Isaac Asimov: Foundation Review

A twelve thousand year old Galactic Empire is about to end its grandiose rule. Few know of its slow and unavoidable disintegration; even fewer yet want to admit it. But one man chooses to begin another destiny for all humanity. 

Through the use of Psychohistory (a mix of sociology, psychology and economics), Hari Seldon sets in motion an audacious plan to save mankind from the upcoming dark ages of ignorance. He gathers the brightest minds in the galaxy, places them on planet Terminus, and tasks them with guiding future generations. Thus the Foundation is set.

While the Galactic Empire is still functional at the centre of the galaxy, the outer worlds are beginning to crumble. Technology becomes scarce and knowledge of its use slowly lost. But not on planet Terminus. Because of its limited nuclear power which aids Foundation's scholars, Terminus quickly becomes a prime target of territorial dispute amongst its neighbouring worlds.

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It will take you about 15 page turns to realize this sci-fi is a thought nimbus for your mind. There's plenty of scheming and planing in this space opera. There are complex and detailed worlds to explore, and inventive technologies to ponder and fear, all of which make Foundation such a delight to read. This intriguing galaxy of Isaac Asimov materializes in your mind through intricately woven storytelling.

The book is divided in five chronological parts. Each part follows key characters as they make decisions to (hopefully) steer the Foundation project towards its ultimate goal. The story in the first book progresses through a 200 year time-line, which is compacted with prolific content and savvy thoughtful narrative. Worlds and cultures collide in the battle of wits to control the remnants of potentially destructive technologies, first by religious dogma, then through trade economics. 

Asimov's prose is enjoyable as it is clever. The book is populated with level-headed scholars, opportunistic politicians, scheming vassals, pompous princes, and savvy merchant tradesman. If you were ever impressed with the imaginative worlds and technologies of Star Wars or Star Trek, you'll be in for a treat as Foundation novels are filled with grand ideas that have appeared in countless sci-fi flicks and books time and time again. 

The book was first published in 1951, but it's easy to deduct why it has been hailed as a masterwork. The human drama, the complex political plays, the instantly likable characters all make for a mesmerizing read. Do keep in mind that Foundation is only the first part of a seven novel series. And each novel chronicles different characters and events. If you're going to delve into this story you better be prepared to read the rest. After all, a galactic tale of this magnitude cannot be contained within mere 300 pages.