The first of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation seriesTHE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATIONIt is the year 12,020 G.E. and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, forty billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable … created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity. Yet Cleon knows there are those who would see him fall—those whom he would destroy if only he could read the future.
Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his remarkable theory of prediction. Little does the young Outworld mathematician know that he has already sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire . . . the man who holds the key to the future—an apocalyptic power to be known forever after as the Foundation.
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It is a classic Asimov story. It lays the basis of the Foundation trilogy. It came out after the trilogy and I believe would reduce the enjoyment of reading the original trilogy. Even though it is chronologically wrong, I would recommend reading it after the original trilogy.
If you haven’t or have read the Foundation series, you should read this one to complete the series.
Should’ve read this one first, but I really liked it. It’s a departure from my usual tastes in fiction, but really enjoyable. It’s always interesting to read about the future from an author who wrote it so far in the past.
I will admit I read this book decades ago when I was in my 30’s when it came out in 1988. I’d already read the Foundation Series and was eager to check out this “prequel” if you will. I loved it then and even now, word usage somewhat dated, the story is still compelling. If you’re looking for a story about diversity, this is one to see. Related …
I have always enjoyed many of the early science fiction writers because they actually include “science” in their writing. Many are optimistic about the future or warn of the misuse of the power science or take you on an adventure into the “what ifs” of space. Mr. Asimov was a very imaginative writer and his stories have lost none of their power …
Its written by Isaac Asimov. Its hard to praise it beyond that. I’ve read all of his sci-fi material multiple times and always enjoy the early insight into what AI could be from both a positive and a negative perspective.
Still a classic.
One of the milestones of realistic science fiction. The foundation series influenced my reading habits for many years, perhaps until today.
The whole Asimov written Foundation series, for me, is wonderful. No monsters or people with special powers. Just fine plots.
Asimov is still my favorite author. My Grandfather started me on his books when I was a teenager back in the late 1970s. I’ve reread them all many times, and I still love them.
Yes part of my Asimov collection. Ii own most of his SF works.
This book starts the Foundation series with an entertaining prelude of science and history for the series. Fantastic read!
I enjoyed the exploration of mathematics as philosophy and found the book and the series to be eye-opening.
I like the way it’s connected to the original series which was great. Made me reread the original series again which was enjoyable the second time around
Brilliant writer!
There is an interesting love story here.
A” prequel” to the wonderful Foundation series.