As with almost all writing from these periods, some of the technologies presented are to a certain point outdated.

Later in the 1980’s and 1990’s Asimov wrote two prequels, “Prelude to Foundation” and “Forward the Foundation” and two sequels to the original trilogy, “Foundations Edge” and “Foundation and Earth.” Some urge newcomers to read them in published order but I much prefer to approach the series in historical order, the order in which the events occur. The original trilogy consisting of “Foundation”, “Foundation and Empire” and “Second Foundation” were written in the 1950’s. There are two schools of thought on how to approach Asimov’s epic “Foundation” series. In the 1950’s and 1960’s the “big three” of Science Fiction were Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clarke and Robert Heinlein, all three are required reading for any real fan of the genre. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire.the man who holds the key to the future - an apocalyptic power to be known forever after as the Foundation. Little does the young Outworld mathematician know that he has already sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his remarkable theory of prediction. Yet Cleon knows there are those who would see him fall - those whom he would destroy if only he could read the future. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, 40 billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity.

It is the year 12,020 GE and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Unsurpassed for their unique blend of nonstop action, bold ideas, and extensive world-building, they chronicle the struggle of a courageous group of people to save civilization from a relentless tide of darkness and violence - beginning with one exceptional man. This daring story of humanity’s future introduces one of the great masterworks of science fiction: the Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov.

Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov