Foundation's Edge (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Foundation's Edge (Foundation Novels)
Book Review: A good idea with only mediocre execution
Summary: 3 Stars
After the first few Foundation stories were published (those that ended up collected in the "novels" called Foundation, and Foundation and Empire), Asimov stated that he couldn't write any more stories in the series because with the Seldon Plan in motion, everything was already determined. Importantly, it should be noted that the Plan was not about establishing a Second Empire after the fall of the first, but only reducing the time between those Empires (and therefore, reducing the amount of strife and hardship). To continue the series, Asimov had to create crises to be resolved.The first crisis was the attack of the Mule, which followed the idea that one powerful man might be able to alter the course of history, or at least disrupt the Plan. This was the equivalent of introducing a Genghis Khan, Alexander, or Napoleon. It's a matter of debate whether they actually altered the course of history (e.g., they don't speak Macedonian in Iran, or Mongolian in Russia), so the Mule's disruption would be one of timing, not the ultimate establishment of the Second Empire. Thus, the series rested for 20 years.
By its nature, technological advances cannot be imagined by more "primitive" scientific societies, and this is the crisis that sets up this novel, Foundation's Edge. Just as our great political philosphers of the 19th century could not have predicted nuclear weapons, Hari Seldon could not predict the technological advance of the First Foundation. Thus, some of the Foundation's leaders decide the time has come to dispense with the Plan, and by extension the Second Foundation. This is an intriguing setup, and like all of Asimov's works, you are quickly drawn into the story and immediately get to know the characters intimately. It centres around an exile - Trevize - sent out by the leader of the 1st Foundation as a "lightning rod" to try to flush out the Second Foundation. Naturally, the Second Foundationers find out and take moves to stop it. Both Foundations are also concerned that the Plan is too precise - is there something/someone else guiding the plan for its own purposes?
Unfortunately, the story doesn't live up to its promise, or rather, the characters and specific situations don't. They just aren't as interesting or likeable as in other books written during the same few years - namely, the final two robot books (Robots and Empire and Robots of Dawn). It even suffers in comparison to Second Foundation, the immediately previous book in the Foundation series (written 20 years earlier). Thus, while interesting, and a must read for Foundation (and Asimov) fans, it's a little disappointing relative to his other works.
Book Review: First and Second Foundations collide
Summary: 4 Stars
SOme one hundred years after The Second Foundation, the [First] Foundation is mostly complacent that the Seldon Plan is in full swing, and that they will successfully establish the Second Galactic Empire in another 500 years, as predicted. But there is a problem. The progression of the Foundation follows the Seldon Plan PRECISELY! Such absolute perfection rings to a select few as too unlikely to occur naturally. Especially in light of the severe deviations in the past, as in the conquest by the Mule. Even the Second Foundation, the guardians of the Plan are unable to explain the uncanny adherence. The First Foundation believes this to be the result of the Second Foundation's influence. The Second Foundation is uncertain as to who may be causing such undue influence.
So two individuals are sent on somewhat parallel missions. One from the First Foundation, ostensibly to discover the location of the Second Foundation. This mission quickly becomes a drive to locate Earth, the legendary planet of origin of mankind.
The Second Foundationer's mission is to pursue this other man, as he seems to be indelibly entwined with the future of the Plan, despite the fact that Psychohistory is unable to predict the actions of an individual. Further complicating this chase is the fact that the Second Foundation has been infiltrated, as evidenced by the distinct absence of specific information from all their databases.
This novel continues the drive by Asimov to link his Robot, Empire and Foundation Series. We get several tantalizing references to some things that are not completed, leaving the door open to an obvious sequel. The writing is classic Asimov, with sufficient twists to keep the reader entertained. The ending is very much different from what might be expected at the outset, as the degree to which outside forces have interfered is vast. Overall this is a good read, although it tends to drag in places. As a continuation of the epic chronicle of future history, it is invaluable.
Book Review: Foundation's Fall
Summary: 3 Stars
When you write a classic series, leave it alone. The first three books in this series are the best science fiction books I have read. As opposed to most science fiction books, for example, Asimov talked about advances in psychology, as well as physics. The connection between science and story, moreover, were essential parts of this story, compelling so. Finally, Asimov was willing to take great chances and even attack his invention, pschyo-history.
Enter "Foundation's Edge." This story was centered on people, more then science. Each person, in their own way, was just like the others. That is, each of them had the same basic characteristics, pride, arrogance, and impatience. All of them were hard to love.
Worse, the "resolutions" for all of the original stories were believable. That was one of the things that made that books so interesting. Could there be a psycho-history? How would it work? Each story has a mystery around it which, when solved, seemed to be solved in a believable, almost obvious way which always rang true.
Here there is a mystery. There is a planet and a system that even the Mule avoided. Why? Probably because the Mule was written by a younger Asimov that wouldn't want to go anywhere near this story. Anyway, all three characters here, for different reasons, end up going to this mysterious system.
The way the conflict is resolved is also very disappointing. In the end, the original foundation series was about control and choice. Seldon was trying to push the Galaxy toward a certain result. Individual people's choices weren't supposed to make a great difference. With the mule, and others, that was shown to be a lie. Individuals can make a difference, even in a galaxy of billions and billions.
Here, free choice doesn't seem to matter. This galaxy here, to me, was a worse place and I was unhappy with it as I was unhappy with this book. It is very disappointing and a slap at all the great writing in the original series. Measured on its own, Foundation's Edge would have, maybe, been an okay book. Since it is the younger brother to greatness, it seemed much weaker. Read it if you must, but I warned you.
Book Review: Forging a New Path
Summary: 4 Stars
In a continuation of the by now immortalized Foundation series, Asimov builds the conflict between the two Foundations to an apocalyptic level. The scope and creativity of the novel is unmatched, and the strength of the characters is unquestionable. However, the end of the book diverges sharply from the precedent established in previous Foundation novels, and the change can be a little disillusioning for dedicated readers of the series. This abrupt change is part of what keeps the series interesting, but Asimov gives little reason for the new course.Book Review: A wrong turn along the way
Summary: 3 Stars
Finally, it seems that Asimov will bring his seminal Foudation Series to a conclusion. Edge starts out well by building on the other Foundation books. It's good to see a space adventure that seeks out both Earth and the final answers. But it is hard to imagine that Asimov would have taken the Gaia route if he had written this book immediately after he wrote Second Foundation. For that reason, the introduction of this philosophy at this point seems quite disingenuous.