Foundation by Isaac Asimov

“Foundation” is a science fiction novel written by the prolific American author Isaac Asimov. It was first published in 1951 and is the initial book in Asimov’s Foundation series. This series is highly regarded in the science fiction genre and is known for its expansive scope and exploration of future history, sociology, and political science.

The story is set in a distant future where the Galactic Empire spans the entire Milky Way. The central character, Hari Seldon, is a brilliant mathematician and creator of a new field of study called “psychohistory.” Psychohistory allows Seldon to predict the future on a grand scale, using mathematics to analyze the behavior of large populations and foresee the decline and fall of the Galactic Empire.

Seldon foresees a dark age of 30,000 years that will follow the Empire’s collapse. To shorten this period of chaos and suffering, he establishes the “Foundation,” a group of scientists and scholars tasked with preserving knowledge and guiding civilization through the upcoming dark age. The novel follows the Foundation’s efforts to navigate the challenges and crises they encounter as they work to ensure the survival of knowledge and culture.

“Foundation” is a groundbreaking work of science fiction known for its intricate exploration of the rise and fall of civilizations, the role of technology, and the power of knowledge. It also examines complex themes related to the course of history, human nature, and the unpredictability of future events. Isaac Asimov’s work in this series has had a profound influence on the genre and remains a cornerstone of science fiction literature.