Book Review

Foundation, Book 1 of The Foundation Trilogy

By: Isaac Asimov

Science Fiction

5 Stars

For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. Only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humanity, 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 this sanctuary the Foundation.

But soon the fledgling Foundation finds itself at the mercy of corrupt warlords rising in the wake of the receding Empire. And mankind’s last best hope is faced with an agonizing choice: submit to the barbarians and live as slaves—or take a stand for freedom and risk total destruction.

As a lover of classic sci fi it seems inconceivable that this is my first read of Foundation, by: Isaac Asimov. It’s been on my list to read for decades, and there was always some nuance that got in the way of my finally reading it. Finally is here, and I’m so glad I got to it.

Waiting so long to read a book, especially a book that might fall to dating, had me a little nervous. Had style-of-writing changed so much over the years that I wouldn’t be able to appreciate a slower-paced story-telling? Had my love of quicker, more action reads ruined me for someone like Asimov?

Not to worry. I was instantly at home, pulled through page after page. This book is an award winner for real reasons. Sure, it’s a little male character heavy. Sure, there’s a few things technologically that might change if written today, but the story remains solid and relevant.

Lovers of science fiction, and more especially, those who love looking into human society and planning, might want to take a look at The Foundation Series. I’m looking forward to diving into the next book of the series.