Asimov also wrote mysteries and
fantasy , as well as much nonfiction. Most of his popular science books explain scientific concepts in a historical way, going as far back as possible to a time when the science in question was at its simplest stage. Examples include Guide to Science , the three-volume set Understanding Physics , and Asimov's Chronology of Science and Discovery, as well as works on astronomy , mathematics , history,
William Shakespeare's writing, and
chemistry .