Foundation

by Isaac Asimov
Foundation cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 1906
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2008-04-29
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
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Isaac Asimov's Foundation is a cornerstone of science fiction, introducing the concept of 'psychohistory'—a science that combines history, sociology, and statistical mathematics to predict the future of large populations. The story follows Hari Seldon, a brilliant mathematician who foresees the fall of the Galactic Empire and the ensuing 30,000 years of barbarism. To shorten this period to just 1,000 years, Seldon establishes two Foundations at the edge of the galaxy, setting the stage for an epic tale of survival, power, and the struggle to preserve knowledge and civilization. Originally published in 1951, Foundation is the first book in Asimov's iconic series, blending political intrigue, scientific speculation, and grand-scale storytelling. It explores themes of determinism, the cyclical nature of history, and the resilience of human ingenuity, making it a timeless classic that has influenced generations of science fiction writers.

Reviews
The Fantasy Reviews · 2024-02-01
brilliant 4.50

Foundation is praised for its brilliant plot and character-driven narrative. The reviewer finds it to be a simple yet engaging read that takes place over a short period.

The reviewer from The Fantasy Reviews is highly enthusiastic about Foundation, calling it brilliant. They appreciate the simplicity of the plot and the character-driven narrative, which makes the book engaging despite its short timeframe. The reviewer finds the book to be a strong introduction to the series and highlights its compelling ideas. They also mention that the book is a great choice for those looking for a straightforward yet captivating read.

Quick quotes

    Foundation by Isaac Asimov is brilliant.

    If you are looking for a plot that is simple, character-driven, and takes place over a short period of time, this is it.

    The book is a strong introduction to this cornerstone scifi series.

Write Out Loud Blog · 2021-05-02
essential 4.00

The Foundation series is a must-read for sci-fi fans, though it may not be as impactful today as it was in the past. The ideas and themes remain compelling, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in classic science fiction.

This reviewer highlights that the Foundation series is essential reading for any sci-fi enthusiast. They note that while the series may not have the same life-changing impact it once did, the ideas and themes explored are still compelling. The reviewer appreciates the series for its foundational role in the genre and its ability to inspire readers with its vision of the future. They also mention that the series is a great starting point for those looking to explore classic science fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Foundation series is certainly a must-read for sci-fi fans, but it isn't necessarily going to be life-changing today the way it was for me.

    The ideas and themes explored in the series are still compelling and make it a worthwhile read.

    The series is a great starting point for those looking to explore classic science fiction.

The Guardian · Paul Krugman · 2012-12-04
inspiring 4.50

Paul Krugman finds the Foundation series to be a fantastical tale that offers an inspiring dream of a social science that could save civilisation. He appreciates the series for its vision and ideas.

Paul Krugman, in his review for The Guardian, praises Foundation for its fantastical tale that offers an inspiring vision of a social science capable of saving civilisation. He highlights the series' ability to explore complex ideas in an engaging manner. Krugman appreciates the series for its timeless relevance and its ability to inspire readers with its vision of the future. He finds the series to be a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on society and power.

Quick quotes

    The fantastical tale offers a still-inspiring dream of a social science that could save civilisation.

    The series explores complex ideas in an engaging manner.

    Foundation offers a unique perspective on society and power.

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