Forward the Foundation

Isaac Asimov

Book 2 in the series:Foundation: Prequel

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decaying galactic empire setting

character development and exploration

political and personal struggles

pacing with episodic structure

psychological themes of aging and loss

intimate writing style

short chapters and dialogues

multi faceted characters

seldon's isolation and challenges

psychohistory development

disjointed narrative flow

foundation series prequel

political intrigues

'Forward the Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is a prequel to the Foundation series, chronicling the life of Hari Seldon from his famous flight through the founding of the Foundation and his death. The book covers about 30 years of Seldon's life on Trantor, as he tries to get psychohistory ready in time and establishes the first Foundation, using his granddaughter as the nucleus for the Second Foundation. The writing style is described as having short chapters and a less laborious style, with some chapters consisting almost entirely of dialogues.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, particularly Seldon, who faces personal and political challenges, leading to a sense of isolation and loss as key supporting characters are developed.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is direct and functional, lacking in emotional resonance and featuring stilted dialogue, but displays a more intimate approach reflective of Asimov's later years.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative spans several decades, focusing on key events in the life of Hari Seldon as he develops psychohistory amidst political intrigues and personal tragedies, ultimately tying into the larger Foundation narrative.

Setting:

The setting reflects a decaying Galactic Empire, primarily in Trantor, providing a backdrop for the political and personal struggles faced by the characters.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with an episodic structure that interrupts the narrative flow, allowing for deep character exploration while feeling disjointed.

Hari Seldon detected the sour note and ignored it. He looked up from his tricomputer and said, “I tell you again, Yugo, that that’s nonsense.” And then—with a trace of annoyance, just a trace—he added...

Notes:

Forward the Foundation is the last book written by Isaac Asimov before his death.

It is the second prequel in the Foundation series but was published last.

The story spans about 40 years in the life of Hari Seldon.

Hari Seldon is a mathematician working on a theory called psychohistory.

Psychohistory is intended to predict future events and stabilize the Galactic Empire.

The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on different characters in Seldon's life.

Dors Venabili, Seldon's wife, plays a critical role as his protector and guardian.

Throughout the story, many of Seldon's loved ones face tragedy, leading to a bittersweet tone.

The character of Seldon transitions from a rogue mathematician to a government official.

The presence of the robot Olivaw indicates robot influence over human affairs throughout the narrative.

This book explores themes of aging, loss, and the struggle for progress in the face of societal decay.

The narrative touches on parallel issues such as declining empires and societal challenges.

The story is described as deeply emotional, reflecting Asimov's own feelings towards aging and legacy.

Readers often note the book provides essential context for understanding the later events of the original Foundation Trilogy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of death, political manipulation, and emotional distress.

From The Publisher:

The second of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov's classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, COMING 9/24/21

As Hari Seldon struggles to perfect his revolutionary theory of psychohistory and ensure a place for humanity among the stars, the great Galactic Empire totters on the brink of apocalyptic collapse. Caught in the maelstrom are Seldon and all he holds dear, pawns in the struggle for dominance. Whoever can control Seldon will control psychohistory-and with it the future of the Galaxy.

Among those seeking to turn psychohistory into the greatest weapon known to man are a populist political demagogue, the weak-willed Emperor Cleon I, and a ruthless militaristic general. In his last act of service to humankind, Hari Seldon must somehow save his life's work from their grasp as he searches for its true heirs-a search that begins with his own granddaughter and the dream of a new Foundation.

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About the Author:

Isaac Asimov began his Foundation series at the age of twenty-one, not realizing that it would one day be considered a cornerstone of science fiction. During his legendary career, Asimov penned more than 470 books on subjects ranging from science to…

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