons are all spoken about with female pronouns, but actually reproduce by budding, establishing that they reproduce asexually.
** The [[EmpathicShapeshifter All-Purpose Pet]] are an intellectually simple species that is designed to reproduce by laying eggs. Norby announces that they’re supposed to be "she", just like the dragons. Oola is adopted by Mentor One, but the egg is given to Fargo so that he can have Oola Two.
* OneWorldOrder: A {{Downplayed|Trope}} example because while the Solar Federation is a government for the entire ColonizedSolarSystem, it doesn't have absolute command. Even places like Manhattan International Territory are considered part of the Solar Federation. The organization is probably intended to be similar to the different jurisdictions of Federal, State, and Municipality governments in America.
* OnlyOneMeAllowedRightNow: In this setting, you cannot travel to a time where you already exist, although how the universe resolves that [[TimeyWimeyBall tends to vary]]. Norby cannot travel to a time where he already exists, but he can take passengers along with him. ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret'' establishes that if one of the passengers already exists at that time, that passenger would disappear, and would only reappear when he travelled to a time where they don’t currently exist. ''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace'' establishes the necklace device, which tries to merge with other copies of itself (including Norby). When they first use the necklace, the past version wriggles towards Albany, who is wearing the present version, so that the two can become one object again.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: The Jamyn dragons are were [[BioAugmentation bioengineered]] from four-limbed lizard-like creatures that breathe fire. The Mentors who [[UpliftedAnimal modified their genes]] gave them wings and [[ArtificialGravity mini-antigrav collars]] to help them fly. They also gave the dragons a language and {{Telepathy}} that they can share by biting other organics.
* OurTimeMachineIsDifferent: One of Norby's talents is to travel in time. [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup Somehow]], this is part of the same device that allows him to travel into [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspace]], so he can extend his "bubble" to take passengers that are [[TouchTelepathy in physical contact with him]]. This includes [[PowerIncontinence unwanted passengers]], as established in ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret''.
* PowerIncontinence: Despite having amazing abilities, Norby isn't always certain how to use them. In the first novel, he explains to Jeff that he ''knows'' how to travel in [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspace]], but doesn't know ''how'' to do it, much like you know how to raise your arm, but probably don't know how the message gets there from your brain, which muscles are pulling and which ones are relaxing, or how the bones shift with your ligaments.
* RobotBuddy: ''Literature/TheNorbyChronicles'': A series of novels by [[Creator/JanetAsimov Janet]] and [[Creator/IsaacAsimov Isaac]] Asimov. The titular Norby is partner/friend/property of Jefferson Wells, built [[TinCanRobot inside of a stainless steel barrel]], with TouchTelepathy, [[SubspaceOrHyperspace Hyperdrive]], TimeTravel, and other assorted abilities. Incidentally, as it was written in 1983, he may be the first of the DeadpanSnarker bots.
* SecondaryCharacterTitle: The main character is Jefferson Wells, a [[SpaceCadet cadet in the Space Academy]]. The title character is Norby, who was purchased to be Jeff's [[RobotBuddy teaching robot]]. Instead Norby tends to drag him into insane adventures involving aliens from [[TimeTravel other times]] and other dimensions.
* SpaceCadet: Jefferson Wells is a cadet at Space Academy, training to become a member of Space Command. He purchased Norby to be a [[RobotBuddy teaching robot]], who was [[MedalsForEveryone made an Honorary Cadet for helping to defeat a terrorist]]. Norby tries to teach Jeff school subjects the normal way, but they keep getting drawn into interstellar, pan-dimensional, and TimeTravel adventures instead.
* SubspaceAnsible: The hycoms, or [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspacial communications]], provide instantaneous communication throughout the ColonizedSolarSystem.
* SubspaceOrHyperspace: Humanity has figured out hyperspace exists because of their [[SubspaceAnsible hycoms]], which provides instantaneous communication throughout the ColonizedSolarSystem, as well as [[ArtificialGravity antigrav]], but as of the start of this series, they haven't developed a hyperdrive that will shunt the ship from normal space into hyperspace. Norby, however, has an alien hyperdrive built-in. When he takes Jeff into hyperspace, it is completely blank; a gray nothingness, potential energy for all universes, lacking space and time.
-->Hyperspace is the field of everything, including normal time and space. The field is timeless and dimensionless, the groundwork of all that is, was, and shall be.\\
--''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace''
* {{Tagline}}: The {{Omnibus}} editions include “More Asimov Robots!” as a tagline beneath the title.
* {{Telepathy}}:
** The [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Jamyn dragons]] can send/receive surface thoughts, and grant this ability to their human visitors such as Jeff, who can now use TouchTelepathy with his RobotBuddy.
** One of Norby's many talents is his ability to communicate surface thoughts to people. When he first met Jeff, he inadvertently sent his feelings of [[TheEmpath loneliness]] when Jeff touched the stasis box that was holding him.
* {{Teleportation}}: Humanity has invented matter transmitters, or the transmit for short. It takes enormous power and complex equipment, but can send people from one location to another at around half the speed of light. Jeff is surprised to find that [[RobotBuddy the used robot he purchased]], Norby, has a built-in [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspace teleportation device]].
* ThreeLawsCompliant: Robots within the [[ColonizedSolarSystem Solar Federation]] have positronic brains and are said to follow the laws of robotics. [[RobotBuddy Norby]], however, was created from a crashed repaired alien spaceship which used entirely different technology and doesn't contain the laws. This has caused several of the human characters to object to Norby's behaviour on the basis of [[SecondLawMyAss disobeying orders]] and putting human life at risk.
* TinCanRobot: Norby is built into an old barrel of nails, and Jeff was able to [[RobotBuddy purchase him]] for cheap because the salesman insists it "doesn’t work right". He has a short head that pops out of the lid, with two eyes [[TwoFaced both front and back]]. He also has telescoping arms and legs that can retract fully into the barrel.
* TouchTelepathy: The ability to send telepathic thoughts through physical contact is very common in this series. The Others may have been born with it, and their technology was used to grant it to the [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons of Jamyn]]. Through their bite, humans also gain the ability to send/receive surface thoughts. Additional species encountered, such as the Biguglies from ''Literature/NorbyFindsAVillain'' and the Jylot from ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester'', often have enough latent PsychicPowers that they can join in with people who have telepathic powers.
* TwoFaced: Norby is [[TinCanRobot a short barrel-like robot]] built with telescoping arms that can bend in either direction, his feet attach to his telescoping legs in the middle rather than at one side, and an expressive pair of eyes both in front and in back. Essentially, he doesn't ''have'' a back, just two fronts. If he really wants to concentrate while he's looking at something, he closes the eyes looking away from it.
* WeWillSpendCreditsInTheFuture: [[GlobalCurrency All purchases]] within the [[ColonizedSolarSystem Solar Federation]] are made with credits. It cost Jeff eighty-five credits to purchase his RobotBuddy Norby from a used robot salesman, and that was when the salesman considered it a piece of trash that needed to be sent to the junkyard.
----
%% [[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
A [[MiddleGradeLiterature middle grade]] ScienceFiction series begun by Creator/JanetAsimov, and her husband Creator/IsaacAsimov, in 1983. Based on Isaac's [[WordOfGod commentary]] in several places, the series is primarily her work, while he just did a bit of editing and lent his fame to increase the books' popularity. The last novel, ''Norby and the Terrified Taxi'', was written after his death, so is purely Janet's work.
The series stars teenaged SpaceCadet, Jefferson Wells, has a robot, built by a [[AsteroidMiners lone spacer]] from a scavenged alien spaceship, who is both the cause of, and the solution to, a myriad of problems. Norby is often mixed-up because he was assembled from human, Mentor, and Other technology. He is [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup completely unique]] and is [[InferioritySuperiorityComplex ready to remind you of that at any opportunity]]. Together, they have adventures by way of Norby's [[NewPowersAsThePlotDemands amazing]], but [[PowerIncontinence uncontrolled]], talents for traveling in time, space, and even to different dimensions.
The series name is taken from the {{Omnibus}} of the first two books, published in 1986, which was followed by an omnibus of the third/fourth and fifth/sixth. CreatorAceBooks published the omnibuses, with an agreement from Creator/WalkerAndCompany, who holds the original publisher rights to the novels.
----
!!Books in ''The Norby Chronicles'':
[[index]]
* ''Literature/NorbyTheMixedUpRobot''
* ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheLostPrincess''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheInvaders''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace''
* ''Literature/NorbyFindsAVillain''
* ''Literature/NorbyDownToEarth''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndYobosGreatAdventure''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheOldestDragon''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester''
* ''Literature/NorbyAndTheTerrifiedTaxi''
[[/index]]
----
!!''The Norby Chronicles'' provides examples of:
* AdvertisingByAssociation:
** The cover of the first {{Omnibus}} edition, ''The Norby Chronicles'', mentions that Dr Asimov is also the author of ''Literature/TheRobotsOfDawn''.
** The cover of the second {{Omnibus}} edition, ''Norby, Robot for Hire'', mentions that Dr Asimov is also the author of ''Literature/RobotsAndEmpire''.
** The cover of the third {{Omnibus}} edition, ''Norby Through Time and Space'', mentions that Dr Asimov is also the author of ''Literature/PreludeToFoundation''.
** The back cover of all three {{Omnibus}}es mention that Creator/JanetAsimov wrote ''Literature/TheSecondExperiment'' and ''Literature/TheLastImmortal'' while Creator/IsaacAsimov wrote ''Literature/TheRobotsOfDawn'' and ''Literature/FoundationsEdge''.
* AffectionateNickname:
** [=McGillicuddy=], the [[AsteroidMiners lone spacer/prospector]] who assembled Norby from a wrecked (alien) spaceship found on an asteroid, preferred to be called Mac, so Norby usually refers to him that way.
** Mentor First, an alien robot, built Searcher, the alien spacecraft that ended up wrecked in the Solar System's asteroid belt. After helping him refuel, Norby calls him "Father".
* ArtificialGravity: Antigrav was invented fifty years ago and the generators are now small enough to fit [[FlyingCar in your car, providing the ability to float in the air]]. The titular Norby has one built into his small [[TinCanRobot barrel-like body]].
* BaldBlackLeaderGuy: Admiral Boris Yobo is head of Space Command, which puts him in charge of Space Academy, where SpaceCadet Jeff Wells is in training. Initially it appeared that Fargo had left the service, but the first book reveals that he'd actually become a secret agent working with Yobo to discover the secret identity of the first book's villain. So aside from being the highest-ranked person that we meet in the Solar Federation, he takes a personal interest in the Wells family and is directly responsible for Jeff having [[WeWillSpendCreditsInTheFuture enough credits to purchase Norby]] in the first place. The novels tend to describe him as the descendant of African kings, emphasizing his skin-tone and leadership skills at the same time. His baldness is emphasized in ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester'' because the planet Izz insists on everyone wearing braids, and since his natural baldness prevents him from having any other hair, he has to grow a mustache and braid that instead.
* BilledAboveTheTitle: All three {{omnibus}}es fit Janet and Isaac Asimov at the top of the cover, then [[AdvertisingByAssociation mention another book]] by Creator/IsaacAsimov before including the title.
* BioAugmentation: The planet Jamyn is where [[NeglectfulPrecursors the Others left instructions for genetic experiments]]. The Mentor robots [[UpliftedAnimal turned the dominant lifeforms from sub-sentient brutes into a civilization]] and First created a brand-new lifeform, which he named the "All-Purpose Pet" due to its EmpathicShapeshifting abilities.
* CartoonCreature: The "All-Purpose Pet" is described as [[ShapeshifterDefaultForm normally looking like a cat]], but is capable of [[EmpathicShapeshifter shifting shapes]] to appear more "cute" to their owner. She is essentially a pet that is [[BioAugmentation designed]] to [[ShapedLikeItself look like a pet]], no matter who the "owner" is.
* TheCharmer: Fargo Wells is Jeff's much more handsome and much older brother. He's not as disciplined and tends to flirt/harass women, although he tries to rein it in now that he's gotten engaged to Albany Jones (the cop who wrote down his address while arresting him). It's almost inadvertent how he charms even non-human women, proving he's still as charming as ever.
* ChildOfTwoWorlds: Norby is a robot built by a [[HumansByAnyOtherName Terran spacer]] from his scraps and the wrecked computer of a Jamyn spacecraft. The process has left him [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup quite mixed up]], and he initially is uncertain exactly where he belongs, but chooses to stay with Jeff because of their [[RobotBuddy friendship]].
* ColonizedSolarSystem: The Solar Federation (alternatively, the [[HumansByAnyOtherName Terran Federation]]) has colonized the Lunar State, Mars, and built at least one space station for Space Command. Travel between colonies is [[CasualInterplanetaryTravel relatively quick]], facilitated by [[CrewofOne scoutships]] that can make the trip in one week and [[{{Teleportation}} matter transmitters]] that can make it in less than a day. They are trying to crack FTL with the invention of a [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperdrive]].
* DeflectorShields: Personal shields create a protective bubble around the wearer that prevents attacks. They are rather expensive and can contain even large people within the sphere. There are also shield-equipped [[FlyingCar hovercars]] and presumably they're on the space ships as well. Norby [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup discovers he has one built-in]], and it's necessary for hyperspace travel.
* EmpathicShapeshifter: The "All-Purpose Pet" is an animal/species [[BioAugmentation created by]] Mentor First, from genetic samples across multiple planets. Only two are ever mentioned; the original Pet (who Fargo named Oola), and [[OneGenderRace her child]], which was given to Jeff. Both animals look somewhat like a cat [[ShapeshifterDefaultForm normally]], but are sensitive to the minds of those around them. The reason why they're an "All-Purpose" pet is that they adapt to be the sort of pet you'd like. If you prefer dogs, then she'll bark and turn into a beagle. If you prefer cats, then she'll purr and become a miniature simoladon. If you want a nununiy, then she'll grow sixteen legs and tentacles at each end. They'll take whatever shape ''you'' want them to, if your thoughts are strong enough.
* FairCop: Albany Jones is introduced in the first book, acting on a report of a public disturbance. While Fargo Wells [[TheCharmer is known to attract women]], Albany is the first one he decides to try settling down with. She is also the only member of the cast shown to fight, having learned karate and taught some of it to Jeff off-screen.
* FantasyCounterpartReligion: The Wells brothers are Solarists, which involves meditations on the belief that everything in the world (more accurately, everything everywhere) is connected. They have a religious observance that is supposed to happen at sunrise on the Equinox, but their attempt to do so in the first book is disrupted when they’re attacked by terrorists. Aside from those two points, religion doesn't impact the story.
* FlyingCar: The flying police cars, taxis, and other vehicles have [[ArtificialGravity antigrav motors]].
* HumansByAnyOtherName: Rather than being introduced as Earthlings, human characters tend to introduce themselves as Terrans, and they speak [[CommonTongue Terran Basic]]. There is a small impact on the plot with this; AncientAstronauts came and visited Earth in the distant past and brought a community to colonize the planet Izz, so there are technically two planets of human beings and Terrans would distinguish ''which'' race of humans are meant.
* ImplausibleDeniability: Norby is easily embarrassed and inclined to [[BlatantLies outrageous claims]] to defend himself against accusations. The fact that he ends up in unbelievable situations means that his honesty is often called into question, even when he ''isn't'' making up stories about winning walking contests and dignity being upside-down dancing. "I didn't intend to bring a lion from a Roman coliseum" is not a good excuse when the Admiral had to sacrifice his dinner to tame it.
* InSeriesNickname: Farley Gordon Wells insists on shortening his name to Fargo Wells. His brother, Jefferson Wells, is usually just called "Jeff", but isn't as insistent on the nickname.
* TheMagnificent: Ing likes to add adjectives to his aliases, starting with Ing the Ingrate (he's actually [[spoiler:Gridlow in the first book]]). Other characters add other [[AlliterativeName alliterative epithets]], from mocking to respectful, such as "Ing the Incomparable" and "Ing the Intriguer".
* {{Matriarchy}}: The planet of Izz has been ruled by (mostly) women since paleolithic times. However, since there are very few labour-intensive jobs, society as a whole is fairly egalitarian, with almost everyone spending more time inventing games and hobbies than real work. There are a few biases that act like a flipped patriarchy, most notably in the sense that women are expected to be brave, combat-focused, and leaders, while men are expected to submissively defer to them.
* MultiArmedAndDangerous: The Others, NeglectfulPrecursors of the galaxy, have a head with [[ExtraEyes three eyes]], four arms, and two legs. The Mentor robots they left on Jamyn are built in imitation of them, much like humans tend to envision robots built in their own form.
* NeglectfulPrecursors: The Others are an alien race that intentionally minimize the evidence of their existence. The Others are responsible for creating the robotic Mentors of Jamyn, leaving instructions to [[UpliftedAnimal uplift]] the native species of [[OurDragonsAreDifferent fire-breathing lizards]]. They also transported the original colony of humans to the planet Izz and established a [[MasterComputer Computer General]] on the planet [[ParadisePlanet Garden]]. They have [[ExtraEyes three eyes]] and [[MultiArmedAndDangerous four limbs]], but are otherwise humanoid. During the "present", they have become dedicated space travellers, and won't revisit the people that they've helped.
* NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup: Norby was (re)assembled by [=McGillicuddy=] from a wrecked (alien) spaceship found on an asteroid. Unfortunately, [[AffectionateNickname Mac]] died before he told Norby everything he did, so Norby and Jeff have to [[PowerIncontinence discover]] his [[ArtificialGravity antigrav]], [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperdrive]], and other unusual talents on their own.
* {{Omnibus}}: Creator/AceBooks began releasing omnibuses for the ''Norby'' books in 1986, starting with ''The Norby Chronicles'' (containing ''Literature/NorbyTheMixedUpRobot'' and ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret''), then ''Norby: Robot for Hire'' (containing ''Literature/NorbyAndTheLostPrincess'' and ''Literature/NorbyAndTheInvaders''), and ending with ''Norby Through Time and Space'' (containing ''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace'' and ''Literature/NorbyFindsAVillain'') in 1988.
* OneGenderRace:
** The Jamyn dragons are all spoken about with female pronouns, but actually reproduce by budding, establishing that they reproduce asexually.
** The [[EmpathicShapeshifter All-Purpose Pet]] are an intellectually simple species that is designed to reproduce by laying eggs. Norby announces that they’re supposed to be "she", just like the dragons. Oola is adopted by Mentor One, but the egg is given to Fargo so that he can have Oola Two.
* OneWorldOrder: A {{Downplayed|Trope}} example because while the Solar Federation is a government for the entire ColonizedSolarSystem, it doesn't have absolute command. Even places like Manhattan International Territory are considered part of the Solar Federation. The organization is probably intended to be similar to the different jurisdictions of Federal, State, and Municipality governments in America.
* OnlyOneMeAllowedRightNow: In this setting, you cannot travel to a time where you already exist, although how the universe resolves that [[TimeyWimeyBall tends to vary]]. Norby cannot travel to a time where he already exists, but he can take passengers along with him. ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret'' establishes that if one of the passengers already exists at that time, that passenger would disappear, and would only reappear when he travelled to a time where they don’t currently exist. ''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace'' establishes the necklace device, which tries to merge with other copies of itself (including Norby). When they first use the necklace, the past version wriggles towards Albany, who is wearing the present version, so that the two can become one object again.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: The Jamyn dragons are were [[BioAugmentation bioengineered]] from four-limbed lizard-like creatures that breathe fire. The Mentors who [[UpliftedAnimal modified their genes]] gave them wings and [[ArtificialGravity mini-antigrav collars]] to help them fly. They also gave the dragons a language and {{Telepathy}} that they can share by biting other organics.
* OurTimeMachineIsDifferent: One of Norby's talents is to travel in time. [[NoPlansNoPrototypeNoBackup Somehow]], this is part of the same device that allows him to travel into [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspace]], so he can extend his "bubble" to take passengers that are [[TouchTelepathy in physical contact with him]]. This includes [[PowerIncontinence unwanted passengers]], as established in ''Literature/NorbysOtherSecret''.
* PowerIncontinence: Despite having amazing abilities, Norby isn't always certain how to use them. In the first novel, he explains to Jeff that he ''knows'' how to travel in [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspace]], but doesn't know ''how'' to do it, much like you know how to raise your arm, but probably don't know how the message gets there from your brain, which muscles are pulling and which ones are relaxing, or how the bones shift with your ligaments.
* RobotBuddy: ''Literature/TheNorbyChronicles'': A series of novels by [[Creator/JanetAsimov Janet]] and [[Creator/IsaacAsimov Isaac]] Asimov. The titular Norby is partner/friend/property of Jefferson Wells, built [[TinCanRobot inside of a stainless steel barrel]], with TouchTelepathy, [[SubspaceOrHyperspace Hyperdrive]], TimeTravel, and other assorted abilities. Incidentally, as it was written in 1983, he may be the first of the DeadpanSnarker bots.
* SecondaryCharacterTitle: The main character is Jefferson Wells, a [[SpaceCadet cadet in the Space Academy]]. The title character is Norby, who was purchased to be Jeff's [[RobotBuddy teaching robot]]. Instead Norby tends to drag him into insane adventures involving aliens from [[TimeTravel other times]] and other dimensions.
* SpaceCadet: Jefferson Wells is a cadet at Space Academy, training to become a member of Space Command. He purchased Norby to be a [[RobotBuddy teaching robot]], who was [[MedalsForEveryone made an Honorary Cadet for helping to defeat a terrorist]]. Norby tries to teach Jeff school subjects the normal way, but they keep getting drawn into interstellar, pan-dimensional, and TimeTravel adventures instead.
* SubspaceAnsible: The hycoms, or [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspacial communications]], provide instantaneous communication throughout the ColonizedSolarSystem.
* SubspaceOrHyperspace: Humanity has figured out hyperspace exists because of their [[SubspaceAnsible hycoms]], which provides instantaneous communication throughout the ColonizedSolarSystem, as well as [[ArtificialGravity antigrav]], but as of the start of this series, they haven't developed a hyperdrive that will shunt the ship from normal space into hyperspace. Norby, however, has an alien hyperdrive built-in. When he takes Jeff into hyperspace, it is completely blank; a gray nothingness, potential energy for all universes, lacking space and time.
-->Hyperspace is the field of everything, including normal time and space. The field is timeless and dimensionless, the groundwork of all that is, was, and shall be.\\
--''Literature/NorbyAndTheQueensNecklace''
* {{Tagline}}: The {{Omnibus}} editions include “More Asimov Robots!” as a tagline beneath the title.
* {{Telepathy}}:
** The [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Jamyn dragons]] can send/receive surface thoughts, and grant this ability to their human visitors such as Jeff, who can now use TouchTelepathy with his RobotBuddy.
** One of Norby's many talents is his ability to communicate surface thoughts to people. When he first met Jeff, he inadvertently sent his feelings of [[TheEmpath loneliness]] when Jeff touched the stasis box that was holding him.
* {{Teleportation}}: Humanity has invented matter transmitters, or the transmit for short. It takes enormous power and complex equipment, but can send people from one location to another at around half the speed of light. Jeff is surprised to find that [[RobotBuddy the used robot he purchased]], Norby, has a built-in [[SubspaceOrHyperspace hyperspace teleportation device]].
* ThreeLawsCompliant: Robots within the [[ColonizedSolarSystem Solar Federation]] have positronic brains and are said to follow the laws of robotics. [[RobotBuddy Norby]], however, was created from a crashed repaired alien spaceship which used entirely different technology and doesn't contain the laws. This has caused several of the human characters to object to Norby's behaviour on the basis of [[SecondLawMyAss disobeying orders]] and putting human life at risk.
* TinCanRobot: Norby is built into an old barrel of nails, and Jeff was able to [[RobotBuddy purchase him]] for cheap because the salesman insists it "doesn’t work right". He has a short head that pops out of the lid, with two eyes [[TwoFaced both front and back]]. He also has telescoping arms and legs that can retract fully into the barrel.
* TouchTelepathy: The ability to send telepathic thoughts through physical contact is very common in this series. The Others may have been born with it, and their technology was used to grant it to the [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons of Jamyn]]. Through their bite, humans also gain the ability to send/receive surface thoughts. Additional species encountered, such as the Biguglies from ''Literature/NorbyFindsAVillain'' and the Jylot from ''Literature/NorbyAndTheCourtJester'', often have enough latent PsychicPowers that they can join in with people who have telepathic powers.
* TwoFaced: Norby is [[TinCanRobot a short barrel-like robot]] built with telescoping arms that can bend in either direction, his feet attach to his telescoping legs in the middle rather than at one side, and an expressive pair of eyes both in front and in back. Essentially, he doesn't ''have'' a back, just two fronts. If he really wants to concentrate while he's looking at something, he closes the eyes looking away from it.
* WeWillSpendCreditsInTheFuture: [[GlobalCurrency All purchases]] within the [[ColonizedSolarSystem Solar Federation]] are made with credits. It cost Jeff eighty-five credits to purchase his RobotBuddy Norby from a used robot salesman, and that was when the salesman considered it a piece of trash that needed to be sent to the junkyard.
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