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Foundation | Isaac Asimov
Foundation | Isaac Asimov
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Embark on the epic galactic saga that revolutionized science fiction in Isaac Asimov’s masterpiece, Foundation.
Extended Synopsis
For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, 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 his sanctuary the Foundation.
The Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov are among the most influential in the history of science fiction, celebrated for their unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding. In Foundation, Asimov has written a timely and timeless novel of the best—and worst—that lies in humanity, and the power of even a few courageous souls to shine a light in a universe of darkness.
Accolades & Awards
- Special Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series: Awarded in 1966 by the World Science Fiction Convention, famously beating out J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
- The Great American Read: Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS.
Core Audience
- Aficionados of classic science fiction, space opera, and foundational worldbuilding.
- Readers fascinated by macro-history, political strategy, sociology, and intellectual problem-solving.
- Followers of epic literature and television adaptations looking for the definitive source material.
Author Biography
Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) was a prolific American author and professor of biochemistry, best known for his works of science fiction and popular science. He is widely considered one of the founding masters of modern sci-fi, influencing generations of writers, scientists, and thinkers through iconic series such as the Foundation and Robot universes.
Product Specifications
| Full Title | Foundation (Book 1 of the Foundation Series) |
|---|---|
| Author | Isaac Asimov |
| Publisher & Imprint | Spectra (An imprint of Bantam Books / Penguin Random House) |
| Publication Date | June 1, 1991 |
| Binding Format | Mass Market Paperback |
| Print Length | 256 Pages |
| Language | English |
| ISBN-13 | 9780553293357 |
| ISBN-10 | 0553293354 |
| Library of Congress (LCCN) | 51-11268 |
| Primary BISAC Genre | FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera |
| Product Dimensions | 4.19 x 0.68 x 6.88 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.8 oz (approx. 0.30 lbs) |
| Condition | Pre-Owned / Very Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did this classic science fiction novel win any major literary accolades?
Yes, historically so. In 1966, the World Science Fiction Convention awarded Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy a special Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series, famously beating out J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings for the monumental honor.
What is the main narrative hook and setting driving the plot?
The story is set in the twilight days of a vast Galactic Empire that has ruled millions of worlds for over 12,000 years. The plot ignites when a brilliant mathematician named Hari Seldon uses data models to predict the inevitable, violent collapse of the Empire, followed by 30,000 years of dark ages. To shorten this barbarism to a single millennium, Seldon establishes a sanctuary of scientists and scholars—the Foundation—at the edge of the galaxy.
What is "Psychohistory," the core scientific concept introduced by Asimov?
Psychohistory is a fictional branch of mathematics that combines history, sociology, and statistical mechanics. It cannot predict the actions of an individual person, but it can predict the future behavior of massive populations with near-perfect historical accuracy, allowing Seldon to map out a path to salvage human civilization.
Is this an action-packed space battle novel or something more cerebral?
It is a deeply intellectual, dialogue-driven masterpiece. Instead of laser battles and alien invasions, the story functions as a macro-history of political strategy, diplomacy, religion, and economic war. The characters face down various "Seldon Crises"—pivotal historical inflection points—using wits, sociology, and trade rather than military force.
Was this classic science fiction book adapted for television or film?
Yes. This foundational text serves as the primary creative basis for the high-budget sci-fi series Foundation, starring Jared Harris as Hari Seldon and Lee Pace as Brother Day. While the television series heavily stylizes the action and expands character timelines, the book remains the definitive source material.
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