Foundation Trilogy: Isaac Asimov (Everyman’s Library Contemporary Classics)

Justifiably considered one of the seminal works of science fiction, despite its age and being overtaken by technology in many areas it remains an essential book for any science fiction fan. However, this book should not exist simply within the sci-fi genre and is a book that can be read and enjoyed by anybody who likes a good story. The book is about the decline of a great galactic empire as predicted by Harri Seldon and the science of psychohistory. To reduce the interregnum of anarchy and barbarism which will follow the fall of the empire from 30,000 years to 1,000 years Seldon arranges for two Foundations to be established at opposite sides of the galaxy. The books (although this is a combined volume, it is a trilogy) follow the development of the Foundation established on the planet Terminus at the edge of the galaxy. Ostensibly set up to preserve knowledge by producing a great encyclopaedia the real purpose of the Foundation is to form the nucleus of a new empire. The story is a collection of short episodes, and the characters come and go through the book(s). As the Foundation grows it changes in character and the book is as much about growth pains and the evolution of nations as it is about the trials they face. The story was famously inspired by the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and the work of Gibbon, even the name of the last great Imperial General who fights the Foundation, Bel Riose is obviously derived from Belisarius (a great General of the late Roman Empire). The characters don't develop the depth of characters in most other books since most of them only appear in a single episode, but they are all interesting and engaging. Later in his life Asimov expanded the original trilogy with prequels and sequels and tied the Foundation arc into his Robot stories but for me the original trilogy remains the best. As with many science fiction books what was once considered fantastical futurism has been over taken by technology to a degree and the many aspects do feel dated however the story carries the reader along and remains wonderfully engaging and enjoyable. The Everyman's Library edition is beautifully produced, with sharp printing on high quality paper which is superbly bound. The quality really belies the modest price and shames the majority of full price hardback books from other publishers, given that you can buy this version for less than the cost of the three books in paper back form it is a no brainer to get this version. Very highly recommended, 5*.

Got this because I had unfortunately misplaced my paperback editions of the paperback novels and had felt a desire to read them again after a long absence. So this collection was the most economic or way of replacing them but what has surprised me has been the quality of this book-it is beautifully bound - The photo doesn't do it justice. Underneath the dustjacket the binding is a lovely red cloth and there is a cloth bookmark attached. The quality is such that it has inspired me to want to collect some more editions in this series and build my own library of classic novels - something I was not expecting to do when I bought this. As for the foundation novels themselves, they hardly need me to recommend them but if you have never heard much about them before and are coming to them as a curious newcomer, you are in for a real treat. This is science-fiction at its best and greatest but written in a beautifully readable style that is wonderfully page turning and absorbing even as it stretches your imagination. A true work of genius. So this is a beautifully produced volume of one of the best science fiction works ever. Give this as a present to any science fiction fan and they will be in your debt forever.

One of the science fiction classics of my youth. Years ago I lent three paperbacks of the Foundation trilogy to a friend and they never returned the middle one. I really wanted to re-read it and thought the single Everyman hardback edition of the trilogy would be good to keep. I have purchased various Everyman books in the past and have always been impressed. This time was no disappointment - the presentation is good, as is the quality of the book. The inclusion of a Biographical Note, Bibliography and Chronology of Asimov's life is useful for reference and gives the book a completeness and makes it rather more special than it otherwise might be. Well worth the ten pounds it cost - very good value.

OK, so this THE classic of scifi, and it is truly groundbreaking in the way it approaches the narrative. So many innovative elements have been re-used by later scifi writers. Furthermore, Asimov is clearer a man of immense talents and intelligence, so I do feel disrespectful to the great man for not awarding five stars. The Trilogy does start very strongly with the concepts clearly set out. There is huge "hooking power" in the idea of a pre-ordained history as a narrative. You know where it's going, but you have no idea how it gets there. It is fascinating and very inventive. However, for the modern reader, there are some downsides to this book as a complete trilogy. Part One, Foundation, sets 5 stars in anyone's reckoning. It's about halfway through Foundation and Empire that it starts going awry. Asimov's gift was to deal with huge themes and galactic events through personal situations. However, these stories-within-the-story start getting long-winded after a while, and lack in drama. The 3rd part, Second Foundation, just gets silly. I didn't care about the characters - it seemed like lazy writing if I'm honest, like a man trying to close out the Trilogy knowing he's already smashed it with the first five hundred pages, and has nothing more to prove. To get into the 3rd book in a trilogy and put the book aside out of boredom, as I did, is quite something. The drama and characters absolutely fell apart. It became petty and silly. In terms of technique, the later Asimov is a much superior writer. He was always massively ambitious in what he was trying to achieve, but as the years wore on he became better at it. Try "The Gods Themselves" which is truly stunning.

I first read it when I was 20 and I was fascinated. Now at almost 50 I bought it for my son and instead read it again myself and what shall I say? I still love it. Sure, it is a bit dated. Also I remembered the Mule too well for any real tension to develop - but hey! Probably one of the best schi-fi books ever and well worth reading it even if you are not so much into sci-fi.

Cette œuvre mérite d'être un classique. C'est très bien écrit et cohérent. Les complots politiques narrés par Asimov me semblent parfois un peu simples. Il fait preuve de pas mal de candeur et de légèreté à cet égard. L'histoire devient un peu lassante à la longue. Enfin, je m'attarde sur les défauts mais l'œuvre est excellent, elle mérite ses 5 étoiles. Je préviens juste des "défauts" de l'oeuvre qui m'ont déplu parceque vous pourriez trouver cela rédhibitoire.

Exacto lo que quería

Ho acquistato questo prodotto perché già avevo la trilogia di Asimov in singoli paperback inglesi e volevo un’edizione che fosse esteticamente migliore. Sotto la copertina acchiappapolvere si nasconde un volume ben rifinito in tessuto rosso, col titolo stampato sul dorso. La carta, dal piacevole odore, è stampata - come riportato in fondo al volume - con carattere Bembo, in onore al nostro Pietro Bembo, primo utilizzatore. Davvero raffinata, l’edizione è rilegata a filo refe e ben resistente, si apre sempre in piano e è presente un segnalibro di stoffa. Naturalmente, la trilogia di Asimov è di alta qualità letteraria, ben godibile per sintesi e prosa asciutta nell’originale inglese.

This book is a transcripion of the radio novel!!!! I bought to give as a gift and I am ashamed !!!