Prelude to Foundation

Isaac Asimov

Mar 2012 · Foundation Book 1 · Sold by Spectra

About this ebook

The first of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION

It 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 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.

Ratings and reviews

This was an interesting description of a future world: entirely believable but still a step beyond today's reality. There's an element of suspense and a relationship between friends that feels realistic but tentative. All-in-all a good start to a story that can take any of several paths forward.

I read this book for the first time around 20 years ago. I came across it after having read the first Foundation books. Personally, I'm glad that I read it "out of order" because it was like being given a surprise gift! The excitement at being able to finally read about the early years of this revered character was undescribable. I dove into the book as soon as I had it in my hands. I had very high expectations for this book, especially when it came to rich character development and imaginative story-telling. Usually, my (unfair) expectations die very quickly, but Prelude to Foundation exceeded them, and then some! This is truly one of the best books in TGE THE GREATEST series ever written!! You must excuse me now, all of this talk about the book has prompted me to crack it open once again...

Amazing start of Hari Seldon's quest for psychohistory. Also, has an amazing finale that links many of Asimov's books together and sets the stage for the Foundation series to emerge from the wreckage of humanity.

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, Galactic 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 in 1992.