| Foundation | |
 Dust-jacket of the first edition |
|
| Author | Isaac Asimov |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | David Kyle |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Foundation Series |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Gnome Press |
| Publication date | 1951 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 255 pp |
| ISBN | NA |
| Preceded by | Foundation's Triumph |
| Followed by | Foundation and Empire |
Foundation is the first book in Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy (later expanded into The Foundation Series). Isaac Asimov (c January 2 1920 &ndash April 6 1992 ˈaɪzək ˈæzɪmʌv originally Исаак Озимов but now transcribed into Russian as, was a Russian David A Kyle (born February 14, 1919) has been a New York -based Science fiction writer and fan since the earliest days of organized Science The United States of America —commonly referred to as the English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States The Foundation Series is an epic Science fiction series written over a span of forty-four years by Isaac Asimov. A novel (from Italian novella, Spanish novela, French nouvelle for "new" "news" or "short story Publishing is the process of production and dissemination of Literature or Information &ndash the activity of making information available for public view Gnome Press was an American small-press Publishing company primarily known for publishing many Science fiction classics Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January A hardcover (or hardback or hardbound) is a Book bound with rigid protective covers (typically of cardboard covered with Cloth Foundation's Triumph ( 1999) is a Science fiction Novel by David Brin, set in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation universe Foundation and Empire is a novel written by Isaac Asimov that was published by Gnome Press in 1952. Isaac Asimov (c January 2 1920 &ndash April 6 1992 ˈaɪzək ˈæzɪmʌv originally Исаак Озимов but now transcribed into Russian as, was a Russian The Foundation Series is an epic Science fiction series written over a span of forty-four years by Isaac Asimov. Foundation is a collection of five short stories, which were first published together as a book by Gnome Press in 1951. Gnome Press was an American small-press Publishing company primarily known for publishing many Science fiction classics Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Together, they form a single plot. Foundation tells the story of a group of scientists who seek to preserve knowledge as the civilizations around them begin to regress.
Contents |
Plot summary
Foundation tells the story of a group of scientists who seek to preserve knowledge as the civilizations around them begin to regress.
The Psychohistorians
(0 F. E. )
The first story is set on Trantor, the capital planet of the 12,000-year-old Galactic Empire. Trantor is a Fictional Planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series and Empire series of Science fiction Novels In Isaac Asimov 's Robot / Empire / Foundation series of novels the Galactic Empire is an empire consisting of planets settled by humans across the Whilst the empire gives the appearance of stability, beneath this facade it is suffering a slow decay. The main character, Hari Seldon, a mathematician, has developed psychohistory which equates all possibilities in large societies to mathematics, allowing predictable long term outcomes. Hari Seldon, a fictional character is the intellectual hero of Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Psychohistory, a fictional science in Isaac Asimov 's ''Foundation'' universe combines History, Sociology, and mathematical Statistics
Seldon discovers a horrifying truth to the Empire's decay, but his results are considered treasonable and attract attention from the Commission of Public Safety — the effective rulers of the Empire. This leads to his arrest. A young mathematician Gaal Dornick, who has just arrived on Trantor, is also arrested. Gaal Dornick is a Fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. On trial, Hari shares the discoveries made through psychohistory, such as the collapse of the Empire within 300 years, followed by a 30,000-year period of barbarism.
Hari proposes an alternative to this future; one that would not avert the collapse but shorten the interregnum period to a mere 1000 years. An interregnum (plural interregna or interregnums) is a period of discontinuity of a government organization or social order But this plan would require a large group of people to develop a compendium of all human knowledge, titled the Encyclopedia Galactica. A compendium is a concise yet comprehensive compilation of a body of Knowledge. The Encyclopedia Galactica is a fictional or hypothetical Encyclopedia of a future Galaxy -spanning Civilization, containing all the Knowledge
The Commission aborts the trial and meets with Hari in secret. They offer him the choice of execution for treason or acceptance of exile with his group of 'Encyclopedists' to a remote planet Terminus. Exile means to be away from one's home (ie city state or country while either being explicitly refused permission to return and/or being threatened by prison or death upon return Terminus is a fictional Planet at the edge of the Galaxy in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, home of the Foundation There, they will carry out the Plan under an imperial decree, while Hari would remain, barred from leaving Trantor. Trantor is a Fictional Planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series and Empire series of Science fiction Novels
The Encyclopedists
(50 F. E. ) (published May 1942 as "Foundation")
The second story; "The Encyclopedist", takes place 50 years after the events of "The Psychohistorians". Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Terminus faces the first of many "Seldon Crises". The Seldon Plan is the central theme of Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series of stories and Novels Psychohistory Hari Seldon With no mineral wealth of their own, they become cut off from outside supplies, as a result of their neighboring planet's rebellion against the "Empire" and declaration of independance.
Terminus is caught in a feud between four planetary systems which have degenerated to a barbaric state and find Terminus's location a strategic advantage. The Board of Trustees of the 'Encyclopedia Galactica Foundation', composed of scientists with no political or military training, finds themselves incompetent to handle the situation as they are distracted by the completion of the Encyclopedia. But the Mayor of Terminus City Salvor Hardin perceives the threat and quickly finds a solution; to play the four kingdoms off each other. Salvor Hardin was the first mayor of Terminus, the capital planet of the Foundation in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series.
Hardin's plan is a success and then the image of Seldon appears in the "Time Vault", where he acknowledges that the "Seldon Crisis" was averted. A Seldon Crisis is a fictional socio-historical phenomenon in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series of Science fiction novels Seldon makes it clear that the choice made was the intended one and that the Encyclopedia was just a distraction to further the overall plan.
Hardin uses this revelation to engineer a bloodless coup, taking power from the Board of Trustees and placing it in his own hands.
The Mayors
(80 F. E. ) (published June 1942 as "Bridle and Saddle")
The third story; "The Mayors", occurs three decades after "The Encyclopedists", The Foundation's scientific understanding has given them unusual leverage over nearby planetary systems, and an artificial religion referred to as Scientism is developed. Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Scientism or the "Church of Science" is a fictional religion from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. This concept allows scientific devices to be shared, while keeping its science secret. Maintenance technicians known as priests are trained on Terminus and given basic operational understanding, while being kept ignorant of scientific knowledge. Terminus is a fictional Planet at the edge of the Galaxy in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, home of the Foundation This process allows the Foundation to maintain control over scientific rebellions and delocalisation of knowledge.
Mayor Salvor Hardin continues to function as Mayor of Terminus and the effective ruler of the Foundation. A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government Salvor Hardin was the first mayor of Terminus, the capital planet of the Foundation in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series. Prince Regent Wienis of Anacreon plans to overthrow the Foundation's power, and his plans are encouraged when he obtains an abandoned Imperial cruiser that he demands the Foundation repair. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation A fictional planet from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, Anacreon is one of the most important worlds in the galactic periphery prior to the fall of the Galactic
Hardin foresees Wienis's plans and arranges for the ship to be repaired his own way, incorporating some modifications. Hardin then broadcasts Wienis's attempt to the people of Anacreon under the ruse of blasphemy, leading to a revolt which results in direct control over the Four Kingdoms. A fictional planet from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, Anacreon is one of the most important worlds in the galactic periphery prior to the fall of the Galactic
Hari Seldon again confirms the actions by appearing in the "Time Vault", while also warning them that the use of Scientism is no longer necessary. Hari Seldon, a fictional character is the intellectual hero of Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Scientism or the "Church of Science" is a fictional religion from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series.
The Traders
(About 155 F. E. ) (published October 1944 as "The Wedge")
The fourth story; "The Traders" follows 75 years after "The Mayors". Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The story describes the events of Limmar Ponyets, a Trader, who is sent to retrieve Eskel Gorov from the planet Askone. Askone is a planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation. It is one of the planets in the Galactic Periphery near Glyptal IV Askone has refused commerce with the Foundation in fear of control through Scientism. Askone is a planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation. It is one of the planets in the Galactic Periphery near Glyptal IV Scientism or the "Church of Science" is a fictional religion from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Eskel Gorov is awaiting execution for violation of a trade law by attempting to set up trade with Foundation technology.
The leaders of Askone are adamant in not accepting any Foundation technology, but when offered gold in exchange for the prisoner, they gladly accept. Askone is a planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation. It is one of the planets in the Galactic Periphery near Glyptal IV Gold (ˈɡoʊld is a Chemical element with the symbol Au (from its Latin name aurum) and Atomic number 79 During Ponyets presentation of the offered gold he convinces Pherl, an aspiring leader in Askone's government, to accept technology that can transmute iron into gold. Gold (ˈɡoʊld is a Chemical element with the symbol Au (from its Latin name aurum) and Atomic number 79 Askone is a planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation. It is one of the planets in the Galactic Periphery near Glyptal IV Iron (ˈаɪɚn is a Chemical element with the symbol Fe (ferrum and Atomic number 26 Gold (ˈɡoʊld is a Chemical element with the symbol Au (from its Latin name aurum) and Atomic number 79 Unknown to Pherl, his transaction with Foundation technology was recorded and later used as blackmail, allowing Ponyet to exchange his cargo of Foundation technology for tin, a resource needed by the Foundation. Blackmail is the crime of threatening to reveal substantially true information about a person to the public a family member or associates unless a demand made upon the Tin is a Chemical element with the symbol Sn (stannum and Atomic number 50
Pherl is now forced into accepting Foundation technology, and so will strive to make it acceptable among Askone's people. Askone is a planet in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation. It is one of the planets in the Galactic Periphery near Glyptal IV
The Merchant Princes
(About 175 F. E. ) (published August 1944 as "The Big and the Little")
The fifth story; "The Merchant Princes" occurs only 25 years after "The Traders". Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
The Foundation has expanded through the use of Scientism and economics. Scientism or the "Church of Science" is a fictional religion from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Three Foundation vessels have vanished near the Republic of Korell, a nation suspected of technological development. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital Trader Hober Mallow is sent to uncover information on their technology and hopefully find the missing ships. Hober Mallow is a fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. While at Korell, Mallow convinces Korell's leader Commdor Asper Argo to purchase Foundation technology. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital Hober Mallow is a fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital Mallow also discovers that Korell still maintains some relics of the Empire such as atomic hand guns. Hober Mallow is a fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital But he also notes the Republic's decrepit condition and lack of modern technology.
On return to Terminus, he is considered a traitor for not spreading Scientism to Korell, although an unlikely development clears Mallow allowing him to win an election for Mayor. Scientism or the "Church of Science" is a fictional religion from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital Hober Mallow is a fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series.
Years later Korell goes to war against The Foundation, Mallow as Mayor confidently severs supplies of goods that Korell's people have grown accustomed to, thus starting a revolt against their own government in favour of the Foundation. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital Hober Mallow is a fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Korell is a planet in the novel Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Located after the Whassalian Rift (relative to Terminus the planet is the capital
Characters
The Psychohistorians
- Gaal Dornick Mathematician and Hari's successor. Hari Seldon, a fictional character is the intellectual hero of Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Bantam Books is a major US publishing house owned by Random House and is part of the Bantam Dell Publishing Group Gaal Dornick is a Fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series.
- Hari Seldon Mathematician who develops psychohistory. Hari Seldon, a fictional character is the intellectual hero of Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series. Psychohistory, a fictional science in Isaac Asimov 's ''Foundation'' universe combines History, Sociology, and mathematical Statistics
- Jerril An agent of the Commission of Public Safety who watches Gaal Dornick. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Gaal Dornick is a Fictional character in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series.
- Linge Chen Chief commissioner of public safety, and judge of Seldon's trial. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Lors Avakim The lawyer appointed to defend Gaal Dornick. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
The Encyclopedists
- Anselm haut Rodric Soldier and Envoy from Anacreon to Terminus. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Anacreon ( Greek) (570 BC-488 BC was a Greek lyric Poet, notable for his drinking songs and hymns
- Bor Alurin Trantorian psychologist who trained Salvor Hardin. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Salvor Hardin was the first mayor of Terminus, the capital planet of the Foundation in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series.
- Jord Fara Member of the Board of Trustees of the Encyclopedia Foundation. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Lewis Pirenne Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Lundin Crast Member of the Board of Trustees of the Encyclopedia Committee. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Lord Dorwin Chancellor of the Empire
- Salvor Hardin First Mayor of Terminus
- Tomaz Sutt Member of the Board of Trustees of the Encyclopedia Committee. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Salvor Hardin was the first mayor of Terminus, the capital planet of the Foundation in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series. Terminus is a fictional Planet at the edge of the Galaxy in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, home of the Foundation Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Yate Fulham Member of the Board of Trustees of the Encyclopedia Committee
The Mayors
- Dokor Walto Foundation Action Party activist. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Jaim Orsy Foundation Action Party activist. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- King Lepold I King of Anacreon. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Lem Tarki Foundation Action Party activist. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Levi Norast Foundation Action Party activist. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Lewis Bort Foundation Action Party activist
- Prince Lefkin Wienis's eldest son. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Prince Regent Wienis Prince Regent of Anacreon, uncle of King Lepold I. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Anacreon ( Greek) (570 BC-488 BC was a Greek lyric Poet, notable for his drinking songs and hymns Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
- Poly Verisof Foundation ambassador and High Priest on Anacreon. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Anacreon ( Greek) (570 BC-488 BC was a Greek lyric Poet, notable for his drinking songs and hymns
- Salvor Hardin First Mayor of Terminus. Salvor Hardin was the first mayor of Terminus, the capital planet of the Foundation in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation series. Terminus is a fictional Planet at the edge of the Galaxy in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, home of the Foundation
- Sef Sermak Terminus City Councillor. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Terminus is a fictional Planet at the edge of the Galaxy in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series, home of the Foundation
- Theo Aporat Head priest on Anacreon's flagship Wienis. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation Anacreon ( Greek) (570 BC-488 BC was a Greek lyric Poet, notable for his drinking songs and hymns
- Yohan Lee Organiser of Salvor Hardin's coup and close confidante of Hardin. Bor Alurin Bor Alurin Foundation The sole member of the Second Foundation to be present amongst the initial members of the First Foundation
Facts
- Foundation saw multiple publications—it also appeared in 1955 as part of Ace Double D-110 under the title "The 1,000-Year Plan. Ace Books began publishing genre fiction starting in 1952 Initially these were mostly in the attractive dos-à-dos format but they also published " Four of the stories were originally published in Astounding Magazine (with different titles) between 1942 and 1944, and the fifth was added when they first appeared in book form. Analog Science Fiction and Fact is an American Science fiction Magazine. A further two books of short stories were published shortly after, and decades later, Asimov wrote two further prequels. Later writers have added authorized tales to the series. The Foundation Series is often regarded as one of Isaac Asimov's best works, along with his robot series.
- "The Psychohistorians" is the only part of the Foundation Trilogy that was not originally published in Astounding Magazine and was, in fact, the last part of the trilogy that Asimov wrote (though, chronologically, it describes the earliest events). Analog Science Fiction and Fact is an American Science fiction Magazine. Asimov wrote this story circa 1950 when the series was being prepared for publication in book form by Gnome Press, who felt that the series began too abruptly. Gnome Press was an American small-press Publishing company primarily known for publishing many Science fiction classics However, most people do not know that there was another, very brief, opening[1] that originally preceded "Foundation" (which was later published as "The Encyclopedists"), which was the first story written. The story is notable for featuring the pocket calculator more than two decades before it was made possible by integrated circuits. A calculator is device for performing mathematical calculations distinguished from a Computer by having a limited problem solving ability and an interface optimized for interactive Microchipsjpg|right|thumb|200px|Microchips ( EPROM memory with a transparent window showing the integrated circuit inside The events in this story were expanded in Greg Bear's book Foundation and Chaos. Gregory Dale Bear (born August 20, 1951) is an American Science fiction and mainstream author Foundation and Chaos ( 1998) is a Science fiction Novel by Greg Bear, set in Isaac Asimov 's Foundation universe
- Despite "The Traders" preceding "The Merchant Princes," it was actually written and published later. Asimov wrote it to make the transition between Scientism to economic control understandable. Isaac Asimov (c January 2 1920 &ndash April 6 1992 ˈaɪzək ˈæzɪmʌv originally Исаак Озимов but now transcribed into Russian as, was a Russian Scientism or the "Church of Science" is a fictional religion from Isaac Asimov 's Foundation Series.
- The character Limmar Ponyets is named "Lathan Devers" in the original story. Lathan Devers is the name of the trader who is heavily featured in "The General" (first published as "The Dead Hand") in Foundation and Empire. Foundation and Empire is a novel written by Isaac Asimov that was published by Gnome Press in 1952.
See also
References
- Chalker, Jack L.; Mark Owings (1998). The Foundation Series is an epic Science fiction series written over a span of forty-four years by Isaac Asimov. Jack Laurence Chalker ( December 17, 1944 – February 11, 2005) was an American Science fiction author. The Science-Fantasy Publishers: A Bibliographic History, 1923-1998. Westminster, MD and Baltimore: Mirage Press, Ltd. , 300.
External links
- The Foundation Trilogy: Notes, Articles, and Links
- The History of the Positronic Robot and Foundation Stories Part 1: 1940-1941
- The History of the Positronic Robot and Foundation Stories Part 2: 1941-1944
| Preceded by: | Series: |
Followed by: |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation's Triumph by David Brin |
Foundation Series |
Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov |
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic