I am a MIS consultant who enjoys the Internet, computer games especially strategy, my wife, badminto...
I am a MIS consultant who enjoys the Internet, computer games especially strategy, my wife, badminton, beer, board games and God (though not necessarily in that order.) Recently reviewed creme eggs, Wisden, meatballs and China. What a world.
Member since:17.02.2007
Reviews:30
Members who trust:10
Introduction:
This is the first of Issac Asimov's Foundation series, comprising Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation, Foundation and Earth and the Prequels, Prelude to Foundation and Forward the Foundation.
Although this book stands alone, reading Prelude to Foundation (written 30 years later) first will enhance your enjoyment of the book as it fleshes out much of the rich backstory.
Basic Plot:
The book begins with the trial of a man named Hari Seldon who has predicted the doom of the Galactic Empire which has stood for thousands of years as the pinnicle of human achievement.
He uses his own science of Psycohistory, a science that can predict future events on a large scale buy the statistical analysis of the likley behaviour of large groups of people. This however only works provided that the people involved are not aware of predictions that have been made.
As the architect of this vision, Seldon predicts that the Empire will fall and there will be a dark age of anarchy that will last for 30,000 years. However Seldon has put a plan in motion to reduce this period of anarchy to a period of a 'mere' 1000 years by establishing a Foundation at the edge of the galaxy to preserve the sum of all human knowledge through the creation of a Galactic Encyclopedia.
The book, and its subsequent sequals deal with the trials and tribulations of this foundation, its establishment on a world without metals; its interaction with its aggressive neighbours in the declining empire; its estabilshment of a flegling political system. Although Seldon does not accompany the foundation, he leaves a timed vault that, at certain times, comes forth to comment on his plan. It is facinating writing as the reader comes to see how the foundation overcomes each successive crisis as part of the plan.
Characters:
The path of the foundation is played out through a rich tapestry of characters, some of whom are strong, successfully navigating the path of history, some of which are weak succuming to the darker sides of human nature. Here are a few of the more prominent
Hari Seldon: Known as 'Raven' by his detractors is protrayed as a man with absolute confidence in the path that he has discovered for himself. Visionary and capable he is set up to be the all knowing prophet of the future and this sense of his infalliblity pervades the novel.
Salvador Hardin: First Mayor of the Foundation, cigar smoking, wise and patient. Famous for his phrase "violence is the last refuge of the incompetent". Hardin plays the role of a great man who guides those who look to him through turbulent times.
Sef Sermack: Impudent Councilman providing the counterpoint to Hardin. Shows the contrast between impetuousness and patience but also provides a real backdrop to the internal wranglings of the foundation.
Hober Mallow: A galaxywide trader in the Han Solo mode, It is through Mallow that we experience the expanding universe as he travels through it in the latter parts of the book.
What I took from this book:
This book had a strong impact on me when I first read it. It shows the inertia of history, it demonstrates the need for people to work in concert to achieve great things, it demonstrates that vision can overcome adversity.
In addition to the themes listed above it shows Asimovs brilliance in creating a believable universe, all the more amazing for a book written in 1951 as a series of 8 short stories.
Favorite Quotes:
"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety."
"Never let your sense of morals prevent you doing what is right."
Avaliability:
Widespread, will be found in nearly all bookstores, second hand and online you can probably pick it up for a few pence. Also in the Foundation Trilogy.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Foundationmarks the first of a series of tales set so far in the future that Earth is all ... more
but forgotten by humans who live throughout the galaxy. Yet all is not well with the Galactic Empire. Its vast size is crippling to it. In particular, the admin...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Foundation marks the first of a series of tales set so far in the future that Earth is all ... more
but forgotten by humans who live throughout the galaxy. Yet all is not well with the Galactic Empire. Its vast size is crippling to it. In particular, the admi...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The first volume of Asimov's saga which won the Hugo Award for Best All-Time Novel ... more
Series. The ostensible task of Foundation a group of savants established by Seldon on the remote planet Terminus is to compile the "Encyclopedia Galactica" a complet...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Complex and clever yet not too long, ambitious ideas and very well-written Disadvantages: Pretty much devoid of action, some very long dialogues
Advantages: Complex and clever yet not too long, ambitious ideas and very well-written Disadvantages: Pretty much devoid of action, some very long dialogues
very helpful by (90%):
helpful by (10%):
