Isaac Asimov's Foundation series is a seminal work in science fiction literature, renowned for its visionary scope, intricate plotting, and exploration of grand themes such as the rise and fall of civilizations, the nature of power, and the destiny of humanity. Spanning several millennia, the series follows the efforts of the Foundation, a group of scholars and scientists, to preserve knowledge and guide the course of history amid the collapse of the Galactic Empire.
The premise of the stories is that in the waning days of a future Galactic Empire, the mathematician Hari Seldon spends his life developing a theory of psychohistory, a new and effective mathematics of sociology. Using statistical laws of mass action, it can predict the future of large populations. Seldon foresees the imminent fall of the Empire, which encompasses the entire Milky Way, and a Dark Age lasting 30,000 years before a second empire arises. Although the momentum of the Empire's fall is too great to stop, Seldon devises a plan by which "the onrushing mass of events must be deflected just a little" to eventually limit this interregnum to just one thousand years.
In 1966, the Foundation trilogy beat several other science fiction and fantasy series to receive a special Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series".
The Foundation TV series was filmed at Troy Studios, Limerick, Ireland, and the budget was expected to be approximately $50 million. The first episodes premiered on September 24, 2021. Metacritic gave the first season a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 based on 22 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The second season was released in 2023.
Overview of the Series:
1. Foundation
In the opening novel, mathematician Hari Seldon predicts the imminent fall of the Galactic Empire using his theory of psychohistory, a mathematical science that can predict the future on a large scale. To mitigate the impending dark age, Seldon establishes the Foundation on the remote planet of Terminus, tasked with preserving knowledge and accelerating the recovery of civilization. As the Foundation faces various challenges and crises, it navigates the intricate politics of the galaxy and works to fulfill Seldon's vision.
2. Foundation and Empire
The second installment follows the Foundation's struggle against the dying Galactic Empire and the rising power of the Mule, a mutant with the ability to manipulate emotions and control minds. As the Foundation confronts this unforeseen threat, it faces internal divisions and external pressures that test its resilience and unity. Amidst the chaos, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, and the Foundation must adapt its strategies to survive.
3. Second Foundation
The third book explores the elusive Second Foundation, a secret organization established by Hari Seldon to safeguard his plan from potential threats. As the Foundation grapples with the aftermath of the Mule's conquests and seeks to uncover the hidden manipulations of the Second Foundation, it faces internal dissent and external adversaries. The search for the Second Foundation leads to revelations that challenge fundamental assumptions about the nature of psychohistory and the future of the galaxy.
4. Foundation's Edge
In the fourth novel, centuries after the events of the original trilogy, the Foundation's existence is threatened by the emergence of the mysterious Foundation's Edge. As a new era of exploration and discovery dawns, the Foundation embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic organization and its connection to the fate of the galaxy. Along the way, old alliances are tested, new enemies arise, and the Foundation's destiny hangs in the balance.
5. Foundation and Earth
The fifth book follows the journey of Golan Trevize, a former councilman of the Foundation, and his companions as they search for the mythical planet of Earth. Their quest takes them across the galaxy, where they encounter ancient mysteries, hidden dangers, and unexpected revelations about the origins of humanity and the destiny of the galaxy. As they uncover the truth, they are forced to confront their own beliefs and choices, and the fate of the Foundation hangs in the balance.
6. Prelude to Foundation
Prelude to Foundation tells the story of mathematician Hari Seldon, fleeing around the enclosed planet Trantor, evading the Emperor who wants to control his psychohistory, and coming to understand that his invention can indeed have a practical application in predicting the fate of mankind.
7. Forward the Foundation
Isaac Asimov's last novel, Forward the Foundation, continues the story line of Prelude to Foundation, showing mathematician Hari Seldon in middle and old age continuing the struggle to turn his theory of psychohistory into a tool capable of restoring human civilization after the Galactic Empire destroys itself.
Key Characters:
- Hari Seldon: The visionary mathematician who develops psychohistory and founds the Foundation.
- Salvor Hardin: The first mayor of the Foundation and a key figure in its early struggles.
- Hober Mallow: A trader and mayor of the Foundation who plays a crucial role in navigating its conflicts.
- The Mule: A mutant with psychic powers who threatens the Foundation's existence.
- Arkady Darell: A young scholar who becomes embroiled in the Foundation's intrigues.
- Golan Trevize: A former councilman of the Foundation who embarks on a quest to find Earth.
- Janov Pelorat: A historian and scholar who accompanies Trevize on his journey.
- Bliss: A mysterious woman who joins Trevize and Pelorat on their quest.
Isaac Asimov's Foundation series has had a profound and enduring impact on the science fiction genre, inspiring generations of writers and readers with its epic scope, complex characters, and thought-provoking ideas. The series has been praised for its imaginative vision of the future, its exploration of big ideas, and its compelling narrative structure. With its timeless themes and richly imagined universe, the Foundation series continues to captivate audiences and provoke discussion about the nature of history, the role of technology, and the destiny of humanity.
