As a life-long reader of speculative fiction; it has taken me thirty five of my years to pick up a novel written by the grandfather of the genre, Asimov. Alongside my recent read of Snowcrash; it represents the first physical book purchase I've made in many years, and it is certainly not one that disappointed.
First: I have to realise what I am getting myself into. Foundation is the first of a series of books and while not on the word count of Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, or other lengthy, multi-volume epics; this is the biggest reading commitment I've made for a very long time.
I went in blind, knowing only that this was a highly lauded series; and I am very pleased to report that my blindness did not lead to any modicum of disappointment.
Foundation opens with the introduction of an apprentice to a great "scientist", who has figured out this thing called "psychohistory". It allows the forecast of future events by using statistical analysis and the variables that influence humanity en masse. The prologue to the second book in the series explains this quite well, in that "to predict the actions of one man is difficult, to predict the actions of billions is something else all together".
I can't help but get a niggling feeling, one book into the series, that this is also a commentary on how governments and other organisations of authorities such as religions; intellectual institutions can carve out a desired future history, based on their influence.
In any case, across about three hundred pages, in Foundation (only the first book!) two hundred years pass by in the empire, as we move from interesting character to interesting character, of whom we're only with for a few chapters at a time, before the perspective catapults us forward 50 years further.
Asimov treats the viewer as a fly on the wall along the corridors of power, as a burgeoning "Foundation" world (tasked with cataloguing all knowledge within the vast galactic empire) is tugged in various directions by factions vying for power. The Foundation is tasked with one thing alone, prevent centuries of barbarism and chaos, by preserving knowledge.
The Foundation is not unique, in fact; there are two, one at each end of the galaxy, and their technological superiority as the Empire's influence begins to decay at the fringes of the galaxy shows them as a burgeoning power; transforming from a group of intellectuals and scholars, to bands of merchants; supplying technology and amassing wealth through trade.
It is very easy to see from where modern epics such as Game of Thrones, or the more historical Dune got their influence after reading only a scant few chapters of Foundation. As you delve deeper into the book, you appreciate the political intrigue which is masterfully laid out in what feels like a series of short stories that build a deep, enormous cast of characters that play through role through the march of history.
There are many more books in this series for me to read, and perhaps; eventually, a TV series to watch, as is emblazoned on the cover of my copy; allegedly, this is a series of on Apple TV+. I might watch it, I might not, but I know for sure that I am very keen to read the next title in the series, and am looking forward to appreciating it just as much as the first.
The book, and my hand
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I clicked because I saw Asimov's name and only got to know one of his pieces which I really liked, "The Last Question" which really brought me to think for a while during my marathon of learning existentialism. But that's the only piece I know from his content and judging from your reaction, I have no doubt this one is also something I'd be giddy about.
I've since listened to the audio book of the second Foundation novel, and well, it too is truly brilliant. This man was a visionary.
I've read Asimov, but I'm pretty sure I haven't read Foundation. It seems, from your review, that it's something I should plan to do. He is (was) a great writer. Top of the class in science fiction.
Really intriguing review (persuaded me to read⭐️)
I might just be good as a book seller. :D
ok - i was really going to read this.
but... you convinced me to actually TRY to read this now. and so I stopped reading hahahaha
cuz i'm going to read.
you know whati mean. LOL
but - good job! hehehe for you to get me intrigued so quickly.
well, truth be told, i think it was partially our interaction today and realizing that we share a lot of the same insights and then your quick acknowledgement that it didn't disappoint made me think..ok! i'll try this! haha
I'm currently reading a book with a friend - and though I like it... he isn't really fond of it. so i think i'll finish it on my own and then suggest this - because your OTHER books you mention reading, are ones that HE has also read - so... thinking this might be a good fit for us hahahaha
ok - same as before.
too old to upvote -but if you comment , i'll upvote that :)
p.s. i binge like this occassionally - but not often - so dont' get overwhelmed when you see a bunch of my comments tomorrow morning lol
I listened to the second in the series as an audio book while driving around to various places, and while lazing about at home. Definitely better to read this one as the pacing feels too quick for an audio book.
I've got the third one about ... one third through; and it is an intriguing tale.
@holoz0r...
Hello, my friend! I am here, out of respect, as you visited and commented on a post by another dear soul in my community. You know... engagement! I love all things Asimov, but what caught my attention was the mention of Snowcrash... "Neal Stephenson" did a stellar job with that book! It gave me some similar vibes to the movie Ready Player One... I do know there are many different books by Asimov that are simply amazing...
I would ask if you have heard of, or read the book Against the Fall of Night. If not... for goodness' sake... do check it out! This is a great write up by the way... appreciate your positive content and awesome sauce. Have a good day today, brother...
!LUV
I've not, but I know I have 7 Asimov books to read before I get to anything else. :D
@holoz0r, @wesphilbin(5/10) sent you LUV. | tools | discord | community |
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WAIT, you think Foundation is only the foundation books? Oh god... You got your self into a big package, foundation in itself is like 9 books, vaults of steel is about 4 more, and the extension story that goes around some characters that show ups on foundation are even bigger, if you watch the series rn you would totally end up having a mess of the idea of the series on your head, as the foundation that the series presented has several elements of the other books that are formidable, even influential on the story as a whole.
Oh, I don't think I'll be watching the series. I didn't know vaults of steel was linked. :D
It is, and is not the only work of Asimov that is deeply linked to the foundation, several of the short stories are also connected and there is a character that pop up at the end of Vaults that actively participates in the foundation books by different names :)
Wonderful, I have even more reading planned than I first thought :D
Btw it is caves of steel on english, my bad, I remember it as vaults as that is the name it was published with in My country, but nope, its Caves of Steel XD
Vaults of steel sounds pretty cool in any case. Will adjust the note I made on my list of books to read. :D
I guess that is why they published it with that name on my land, Because caves of steel sounds a lot less cool than vaults of steel, but I guess Asimov has his reasons for the name...