You and I have differing opinions about when science fiction began as a genre. I trace it back at least to Lucian's True History (2nd century CE, Αληθη Διηγηματα). A wee bit before Azimov's time.

I'd like to hear more if you don't mind. I'm of the mind that Sci-fi is at least definable by the Science and Technology of the contemporary era. I haven't read 'True story' but would now like to. from what I've gleaned from online sources, it seems to bend toward the fantasy genre a tad bit. But, I dunno!