I've always been aware of Asimov's Foundation as a series that ought to be read and I must say I enjoyed the first book, though I wouldn't call it the greatest sci-fi ever written. Maybe you need to have read the whole series to get that impression. I don't know.
It starts with Harry Seldon's prophesy of the the destruction of the mighty Galactic Empire and the need for all human knowledge to be secured before then in the Foundation in order to rebuild. It then takes a clever turn and we see the rebuilding of the empire as dependent on a small planet with few resources except for the knowledge held by its small population. The Foundation appears utterly vulnerable, yet due to the clever machinations of its leaders, it creates itself not only as a knowledge base but also as a power base, successfully cowing and outmaneuvering its apparently more powerful neighbours.
It is very refreshing to read a book where supremacy is gained not through arms or numbers but through clever planning. It's the ultimate underdog does good story.
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Re: Foundation
Ahhh Foundation one of my favorite "Golden Age" SF Novels.
You're probably right but you must bare in mind the book was first published in the early 50's (probably written in late 40's).
Ohh do, Certainly the "Original 3" where the classics, the later sequel wasn't so good & the final book (I've not read it) apparently wasn't too hot. There are also 2 prequels, that were not up to the originals, but are better than the sequels (apparently).
The series also won the Hugo "Best all-time Series"
I also love that the Encyclopedia Galactica was mentioned alongside The Guide in "The Hick-Hickers Guide to the Galaxy"
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