Foundation by Isaac Asimov Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $11.49 You Save: $12.51 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.95 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Foundation
Book Review: Incredible Science Fiction Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
The Foundation Trilogy is a "trilogy" of thirteen books. This review will mainly talk about book one. The Foundation, a group of scientists and engineers writing a galactic encyclopedia, starts before book one takes place. The prologue is about an apparently irrelevant person. Nonetheless, I think it is important to read the beginning because it sets up the story. The main story takes place much later, when the actual Foundation is formed at the edge of the galaxy. This entire group of people are the main character, though at time other people take the spotlight.
During the book, challenges arise to meet the Foundation, and at each challenge, the Foundation uses a different and unique method of dealing with the task at hand. As the book progresses, the Foundation gets more and more technology, while the empire at the center of the galaxy dies away. The Foundation was created to start a new empire after the old empire is destroyed. To make sure this would happen, Harry Seldon used psychohistory to predict the future and lock the foundation in a path that will reach its goal.
I think that this book should only be absorbed by people in college or beyond because it has very advanced ideas.
Book Review: Interesting storyline
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm not a fan of sci-fiction, but really enjoyed it. I agree with other reviews that environment wasn't deeply described and there weren't any sophisticated characters, but this didn't disturbed me, because the storyline was fast-paced and interesting. I couldn't put this book down before it was over.Book Review: Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an awesome book, but if you're looking for battles and Star Wars style action, the sequels to this story have more. This novel spans the first 100 or so years of events that take place after the fall of a Galactic Empire. It's a very thin book and a quick read. Some terms such as "Gallopin' Galaxies" appear in the book, but be mindful of the times in which this book was written...and the intended audience.
What is entertaining and interesting is how the characters solve Hari Seldon's predicted problems throughout the book. How cool would it be to have an entire planet of scientists (make that two)...a tiny portion of the galaxy that is pretty much responsible for running it. As a fantasy, it's as fun to dream of scientists in charge as it is to imagine winning the lottery. You might even glean tactics for handling dopey managers, or solving problems without going into combat. Asimov's wit and intrigue throughout make for an entertaining and thought-provoking read.
Book Review: Not Free SF Reader
Summary: 4 Stars
The start of Asimov's highly influential groundbreaking future history series. The invention of the science of psychohistory captivated me the first time I read it. Basically, all those with an interest in SF should check this out.
Asimov's intro gives some history of the evolution of this series with his editor, Campbell, as well as some entertaining silliness by the publisher Doubleday. He tells how they wouldn't publish him at one time, and later on they are at his door, cap in hand asking for a new book.
Foundation : The Psychohistorians - Isaac Asimov
Foundation : The Encyclopedists - Isaac Asimov
Foundation : The Mayors - Isaac Asimov
Foundation : The Traders - Isaac Asimov
Foundation : The Merchant Princes - Isaac Asimov
Future prediction equations suggest Galactic Empire go bye-bye.
4.5 out of 5
Struggles with Seldon's legacy.
3 out of 5
City split and the odd ship.
3.5 out of 5
Commercial leading edge.
3 out of 5
Seldon crisis and sellers of heaps of stuff.
3.5 out of 5
Book Review: One of the best SF series ever written.
Summary: 5 Stars
The scope of this series is astounding. It wasn't written for the teenager or preteen like so many pathetic series are these days, but for the thinking person with a bit of imagination.
Truly one of the greatest SF series ever written. And as such, never loses it's appeal even when read decades apart.