Foundation: Volume 1

Isaac Asimov

Jun 2004 · Foundation Book 3 · Sold by Spectra

About this eBook

The first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
 
For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation. 
 
The Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov are among the most influential in the history of science fiction, celebrated for their unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding. In Foundation, Asimov has written a timely and timeless novel of the best—and worst—that lies in humanity, and the power of even a few courageous souls to shine a light in a universe of darkness.

Ratings and reviews

I remember reading the foundation series in school. The series had an optimistic look into the future, the science of city planning and preparation as well as writing an encyclopedia to learn and apply lesson from history. I wish they had made the movies for the books. I think the First Foundation was focused more the project of technological progress and the Second Foundation was on people and human progress. The story is far into the future where Hari Seldon is a guardian of the time-line as the history progresses through generations. Foundation and Earth has two interesting plots one is the future of humanity and the other is remembering the origins of humanity (Earth).

Foundation, as part of the original Foundation trilogy, is the standard by which all sagas of the stars must be judged. It goes much further in style, thought, imagination, and character than any other novel of the same era, and it is hardly matched even by modern works. If Asimov had never written Foundation, he'd still be famous, but now his legacy is deservedly bound to this most seminal and lasting work. It's not a perfect piece of literature. Asimov never had Robert Heinlein's easy story-telling ability or LeGuin's writing power. Foundation is plagued by Asimov's pedantic voice, which at its worst can drag on interminably. This particular volume of the series also suffers because it lacks any surprise or mystery, something that is made up for in succeeding volumes. In fairness to the Asimov, this volume is a very early work, gathered together from short stories. It shows the hesitancy and stumbling of a still-learning writer. Even so, it is engaging and solid, and establishes Asimov as a solid craftsman. If he lacks the inventiveness or force of Heinlein, he makes up for it with a more charitable, less irascible view of humanity. Unlike Clarke or LeGuin, he doesn't let mysticism or emotion overtake his ideas. Some of the technical details are clearly archaic, which is the hazard that all SF writers face. Foundation is obsessed with nuclear power, and deservedly so, given its importance at the time it was written. Many of the technical details of the book seem crude, silly, or retro, in the space opera "blaster and flying car" style. Yet unlike other writers, Asimov never lets his technology take over the story. In all of his work, despite its reliance on science, it is the humans who move the story along. The humans are always in charge. Asimov's fiction is about humanity. Following in his best scientific heritage (Asimov was a professor of biochemistry in his "other" life"), the science is always questing and questioning, following the inner motivations of the people who practice it. Foundation is, along with the Robot books, Asimov at his best. He was the writer that everyone liked, that everyone admired. He, along with John W. Campbell, was a prime force in taking science fiction from the realm of Flash Gordon into the true space age. His works are deservedly classics of modern writing. Foundation is a novel and a series that every student of science fiction and modern literature must read.

Amazing book series, couldn't put it down. I love the writing style of the author as each chapter/section progresses through the generations. His ability to introduce new characters and effectively continue the plotline all while providing significant back story to each person should be the standard of which all authors present their vision. Highly recommend this to anyone that has a passion for sci-fi, science, or even just well written literature!

About the author

Isaac Asimov began his Foundation series at the age of twenty-one, not realizing that it would one day be considered a cornerstone of science fiction. During his legendary career, Asimov penned more than 470 books on subjects ranging from science to Shakespeare to history, though he was most loved for his award-winning science fiction sagas, which include the Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. Named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Science Fiction Writers of America, Asimov entertained and educated readers of all ages for close to five decades. He died, at the age of seventy-two, in April 1992.