Prelude to Foundation (Foundation, Book 1)
by Isaac Asimov

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• ISBN13: 9780553278392
• Condition: USED - Good
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Book Reviews of Prelude to Foundation (Foundation, Book 1)

Book Review: Prelude to Asimov
Summary: 5 Stars

Prelude to Foundation is just one episode in Asimov's sci-fi tapestry woven from several independent series of novels and short stories, all set in the future but with some connecting threads. It comes after the 'Robot' and 'Empire' novels and sets the scene for the later 'Foundation' books.

Its setting is about 20,000 years in the future after mankind has invented hyper-spatial travel and populated the galaxy. We are introduced to Hari Seldon a math professor from a small planet Helicon, who travels to Trantor the galactic capital of the empire to attend the 10-year math conference. There he makes the claim that the future of man might be predicted mathematically, since the net actions of quadrillions of humans become more predictable rather than less so (just like for atoms !) Whilst Hari realises that his theory is correct but impractical, it excites the interest of the emperor's minister Demerzel. The emperor Cleon, is fearful of assassination, so would like the future to predict a long and successful reign.. Soon poor Hari is in over his head as both imperial forces and their enemies seek to use him as a pawn to further their political aims.

With the aid of the benevolent Chetter Hummin, who wants Hari to actually work on his prediction theory called 'Psychohistory' in order to save mankind from an impending collapse of the empire Hari escapes, but only proceeds from one mishap to another. He is encouraged in his work on Psychohistory and also protected by a colleague of Hummin, the adorable red-head Dors Venabili who is a academic historian, has great legs, but can also wield a mean knife...!

The plot is fast moving and varied, with a hint of mystery. As usual with Asimov there is a twist or two in the tail..

I think 'Prelude' is a lot of fun and more enjoyable each time I re-read it (I have gone through Asimov's history of the future three times now!!) I think it is my favorite - it has a feel-good ambience pervading the book and I'm sure Isaac had a lot of fun writing it..no doubt there is a lot of himself (a former biochem asst. professor) in the Seldon character !!

Isaac Asimov has left a staggering legacy and an irreplaceable hole for his multitude of fans. Asimov's work is highly complex and not always accessible, some of his writing is now half a century old. Asimov has done a great job in 'Prelude' in linking up many of his future-based novels. In his preface to Prelude he gives a potted history of his future universe and indicates how his books fit chronologically together. As he says some inconsistencies arose since the books were not originally planned to form one future.. but it kind of evolved that way !!

For newcomers to Asimov I encourage you to go no further and start here, many of you will become hooked for life...

For afficionados of 'Robot'-lore and the 'Empire' this is a continuation of these novels and the action is all set on magnificent Trantor in its heyday and splendor. It will not dissappoint. The master sci-fi story teller was also at his mature best. A partial solution to the question of what ever happened to the spacers of Aurora is also revealed...

For first or second 'Foundationers' this book is a beautifully crafted piece linking the different halves of Asimov's future together, where Seldon is the fulcrum.

I wonder if his works will still be read in 20,000 years and what they will make of it all....

Summary of Prelude to Foundation (Foundation, Book 1)

Genre Fiction Books

• Subjects > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction
• Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction