Prelude to Foundation
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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.
Jeff Lacy –
Wildly intriguing and innovative
Written with vivid creativity and innovation. Crafted masterfully. Keenly intelligent, suspenseful, and emotive. Read this novel before Foundation as the foreknowledge in Prelude makes the series even and sensible.
Joseph P. Menta, Jr. –
The unassuming origins of greatness
Isaac Asimov’s “Prelude to Foundation”, the first prequel to the author’s classic “Foundation Trilogy”, is a modest but enjoyable science-fiction novel, showing the humble beginnings of Hari Seldon, the legendary scientist of the original trilogy. The novel will probably resonate more if you’re already familiar with the trilogy, as you’ll likely get more of a kick out of the young, slightly vain, slightly scatterbrained Seldon seen here if you’re well versed on his later accomplishments and eventual revered status.But there are some compelling ideas here for both Foundation newcomers and longtime fans of the original books, often presented in fun ways. In particular, the novel examines the idea of personal cluelessness about one’s genius, and how it sometimes takes others to fill a person in about one’s own potential. Here, Hari is presented as someone who thinks he’s just a modest mathematician, with maybe a few creative ideas worthy of writing an esoteric paper on, but nothing more. But once Hari delivers his paper at a conference, the most powerful six or seven forces in the universal hierarchy immediately wrestle and compete with each other to grab up Hari and his ideas first, recognizing their potential to shape the future. And even then Hari is slow to say, “Hmmmm, maybe I’ve got something here.”“Prelude to Foundation” is pretty much a chase novel set in a fascinating, far flung future, with a nice level of attention given over to the ways people live and interact, and other humanitarian concerns. Dr.Asimov also uses “Prelude to Foundation” to tie some of his other famous books into the continuity of the Foundation books, specifically novels in his “Empire” and “Robot” series. At this point, that move neither overly complicates nor greatly improves the Foundation series, though it does add a bit of interesting texture, so it’ll be fascinating to see where things go in the other Foundation prequel/sequels.If you’re interested, here are the seven books in the Foundation series, presented in chronological order of the events they depict: “Prelude to Foundation” (the first prequel to the original trilogy), “Forward the Foundation” (second prequel to the original trilogy); “Foundation” (book one of the original trilogy); “Foundation and Empire” (book two of the original trilogy); “Second Foundation” (book three of the original trilogy); “Foundation’s Edge” (first sequel to the original trilogy); and “Foundation and Earth” (second and final sequel to the original trilogy).Finally, you should know that HBO is now developing the Foundation books as an ongoing television series, hence my renewed interest in the original trilogy (which I once read way back when) and the prequels/sequels (which are new to me). Personally, I think it’ll be fun to shoot through all seven books prior to the premiere of the show.
Regis –
A prequel that is a sequel
Isaac Asimov managed to do in “Prelude” something almost unimaginable, he wrote a prequel that in all logical senses is actually a perfect sequel to “Foundation and Earth”. It connects so smoothly and seamlessly to that book that even the final plot twist here–the real identity of Humming–, was not a mistery for me since his first appearance: it was just natural from what is said and done at the end of “Foundation and Earth”. The way Asimov describes the different societies in Trantor goes parallel to what happens in other Foundation books as well, but with a nice new feel. Harri Seldon turns out to be a very peculiar character in the Foundation universe (young, reckless and energetic instead of the wise old guy in the other books), and Asimov even finds a way to include his own version of a Gavroche in this book (indeed, the whole Dahlian chapters sound a little like Les Miserables!). This is a nicely crafted book, not the single best but a very good one. By finally connecting psychohistory with the Zeroth law of robotics, there is an immense sense of closure here. Very happy for having followed the publication sequence of the Foundation books (rather than chronological) and eager to conclude my reading of all of them with the very last one soon!
anniehill3333 –
Magnificent! Asimov at his very best!
Likes: Twisty, suspenseful, mesmerizing plot; engaging, sympathetic, and superbly developed characters; brilliantly inventive and plausible world-building. Asimov’s deep thoughts on history, science, and human nature, while seamlessly woven into an entertaining narrative, remain fascinating and provocative — and I believe even more relevant today than in the fifties or eighties.Dislikes: None.Recommended audience: All fans of SF, Asimov, or books and ideas in general!
Dr. Fordeseven –
A highly recommended collection of classic science fiction by one of the Masters…
An excellent collection of classic Asimov stories. This wonderful collection includes many classic intriguing stories by the author, with a timeless feel of one of the true masters of the literary arts. He takes a perspective on science fiction, which has stood the test of time. He nearly prophesied some of the technologies that he writes about in his stories. Robots and computers are a common theme in many of the stories, with some small details different than they are today, but due to his descriptive and captivating writing style these are rendered insignificantly trivial. The stories always manage to carry the attention of the reader while manipulating their imagination into a colorful web of words. A grandiose tapestry showcasing Asimov’s mastery of storytelling. A must have collection of science fiction lovers.As far as delivery and arrival of the book. It arrived a day early in great condition.I highly recommend this for readers familiar with Isaac Asimov or those looking to discover something wonderful.
Kindle Customer –
This is the best of the 4 books I’ve read, sofar. It’s sad Asimov is not still alive and writing. I wish to keep reading the whole saga.
Pablo Cafiso –
Typical Asimov work: absolutely amazing. Like all classical books, the language quality is excellent. A great way of cultivating the mind while enjoying a good read.
Jeff B –
First became aware of this book when I got my Kindle 4 years ago. On reading the description I thought it would be a boring and contrived story, thinking I knew everything I needed to know about Foundation, having been a fan for decades – how wrong I was!In between books, I decided to download a sample to see if it was worth a go, and was captivated very quickly and ordered this and Forward The Foundation after just a few pages. I should know better with Mr. Asimov after almost 60 years of being an avid fan, his style of writing is so slick, exciting, and clever. I have just finished Prelude and about to start Forward with great anticipation. So much so that I have also ordered the original trilogy on Kindle to re-read yet again (my old paperback set having fallen apart through over reading decades ago).All I ask now is that The Gods Themselves and Nemesis are made available to Kindle as soon as possible.
Pedro Campos Rodrigues –
Só compra e seja feliz.
MidoriSumiRoma –
Questo sarebbe il primo libro dei 7 componenti il Ciclo della Fondazione. In realtà la Trilogia della Fondazione fu scritta tra il 1951 ed il 1953; solo molti anni dopo seguirono gli ultimi due libri (1982 e 1986) ed ancora dopo i due “prequel” ovvero questo del 1988 ed il successivo (1993), per un totale di 7. La sequenza delle date di pubblicazione permette di apprezzare la genialità di questo libro che riesce a collegare i tre cicli principali di Asimov in un unica storia del suo futuro universo. La lettura “logica” o meglio cronologica secondo gli eventi narrati, vede infatti prima i 5 libri dei Robot, poi i 3 libri dell’Impero ed infine i 7 della Fondazione. Ed altri titoli, sebbene scollegati, potrebbero essere considerati nell’arco dei 20.000 anni compresi dalla storia. Detto questo per amore di chiarezza, rimane solo da godersi le ineguagliabili storie del Maestro Asimov.