The second prequel to the Foundation series. Interestingly enough, this book is written as a series of novellas, reflecting the style of the original trilogy. Some parts work, others don't. But it does provide a better understanding of the framework used in the trilogy. ( )

This is a Foundation prequel, coming after Prelude to Foundation and before Foundation. The book is almost a series of short stories or novelettes -- there are several year gaps between these stories. That was a shame in a sense, because each of these separate stories has its won startup cost -- the time it takes me to get into what is happening. For some reason I don't find that as much of a problem with collections of short stories, possibly because I'm expecting it more. This technique meant Asimov could cover a lot of ground, but I found it jarring over all.

I guess I'd say this book was ok, but not one of Asimov's best.

http://www.stillhq.com/book/Isaac_Asi... ( )

Later in his life, Asimov went back to writing about the events surrounding the Foundation trilogy, his seminal work of science fiction. This book takes place immediately before the events that commence with the book Foundation. It details the years of Hari Seldon's life immediately before he established the Foundation project, and also attempts to explain why he was considered such a dangerous individual by imperial political forces.

Through much of the book Seldon serves the Emperor Cleon as First Minister, using the power granted by his position to push forward research on psychohistory, eventually perfecting it into a useful tool. Along the way, Seldon's enemies (and random events) strip away most of his loved ones, and he finally sends the last into exile to found the Second Foundation.

Like most of the later Foundation-related books, this one is not as good as the original trilogy. Given that the original trilogy is rightly regarded as an essential work in the genre, a little fall-off is somewhat to be expected. Unfortunately, as often happens, by explaining the events that were implied in the original books as back-story, the tale is somewhat diminished. In the prequels, Seldon's character is transformed from a maverick scientist to a political functionary, which I think diminishes him. As in Prelude to Foundation, the introduction of the robots into the story is also jarring. However, the story is pure Asimov, and like most Asimov, it is an interesting, and reasonably well-thought out story. ( )

Though written last of the Foundation novels, this novel takes place chronologically after Prelude to Foundation. This book, a sort of foreword to Foundation, gives us a glimpse of Hari Seldon, creator of psychohistory, creating psychohistory.

The Emperor's First Minister has gone missing, one Eto Demerzel, also known as R. Daneel Olivaw, and Hari steps up to take the place. One by one, Hari's friends and relatives disappear, and soon Hari is alone to finally develop the psychohistory detailed in later Foundation novels.

A great glimpse into the beginning of Foundation any fan of Asimov will enjoy. Also, fans of science fiction epics will generally enjoy this and other Foundation novels. ( )

This book was written long after the Foundation Trilogy, and helps to complete the story. What happened after the events of the first book, but before books 2 and 3? Even though this was written many years later, it maintains the same feel and quality of the original trilogy. A must read for Asimov fans, or anyone looking for quality science fiction. ( )